
So, a couple things have changed in the past week... we're not doing as planned, but I'm learning that's alright :) First off, we ended up staying in Lobitos for the New Year instead of making our way to Mancora. We had heard that Mancora was going to be a giant party that lasted until the wee hours, plus we wouldn't have known anyone. So, we decided it'd be better to stay where it was familiar with people that we liked and had gotten to know over the past 8 days of staying at Los Muelles Surf Camp.

We made an amazing dinner as well: giant hamburgers with roasted potatoes, salad and of course pisco! After dinner, we sat around the table and talked, having a great time. Then fifteen minutes til the New Year we grabbed our bottle of champagne and lit some sparklers as we made our way to the end of the pier. Once the New Year arrived, we celebrated with the champagne and jumped off the pier! What a great night! Second change of plans, on New Year's Day we decided to make our way to Mancora, to kick off the journey to Ecuador. When we came to drop off some things to lighten our loads at Samana Chakra, Johanna had asked if we could start that day, instead of the end of the month.

We hadn't bought our bus tickets, so we thought, why not?? We're here and it's been a great time. We are working in the restaurant on site, helping in the kitchen, grabbing drinks for people out by the pool-- basically making everyone feel comfortable during their stay. There are three of us working in 4-5 hour shifts- breakfast, lunch and dinner. In a couple of days there will be a group here for a yoga retreat and things will begin to get a lot more busy. It's a nice calm right now while we learn the tricks of the trade around here.

Johanna and Gary are the couple that own this place and they couldn't be more sweet. They're very understanding and laid back. The rest of the staff is really awesome as well. Working in the kitchen is interesting, as Lupe only speaks Spanish. It's a great way to brush up on our Spanish though! So, the Ecuadorian Adventure has been put on hold, but we're having a great time here, hanging out and, best of all, saving some money!

Also, I have uploaded all our pictures onto www.snapfish.com and will continue to throughout the trip. I hate picking and choosing a couple pictures here and there and want to immerse you all in the entire adventure! All you have to do is copy and paste link into your web browser. You might have to make an account to view the albums-- but it's completely free!
Here are the links to all the pictures we've taken, starting with the most recent:
Mancora, Peru-- the beginning :)http://www2.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=3195456009/a=34282164_34282164/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/
Lobitos, Peruhttp://www2.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=3187607009/a=34282164_34282164/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/
Pacasmayo/Huanchaco/Piura, Peruhttp://www2.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=3187607009/a=34282164_34282164/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/
Huanchaco/Miraflores, Peruhttp://www2.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=3172057009/a=34282164_34282164/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/
Miraflores, Peruhttp://www2.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=3169267009/a=34282164_34282164/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/