18th October

Today is the day for admin. My Central America trip from 23rd Nov has been cancelled and it is now nearing the time I go to the Galápagos so it is now or never.

Have considered doing Central America on a shoestring but it is a nightmare with flights if you are not part of an official tour. Considered going to Columbia and Venezuela but the tours also incorporate a week in Ecuador but after the Galápagos Islands I want out of Ecuador and see another country.

I have plumped for 2 trips:

• 23rd Nov - 14th Dec Bolivia/Patagonia/Chile
• 14th Dec - 29th Dec a full tour of México - all the places I haven't been.

Should be in Mérida (Yucután) for Xmas!

Football was cold but thankfully only wet for the last 30 mins. The big and medium-sized kids were playing a match so I looked after the niños and tried to explain the need for passing and not all running around after the ball at the same time. They have far too much energy at 3000M. Lots of parents in the stand which was good to see.

Journey back was minging - took 2 hours to get back to Maria's and was met with soup and curry. Is this the start of better meals?

Went to pub to see of Dan and Tom before they go to NZ. They weren't actually there when we arrived so I tried to explain darts to Babs in a mixture of English, German and Spanish. "Ein Hundert achtzig!!" doesn't really have the same ring to it. When the lads arrived we had a great night. Met a spanish chica at the bar who was a teacher but decided not to turn on the charm as she looked a bit masculine. And let's face it, in South America, if there is any doubt....

The lads went clubbing at 12 but I decided not to go because;

1. I had to get up early to phone Gavin to confirm tours;
2. I promised to escort Babs back to the house;
3. I am 35 and the idea of putting hot needles into my eyes is more appealing than going to a club to "dance" to techno and drum & bass.

Off to Baños tomorrow. Adrenaline sport capital of Ecuador.