4th Oct - Mancora Day 1

So arrived in Mancora at 9am. I was in desperate cranky form despite a goodish sleep and found it difficult to deal with the taxi drivers who were all over us as soon as we left the bus. Got a taxi to Loki anyway (my 3rd Loki hostel in South America in 5 cities!) and in fairness it was definitely the best option. Pool in the middle, regular bar in the middle too and a cocktail bar around the side, hammocks up everywhere. And the hostel bar is about 15 seconds from the beach, 30 seconds from the ocean. This is going to be great! First things first though, we were all shattered from the night bus and time for some sleep in our excellent room. Well, after checking the Ryder Cup result obviously. And having a look around. And having breakfast. And reading for a bit. I'd purchased my first ever Agatha Christie book in Lima and it was superb. Flying through it.

Lads went for a swim in the ocean but not before applying sunscreen. Bit of awkwardness as Richie lovingly applied the stuff to Matty's back:



I was up for 3 and there was a water volleyball competition on in the pool - turns out that the hostel organises activities all the time, one every afternoon and one every night. So always something going on and great atmosphere about the place.

The volleyball was good old craic, I stayed in the pool afterwards and knocked about with another Irish lad and we played vs Matt and Rich. Enjoyable stuff.

Later on, managed to see the last hour of the Ryder Cup in full (nice to see another Irishman win it for Europe!) and then as it was Monday night - I remained perched in front of the satellite tv for live NFL Monday Night Football action. Patriots v Dolphins. Not great as Pats ran away with it. Never mind as at the same time, there was a quiz on in the bar. Well organised in fairness. Good qns and good craic. I was with Matt Rob and Rich and a couple more.

One question outraged me. The qn was - how tall was Robert Wadlow, the tallest man who ever lived? I said 8'11". And then sat back smugly in my correctness.
Aussie lad asking the qns then said: "that's a tough one, do ye want multiple choice?"
"No we don't" I thought, "I know the bloody answer!"

"Ok here's your choices. Was he
A. 8'11"
B. 8'12"
C. 8'17"
A, B or C?"

But there's no such thing as B or C, so every table at the quiz got the bloody answer right. Outrageous. The sour head on me after that little episode... Yerra we won the quiz anyway and everyone at the table got a delicious rum slushie as our prize. Nice.

Then played a bit of table football with a lad from Crewe and the two girls he was travelling with. Crewe Alexandra fan, goes to all the matches when he's at home. Spent a happy hour or so discussing the merits or otherwise of League Two soccer. Very entertaining and then it was bedtime!