December 03: Cuenca (Devil's Nose Train)

(1) On top of the Devil's Nose Train. This was, perhaps, the most touristy thing I did in Ecuador, but I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed it. As per the tradition, travelers sit on top of the train as it winds its way through the countryside, offering some dramatic landscapes. The train is infamous for breaking down, and it did just that about three minutes into our journey. Though we were set back about half an hour, our machine managed to perform well the rest of the way.

(2) Local villagers come out to meet the train as many of the riders throw candy to the children. Something about the whole situation made me feel rather uncomfortable - as if these kids were animals at the zoo, released for the amusement of the tourists.

(3) Creative engineers managed to find a way to get passengers down this: The Devil's Nose. By switching forward and backward, trains slowly work their way down the mountain into the valley. After our ride, I hopped on an already waiting bus with Rhett and Triston for Cuenca. It was a long day, but we found agreeable accomodation at the lively El Cafecito hostel.

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