6/20/15
I am a big fan of music. I listen to radio when driving, music when running, and watch lots of music programs. I always think that listening to Mandarin and Cantonese pop music helps me with my slowly deteriorating language skills. Even when I was in Salar de Uyuni and we had to listen to 3 Bolivian songs on repeat for hours, I was moderately ok (moderately) with it. I never thought there would be a day when I want music to just stop. (Well, as you can guess…I do now!)
I took an overnight bus to Mancora- a famous beach town in Peru. The bus was actually an interesting experience. A lot of people told me how great the Peruvian bus company Cruz del Sur is, and I can see why. They have their own private bus terminal Lima, have wifi on bus (well, have to pay for that), have personal screen for movies, books (?!), music and games. They even do security check with a wand and bag check before boarding. Once we were all seated, they took a video of all the passengers for security. It is almost like Argentina or Chilean buses.
I was quite excited about all the bus until the attendant started to talk to us. She was professional, but not friendly nor accommodating. She always refuse to let us off at rest stops to stretch our legs (although we all learn to just walk pass her…), even though she and the drivers stopped at a fruit stand to buy some fruits. I have to say, compare to Andesmar, it was a little let down. But after Bolivia, it was definitely a huge improvement. I spent the time watching most of the movies, and stuffing my face (since I bought snacks, forgetting I am no longer in Bolivia. I think I am getting fat!).
Mencora is a beach town. The weather is pretty warm in the day, and slightly less warm at night. Since my reason for being here was to relax, I booked a hostel bed (4 beds dorm) in Kokopelli, which on wiki travel received quite good comments. The room is great, with a private bathroom except one huge drawback: it is right next to the bar. With wondows that cannot be closed, the bar music just bounce in the room like a giant boom box. I tried asking for a change (err…of rooms. Would be weird if I ask for coins…), but they told me the other rooms are either 8 beds or private dorms. Seeing a sign for volunteering at the bar, I thought I could solve the problem by just working there. Unfortunately, they want me to stay for a whole 7 days before volunteering, and I am not quite sure I will be here that long (especially living next to a bar that opens until 2 am). The rest of the day was spent at the beach, watching kite surfers flying through the air, families enjoying the waves and other water sports (while trying not to appear pedophilic. I mean, what would you think of a stranger singleM start taking photos of your kids in bathing suit?) . It was a really nice and relaxing time, and I felt much better after spending a few hours in the Sun and sea. (Although I did witness some very public display of affection by one couple who was straddling one another, with the guy’s hand roaming all over her ample…err…rear asset. They were eventually asked to stop by the police after children started gathering around them. Kids are mature these days! I, being a gentleman, merely blended in and exchanged knowing glances with the children. But who knows, the parent might have thought I am the weirdo. Or pedophile. I really need to learn Spanish better!)
Well, now I am sitting in the lounge area trying to decide what to do for the night. Should I tough it out and just try to sleep? Go find a quiet place in town? (No, I am not joining in. The beers and drinks are way too expensive. It is almost the same price as Seattle. I need someone to buy me beers…) I guess everything is relative, and best taken at small doses. Much as I love music, having it blasting at me when I am sleep deprived is really not as enjoyable. It felt more like an interrogation chamber than a relaxing room at the beach. I can see why everyone prefers hotels….
(Well, I like hostels. But I really don’t understand the party until 2am next to bedrooms part. It is a hostel, not a frat house. I wish someone can tell hostel owners that. But with all the young people spending money at the bar every night, I doubt things will ever change. There is a reason why it is call a party circuit. Ok, where is my beer?!)
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