Ingore to Bissau - Day 204

Date: March 10th, 2010
Distance: 86km
Country: Guinea-Bissau
Song of the Day: Another Day in Paradise - Phil Collins

More good riding today. Still hot out though. That and the seemingly constant head wind makes it a slow go. Still, I made it to the capital of this former Portuguese colony. I was hoping to find a cheap hotel to stay out. That turned out to be harder than I expected. I stopped at one place that looked way to nice. I didn't even inquire as to the cost.

I did ask some of the guys outside for a cheaper hotel. One said he would take me to a place down the street. This one looked much more simple. When I asked about the price, the guy said "45 hundred". That is about 9 bucks. I can do that. I went upstairs and the place was amazing. It had air conditioning on full blast so it was cool. I almost cried. When I went to pay though, the guy said it was "45 thousand". That is about 90 bucks. As much as I wanted to stay, I just can't afford that. So I grabbed my stuff and went out again.

On the way to the next hotel this guy started talking to me. His name is Tony, and he is French. It turns out he is touring as well, but on a recumbent bike. First time I had seen that. I guess he was staying at the cheapest place he could find, but that was still 15 thousand a night. Oh well. I need to stay somewhere.

At the hotel, Tony showed me his rig. I still am not quite sure where all his stuff fits. He had stopped in town to see if he could get his frame fixed. It broke right along one of the weld lines. I told him he needed to sent it back and get a replacement. That is a manufacturing defect. Tony said there was a guy in town who could fix it though. I was dubious.

In the evening I wandered around for a bit trying to find a cheap place to eat and a cyber cafe. Failed at both. The place I found did serve inexpensive food, but it was tiny. I think you were supposed to order a whole mess of things. Not just one item. I got one skewer with a tiny bit of meat on it. That is why the waiter gave me a funny look when I ordered. I couldn't find a cyber cafe at all.

What can I say about Bissau? Frankly it seems like a weird version of Las Vegas. Not for the casinos, but for the way they cater to tourists. It seems like there must be deals on cheap hotels, or good place to eat. I just can't find them. Frustrating.

-Dravis