After our peaceful time in Finca Carpe Diem it was time to venture to the land of gringos. We were in for a mix of downing shots and illegally busting moves to reggaeton… it was time for El Rio Buritaca hostel known for its chaos.

As soon as we arrived I knew what I was in for. We were swarmed by a number of pale chested men in their 20s/30s running towards us with giant rubber rings, shouting “tubing tubing tubing”.

Our room was lovely, it was another wooden shack. The inside was decorated with flowers almost like what you’d expect at a resort in Bali.

After getting settled in, we nervously went to the bar where we were also greeted by a load of English lads downing baby Guinness shots at 3pm. Reminded me off the rugby lads you’d meet at uni.

In all honesty, I wasn’t sure if I’d like this place… but I remembered Amber and Venice both recommended it and I think I just needed to get into the swing of things. Let’s be honest, I like a party as much as of the next. I’m being a snob.

The hostel itself was huge, it had a private beach, a great hammock area, volleyball net, snooker table, table tennis, restaraunt and even a bakery. There were also so many dorms, including tents which I was happy I wasn’t in. The restaurant menu made me laugh as it included chicken chow mein and an English breakfast. We stuck to the sandwhiches and burgers.

At 8pm there was a pub quiz. Ollie and I awkwardly came to the bar looking to see if anyone needed two spare teammates. Not that I had much to offer. Luckily, we were grabbed by two German sisters who introduced us to a wider group of Germans, Israelis, and English.

They were all hilarious and we shockingly won the quiz which meant a huge free bottle of rum and a party until the early hours. There was a DJ and the cocktails were great.

We mostly hung out with a couple of German friends, Andy and Vickie, who loved techno and spoke highly of the time at Berghain. They seemed to think I’d get it, which I was quite gassed about.

The next day I felt very ropey. However I persevered and joined the tubing activity (which is what we saw on the first day). Altogether there were around fifty of us all with cool-boxes full of beer and massive rubber rings. We were all lined up and ready to be brought to the rapids.

I imagined a really peaceful experience but it was everything I hadn’t pictured. The rapids were fast and I nearly fell off. I also got stuck in a tree and was saved by one of the guides. Nonetheless, what was a dramatic experience seemed to get rid of my hangover and I was back to holding a beer.

Ollie felt much better than me and continued drinking with Andy all day… I couldn’t hack it but neither could Vicki who didn’t even make it to tubing. Of course, I managed to drink a few caipirinhas.

Later on in the day, I did the famous Irish exit but Ollie continued partying with everyone until about 5am when he rudely woke me up to “hang out”.

The next day he felt like crap but still wanted to be part of the volleyball competition, which I suck as. Next thing we know he’s back in the room with heat stroke.

We said goodbye to everyone, as most people arrived a day before us and exchanged every type of social media. The rest of the day I took it chill, checking on Ollie every hour or so. I treated myself to a banoffee pie and read more of my book.

The next morning came around so fast and it was time for the big old trek. We were being collected by our Expotour at 10am.

Luckily we packed the evening before as there were lots of last minute things to sort out, including bug spray.

Not only was it the big day, it was the 19th January which was Ollie’s birthday. The colouring pencils and sketch book Mum gave me for Christmas came in handy and I made him a handmade card.

We finished our time at El Rio with breakfast with our friend Olivia from Sevenoaks, who is hilarious. I’ve got to get her to send me her list of ICKs as there were about 50+.

The nastiest surprise of the day was our bill which I blame on Ollie and his many cocktail shenanigans.

Cars here, buckle up!