The weekend

The mid weekend break was spent in a town, 2 hours from the centre, called Banos - translated as bathroom rather than toilet, thank goodness. The name originates from the fact that there are hot springs here and people come to bathe. It is very touristy, but mainly touristy for the Ecuadorians so it is great to see the local people enjoying their weekend breaks as much as the gringos. It is quite small but there is a great buzz about the place and in the evenings there are local bands playing in the squares and families are out dancing to the music and strolling around town. I believe there is also a very good pub\club scene as well but I will have to take everyone elses word on that one. Banos is also good for outdoor activities with hiking and biking and pony trekking, and bridge jumping and volcano tours and canyoning and...and... the list goes on. I however was in need for some rest and relaxation and after the group checked into various hostels, (costs between $5-10) it was do as the locals do - even having a little dance in the square. We all met up for dinner and unanimously voted on a steak house for dinner - yum yum! No idea what meat it was but it was thick, tender, juicy and very welcome after a week of vegetarian cooking, and at $5 it was perfecto.