Let’s face it, I’m seriously not well by this stage of our journey, I’m feeling every bump in to road. My stomach is churning better than a concrete mixer on steroids and my butt hole is clenched tighter than a prisoners first night in lock up. It’s no longer the result of all the Captain Morgan from the nigh before. Now I’m really suffering.
We’ve reached the Pacific Coast at last. In Australia there’s a road in the state of Victoria called The Great Ocean Road, this highway once it meets the coast eclipses that. On one side you have the ocean and the per you’re surrounded by vast desert plains, mountains, rock fields and sand dunes competing for your attention.
One good thing about traveling with Peru Hop Busses, there’s always a stop for food and the ever so welcoming comfort stop. Although the food was a little expensive for what was dished up.
Arriving into Paracas couldn’t have come soon enough. We’re quickly paired with a new Peru Hop driver who walks us to the hostel we’ll be overnighting at. Quickly throwing our bags in the room I’ve suggested to Elena that all I want is some ice cream to put some sort of lining on my stomach. This was to be the biggest mistake of the trip so far.
My stomach was now just vibrating and gurgling like crazy. Without getting too graphic let’s say the night involved three showers, countless trips to plant my arse on the toilet. I pity both Elena( for coping with the stench) and the poor person who will have to clean and sanitise the room.
In usually not one for taking any medication but it’s one of these time where we are not stopping for more than one night until we reach Cali in Colombia in 4 or 5 days from now. Downing the tablet and starting in on a 3 day antibiotics program it was now a no coffee, no dairy and no alcohol period.
Still feeling seedy Elena informs me that this morning we’re going to an island to look at Penguins, Sea Lions and bird life. Great, on a morning that me stomach feels like it’s been kicked in by a Thai Kickboxer.
We meet the rest of the group and walk to the pier where all the boats are lined up and ready to take the early morning rush of sightseers on the two hour excursion. It’s now that I notice that these boats have two massive engines on the back, there open sweaters and there’s not a toilet to be seen. All I hope is for smooth waters and a toilet on the island when we get there.
It’s not until we get to the island that the realisation becomes apparent that we’re not setting foot on the island as its a wildlife reserve and it’s all protected. My stomach is ok al the moment and I just put all my faith into that one small tablet I took earlier this morning.
All my troubles aside the trip is spectacular and if would be fair to say that if you can’t afford to go to the Galápagos Islands and you want a small glimpse of what that island is like then take this journey. But be warned, go early before the throngs of tourists arrive and take the good vantage points. You’ll have your camera clicking in every direction.
I have to be honest, the best announcement was when out guide on the boat said we were retuning back to the coast. Now we had some free time to explore the small town do Paracas before meeting again for lunch. I wasn’t in much of a mood to eat anything but putting my beliefs in the medication Elena and I shared a small plate. I basically ate the rice and left the rest for her. It wasn’t enough and we found ourselves dining again later in the afternoon just before we needed to depart on the bus at 5.15pm sharp.
Fransisco wanted to show us one nature reserve before we left Paracas, basacly it’s more desert, but once you reach the coast and peri over the cliffs you understand why we’ve been bought here. It’s breathtaking views out to sea, it’s incredible red sand beach…. Trust me , come here if you love nature.
It’s now a major shift in our travels as we say good bye to Francisco and an new guide cares for us on our journey to to Lima.
