I arrive at my hostel sweating profusely from the humidity and the grueling climb in the forested trail. It was a hard climb, but oh so beautiful. Most of it was tree-lined. There was a welcoming fountain for weary feet…

La reina (the queen) is what Lalo calls me as I soak my feet in the stream once again before going into town for breakfast. I’m staying another day. In the evening Lalo entertains me and Agatha from Paris before…

Walking is painful so I decide to stay and rest my feet another day at this hostel – my oasis in the desert. It’s a relaxed day. I sit on the grass by the Valcarce River and stretch out. I…

Amy was right. The host, Lalo, is very helpful. He jumps right into action to help me get rid of bed bugs. We lay out all my clothes on the brick wall outside the office and spray them with a…

The scenery has changed now. The road is often covered by shade trees, and cool breezes occasionally blow. Not always, but often enough to feel encouraged. After another night, I realize I haven’t gotten rid of bed bugs. I have…

I arrive at my next stop and spend the afternoon at the laundromat, trying to get rid of bed bugs. Yes, bed bugs! Then while laying on my bed at the hostel, Patrick, a solo traveler from the UK, comes…