06/15 Perfect day today. Paved roads when I didn’t expect them at all and great weather. La Unión ended up being exactly the same distance from the crossing as Huallanca was. The road was also paved a couple kilometers after the crossing and it stayed that way. It wasn’t all downhill but I could have managed. Oh well. I ended up taking a day off in Huallanca thanks to my stomach being a little upset (and there was a weak but usable wifi signal). I popped some pills and I feel better but I’m not quite at 100%. Its been a long time since I’ve had an upset stomach so I’m not complaining.
I was tempted to stop in Pachas but it was only noon. This riding on pavement is messing my days up–I’m getting to my planned destinations too early. I knew of only one village before the climb to Chavinillo and a guy in Pachas said there was a place to stay there so off I went. It was downhill to Tingo Chico and I didn’t feel like stopping there either so I kept going (didn’t see a place to stay but I wasn’t looking). The riding was flat and it wasn’t but 4 miles before I hit the tiny village of Acobamba.
I love it here. Over a dozen kids hung out asking questions while I cleaned my bike chain and cooked some eggs. They were so well behaved although they seem to like smacking each other a lot. I wanted to work on my computer but they showed no sign of leaving so I went and got them all some gum. That worked and they went off to yell at the one kid who took two pieces. One of the ladies brought me over a plate of food so my belly is happy.
The “hostel” is interesting. There’s just one room with 4 beds in it. No bathroom but one is available a few buildings down. The guy charged me S10 which is a little high but not too bad I guess. I’m so glad I have a light bulb electrical adapter so I can charge things/heat water if there are no plugs.
Actually all the people I met on the road today were amazingly friendly and Peru is quickly becoming my favorite country. If someone would just shoot all the stupid dogs it would be perfect. I hate them so much it’s ridiculous. I wish I could just shoot them myself. It’s a shame there isn’t more traffic in Peru like there was in Mexico–at least there the cars did a good job of plowing over the dumbest of the dumb.
Speaking of Mexico, some guy in passing car yelled out, “Cholo!” when he passed me the other day. I stopped and looked it up and it either means Mexican gangster or a half-breed (parents of a different race). I was wearing my bandana under my helmet and I don’t think I look half anything unless having a Canadian mom and an American dad counts. So now I’m a gangster. 
Happy Birthday to the best friend I ever had. Miss you.
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