South America

I got a stomach infection in Uyuni which was quite bad ... I went to hospital for one night, got some anti-biotics and got better slowly over a period of about 10 days. Right now I feel much better but I´m very weak and I´ve lost quite a bit of weight.

Just got back from a three day trek in the Colca Canyon. The views are stunning and we passed through several villages accessable only by mule and without electricity or phone. Highly recommended!

Tom and I were walking from the bus terminal in Trujillo to the hotel when a guy ripped my watch off my arm (breaking the strap) and ran off. This was in broad daylight with pleny of people around. I couldn´t give chase because we had our bags with us. It´s made me a bit jittery but looking on the bright side the watch wasn´t particularly valuable and he didn´t snatch one of the bags (Tom was carrying is passport and flight tickets in his).

We´re still in Pacasmayo, surf has been small for the last few days. We´ve been mostly just chilling out playing cards, reading books, surfing and relaxing ... We´ll be here for another week or so although we may go to world famous Chicama if the swell picks up.

This part of Peru is much dryer than I had imagined- full on desert complete with sand dunes and almost no vegetation, especially further south, near Lima. It´s also cooler than I had thought, maybe 26-28 degrees and spring suit recommended for surfing. Pacasmayo is nice - quiet and good surf, although dusty and dirty as well. I am sick but I don´t think it´s serious.

I´m struggling with the language but that is to be expected after only five days! I do think I need to try and interact with the locals a bit more if I´m going to improve more quickly. Also Tom tends to do most of the talking when we´re together because he is better than me.