"Five weeks as a Riobambeña" Riobamba by SivanG

After a week in Quito/ the Galapagos, I was ready to start my four week homestay in Riobamba, Ecuador. I was quite nervous at the beginning, but by the second day I was absolutely, head over heels in love with this city. I lived a bit away from the city center, so I couldn't walk to La Avenida (the main street) or to the big shopping street, 10 de Agosto. However, taxis are one dollar and by car it was only 3 minutes, so I went into town all the time. I took day trips to Nariz del Diablo, Chimborazo, Baños, and Ozogochee, between 1 and 2.5 hours away. In Riobamba itself I shopped, got lots of ice cream, and visited small towns like Chambo and Guano. By night, we'd go to bars- San Valentin, Romeo y Julieta- and clubs- El Tentador- on La Avenida or to one of the many carboneras- hamburger stands- by the city parks. Notice- stick with hamburgers and chips- you do not want to try tripas or cuy. I didn't do much touristy stuff in Riobamba- mainly I just hung out with my host sister and her friends. That's actually my favorite part of traveling, though- living another lifestyle.

• Pros:Big enough to have fun, small enough to learn quickly, pretty good nightlife, friendly people, gorgeous landscape, the Indian market is incredible
• Cons:Cold at night!, er, I think that's it. No complaints.
• In a nutshell:My favorite corner of the Andes