Amazing!

After 2 long days and 3 buses later, i arrive at Cabanaconde, which is a small village at the top of the Colca Canyon. I get in around 7pm, in the dark and pouring rain. As i get off the bus, im immediately called Gringo by some kid and get handed tons of flyers for hostels. I go around to the other side of the bus to get my bag as i run into the french couple that was also on my bus. I asked where they were going and he didnt know, but just waved me along. Ok, so i went. The lady said 8soles for the night. Perfect. She showed us to the hostel, and showed me my own room with 3 single beds, and my own bath. Perfect. The room felt so nice, and after she left i didnt know what to do, either to laugh or cry. As i did a little happy dance i think i might have done both! I went to the restaurant connected to the hostel, but wasnt hungry so i went back to my room. I noticed on the flyer they have 24 hrs of hot water. Perfect. I took a nice long shower and got ready for bed. It may have been early, but i didnt care, i was tired from traveling and didnt sleep much the last 2 nights.

In the morning, i went back to the restaurant to ask about hiking down into the Colca Canyon. I was talking to Pablo, who owns the hostel Oasis down on the bottom. For some reason i thought i would just ask him about working at the hostel to pay for my accomodation. If not, no bid deal. At first he was confused, but then got really excited. Yes, I can work for him. A few days here in Cabanaconde at this hostel attracting new tourists to the hostel, and helping in the bar-restaurant and then a few days down at the Oasis hostel. But first, today is my holiday and i should go down into the Canyon for the night. He told me, now i am not a tourist. Now i am family and gave me a reciept for a free night stay, dinner and breakfast. Wow! and on Thursday after I hike back up, I will meet with him and he will give me all the information i need to work at the hostel in exchange for free bed and food and probably some drink.

This is amazing. I never expected this much of a responce. Thank you french couple for bringing me along to this hostel.

As i hiked down into the Colca Canyon, all i could say was Amazing! Both to Pablo for letting me work for him and at how beautiful the Canyon is. I took my time walking, taking photos and enjoying the amazing view. For a minute, i thought that i was actually enjoying this more than the Inca Trail. But i think that is only because my mind and body must have been on autopilot just to make it through the trail. I was so exhausted the whole time, i still cant believe i actually made it through the 7 days. Not that i would give that experience up for anything in the world.

This hike, is different. Im hiking it alone. I asked to make sure, but yes it is safe. It nice to be here on my own. If this was earlier on my trip, i probably wont feel as comfortable to do it. But now, i am fine and glad to be enjoying the view. I met a few people who were hiking up, but didnt see anyone else.

Finally when i get closer, i can see the pools. Im getting excited, and tired and i just want to get there. I make it to my pool, hand the kid my reciept Pablo wrote for me, and he showed me my cabin. I was the only tourist when i arrived, and turned out to be the only one while i was there. It was so beautiful and quite relaxing.

My next blog is my description of my very own paradise.