And not starting with a rant, here's the quick rundown of the last couple of weeks. I had a fantastic time in Huaraz meeting old and new friends and volunteering a wee bit at the local school. Our time there definitely has a special place in the heart of this trip!

We said goodbye to Joe and Nina and Mia on the 27th, and Eric, Antonio and I set out for the 4100 meter mark. We got fairly lucky with weather windows in the mornings, but both afternoons that we spent together were rainy and miserable. Luckily we found nice little places to stay both days, so we were dry if a little cold. Antonio taught me a little bit about chess...it turns out I'm a terrible player...and we had several cups of coffee and tea to stay warm. On the morning of the third day it was time to go our separate ways. It was a total treat to get to travel with another cyclist for a bit and especially one who is interested in human rights - Antonio is riding with the cause of stopping child labor. We have yet to hear how his trip up and over 4700 meters went, but it his Facebook photos are any indication it was gorgeous. Buena suerte Antonio!

Eric and I dropped down to the coast at a frightening rate, incurring several flat tires and a broken spoke. Our first night at sea level was spent in an abandoned school in a tiny town called Hoya Chica. A seventysomething woman named Rosa helped us get settled in and feel welcome, which we did.

The next day we were off early and pleasantly surprised to find that the wind has died down significantly on the coast. Over the next several days we were able to go well over 100 kilometers per day, which meant that we crossed Lima on Sunday, January 2nd. We couldn't have timed it better - there was so little traffic that it was almost an enjoyable ride, especially the section right along the coast.

We spent the night with a family about 90 kilometers south of the city and got our asses handed to us in volleyball. They said they play every night, setting up their net in the sandy street, and it shows! Even the mom, Maritza, was an awesome player without even trying. That evening we all shared Pepsi together once the net had been taken down, and Eric and I slept like rocks in their 1/4 finished house next door.

One broken and fixed frame fiasco later, we are in Pisco visiting a friend, Maria, whom we met in Nicaragua. She insisted on buying us dinner last night, and today we are going to her place for lunch and Colombian coffee. Should be wonderful!

Photos: Eric playing volleyball; the coast north of Lima; the dangers of sleeping outside - bug bites on your eyelid; Eric all dressed up with Adriana; Eric the urban hunter gatherer...free cacao on the side of the road!