Today is officially  our last real day here in the  provencia de Loja a tear , but all in all  this has been a lovely trip met some interesting people  gleaned a little bit of knowledge all that good stuff, ok then so here is how we’re going to do this one kids first off we’ll start with  the travel

Para viajar,

No trip would really be authentic  in Ecuador with out hopping on the bus and  going  for a ride from one  pueblo to the next,   the buses are generally   pretty nice and modern especially the  ones going to or from  Loja, and  in general the longer ride buses ,   but a few things to keep in mind:

1. ask a local  first how much  the fare from one town to the next should be and if possible  have exact change,as there are no change meters, it’s not like being over charged is common , and the amount might be like a quarter  but  c’mon its easier this way for everybody.

2.  pee, for those of you with bladders the size of a walnut   please note the bus stops only for passengers getting on there is no toilet on the bus and  yes the terrain does usually pass by gently  rolling streams of fresh water

3.  the bus will get crowded, if your claustrophobic, consider a nice walk or a taxi, if your homophobic , or in general don’t like being  pressed against other men   get a window seat , or aim for a seat in the back , because when a bus does get full,and it will get  full max capacity  is when the door doesn’t close , well  lets just say  you need to have a good sense of balance,and self-awareness  in any respect . oh and ladies  for those of you  who would like firmer anything below the waist  ride  the bus uphill for about  thirty minutes every day  and  you should be able to crack walnuts with your thighs in about a year .

4. try  the local food , definitely  try  the  plato mixto at ‘equatorisma’, in loja  with a shot of naranjilla cotelle its a hot-shot of wonderful, {feeds about four} and you can only get it here in Ecuador, or  for vegetarians try  Papayas,  or Madre Teirra  in Vilcabamba both offer  hearty dead animal meals for those who like to eat dead things as well ,  the restaurant in Loja offers  lettuce, under the plate of dead things and some badtidos, also the  hosteria where we stayed : Izcayluma ,in Vilcabamba offers a variety  meals  including  german , western,and a  few other comfort food classics along with vegetarian  options, just  fyi

- also if you have a place with a kitchen the  Centro Comercial de Loja has great prices and  a large selection of fresh food  every thing from chickens feet  to  pastries and sweets

5. breath deep, and enjoy  this place its one of the most beautiful  countries , with the most varied landscapes  in all of south america, the people are warm and the weather is wonderful remember  to breath  and  enjoy where you are .