Nariz del Diablo - Riobamba

After returning from Chimborazo, we slept for a whole day. The volcano Chimborazo is in fact as far away from the center of the earth as you can get (with the feet still planted on the ground) due to the equatorial bulge. We have therefore been higher up than mount Everest, which is kind of cool.

Another thrilling experience was waiting for us this morning, the infamous Nariz del Diablo train route from Riobamba to, yes, the Nariz del Diablo. We woke up at 05:20 sharp (and even left the bed), ate breakfast, showered and headed to the train station where we found loads of already waiting and expectant tourists. Our train was packed with an organized tour group, who had given out lollipops to the participants. After filling in the last available seats on the roof of the train, and paying 1 USD for a comfy pillow, the train slowly departed Riobamba. At first, it felt a bit like a zoo with white tourists throwing food to the people we passed along the road. In the end of the day, it was quite nice. Kids came running towards the train when they say it coming, knowing that there might be something for them. Farmers walking along the train tracks smiled and waved at the train. The scenic was breathtaking, and in such an easy way. We did not even have to walk or bike!

At 12:00, we arrived at Alausi, and had to go back to Riobamba by bus. We entered a bus that departed right away, which in Ecuador is like seeing pigs flying. Then, in the middle of the trip, the bus collectively drew their breath. Outside the side window, a pig was flying next to the bus. The poor creature had fallen down from the roof where it was packed with the other goods. It still hang in its rope, trying to climb up the ladder again. The bus stopped at last and the pig could finally come up into safeness again.

Flying pig rescue operation

At the moment, we are trying to finalize a deal for our bicycles. If our potential buyers do not want to pay our price, we bring the bikes home. The bikes are pretty good. After the deal is closed, we head towards Baños where we will relax for some days. And for all concerned parents: We will go to Quito (3,5 hrs away) within two days of our departure.

Tracks going down on the cliff

Our train

The conductor fixing the brake wire

More pictures here: http://picasaweb.google.com/eirik.sunde/NarizDelDiabloDecember2008#