Baeza- the first unplanned town

Upon arrival in Baeza, it appeared all the hostals were closed but they weren’t, they just appeared closed (damn Lonely Planet)! After saying adios to Marcello (he gave us his number of course as he just made a ton on our gringo taxi ride) we dropped off our stuff and headed for a hike. The Andes are beautiful, so lush and green. It was warmer than Papallecta since it’s tropical (the edge of the rainforest). We found a road that took us up and over the town with beautiful views of the valley. I’m not sure if was the altitude or how out of shape I was in, but the hike got me breathing hard. After some pics which Andy had to work very hard for, jumping up and off ledges to get the right view. We saw a falcon snag a mouse and yellow bird chase the falcon away from their nest. The flora was amazing. So many flowers, so colorful, and huge orchid growing on trees. The view was amazing, we could see over the town and over the Andes.

I was starving so we headed for the only restaurant that had people in it earlier. Along the way saw a lady carrying two hind legs of some animal. It’s interesting that men here will sit and watch a woman do the heavy lifting. I guess everyone has to do their share. I had shrimp ceviche and Andy had friend chicken, and of course dos cervesas. The food was bomb! I ate the ceviche with the fried plantains since I’m used to eating it with chips. We finished it off with some ice cream sandwiches and grabbed some snacks for the road. We’re told there are lots of buses that leave Baeze every 30 min- we’ll see in the manana.

Oh and I thought the post was over. This town of maybe 500 decided to have a party next to our hostal last night. I swear it was in our room it was so loud. I wouldn't have minded the music if it wasn't 2 in the morning and I was already up partying with the locals. I hope I can sleep on the bus tomorrow...