Mountain Biking

Well-rested and ready for a three-hour mountain biking adventure, we were picked up at 9:30 AM. The transport to and from the site, along with the rental of the mountain bike, helmet, and insurance, cost 67 pesos per person. We didn’t ride directly into the mountains but rather at their foothills. The scenery we passed through was absolutely stunning. At times, it reminded me a bit of India, as we had to navigate around free-roaming horses and cows grazing in the highlands. It was a tough ride, and while climbing a hill, Honny pedaled so hard that the chain snapped. Luckily, our guide had a mobile phone, so we were able to get a new mountain bike delivered. Halfway through, we took a break and climbed up a small mountain to enjoy the view. Honny had plenty of energy, so he continued to the top while I searched for skeletons scattered across the grass. Our guide explained that they were horse and cow bones. They hadn’t been killed by predators but had died of old age and were picked apart by birds. Pumas and wild boars lived just on the other side of the mountain. We left with horse teeth found in a skull and a hoof—now I just need to figure out how to get them through customs! :) Three hours later, having covered 24 kilometers and with tired legs, we finally made it back! :o) After grabbing a bite to eat and resting at the hotel, we were back on our feet and headed into town to shop and explore. The receptionist at our hotel had recommended a restaurant with entertainment every evening, complete with music and dancing, so we decided to check it out for dinner. It was actually quite cheap. Two big steaks (again! :o)), two enormous bowls of salad, bread, wine, water, and cola came to 48 pesos. But then we found out that we had to pay an extra 20 pesos for the entertainment. Suddenly, it wasn’t so cheap after all. We moved on to some bars afterward, trying to pace ourselves since we get tipsy so quickly up here in the altitude. But it’s tough to hold back when there’s more alcohol in the drinks than soda! ;o) Our hotel is right across from the casino, so on our way back, we had to stop by and try our luck—unfortunately, luck wasn’t on our side.