Dirty Hoofs

Made it out of Colombia alive (just) and continued the journey south until I found myself in the city of Cuenca. Ecuador. The plan here was to hole up in a cheap hostel with wi-fi and conclude the task of trying to cue up a job in a Chilean ski resort - before I actually arrive there. Although it is probably more effective to be there in person, I really don't fancy doing the whole knocking doors and asking for a job thing.

Colonially Class - Cuenca

On the final evening of a majestic week in what is a spectacular colonial city, I'm preparing for the early bus the next morning. And being the miser that I am, I'm doing a quick stock check of the pile of US dollars I have in my money belt. WTF, I didn't spend that much this week? Only one solution – someone has been into my room and taken the money.

We are all taught to follow our instincts and at that moment, mine told me that the little lipstick wearing bender that works in the hostel has broken into my room and removed around $50 dollars from my money belt. I don't know why but I was totally sure of this. So, armed with the remaining dollars and my money belt I charged round to where he and his mother sleep and started shouting accusations; in my broken Scottish accented Spanish.

Fully accused him of the theft (remember at this point I'm absolutely livid) and periodically said to him “now I speak in my own language”; what came out my mouth at those points really cannot be written here, but be assured they were loud and anyone that could have understood them would realise that I don't fancy men or relish the prospect of close sexual encounters with members of my own sex and that I don't really have the greatest respect for those that do.  

At 6ft 2in (although wafer thin) I am over a foot taller than even the largest Ecuadorian and after my Begby style rant he kind of crumbled and admitted to the theft.  

Bingo! moments later he scurried off and returned with my money.

Job done.

Dirty Hoofs

Although, while walking to the bus station the next morning I realised that this incident had really taken the shine off what had been the most awesome week in a spectacular city, with the wonderful people of Ecuador. It annoyed me that one persons actions could affect my view of a country and it's peoples. I was determined not to leave Ecuador hating either the people or that majestic city so it shouldn't take you too long to identify which group within society I channeled my disgust towards.