What a blast we had rafting in Banos. We were lucky that it was just us and 2 other guys fromArgentina Fernando and Germain. They were 
two nice guys and had never been rafting before but they were totally up for it. We had hoped to do the more difficult route but rain over night put that off the agenda. However our guide was a cool dude and took us down the more challenging parts of the river. It was fab with a couple of spills and a deliberate turn over of the raft and paddling upside down. We hope to do more of it in Columbia.
We enjoyed some chill time in Banos and soaked ourselves in the hot baths and then it was on the move again to Riobamba with a detour to Gauranda to get a glimpse of Chimborazo one of Equadors highest volcanoe´s. Unfortunately it was under cloud but it was interesting to see the change from lush farmland to arid dessert so high up in the hills. We also hit a hail storm and plenty of rain which thankfully eased off when we got to Gauranda. This town is well know for Carnival which was starting this week so we got there a bit early for that.
Our next journey was to Riobamba to do The Devils Nose Train Ride but when we got there the train track was up and the train now starts from Alausi another bus trip away. 
Riobamba has been the most affuent town we have been to yet. It´s main street was a bit like Rodeo Drive in LA not what you would expect in Equador. Plenty of flash jeeps and cars driven around. Anyway it was a short stay there and onto Alausi which so far was a bit rip off ville. Because of the train being a fairly big tourist attraction the town has monopolized this a bit. Accomadation and food have been the most expensive here but the train trip was worth the journey.
It´s taking too long to download pics and I have to catch a bus so will fill you all in on my next post.
Tavelling happily 
