Cerca de Los Andes

What a thrill finally to have arrived in South America! We were treated to a most memorable sunset as we flew over the Manukau harbour, Waikato River, Kawhia Harbour and Lake Rotorua, all lightly reflecting the deep red glow which sat atop the horizon for an hour, possibly out of view of all but those lucky enough to be sitting at 15,000 feet!



Returning to a spanish speaking world is really exciting, if rather daunting given how many words I have forgotten and how few constructions I currently command. That said, it only took that one moment of having the steward greet me with a cheerful 'buenas tardes' and then give me directions to my seat en español (as though perhaps I might be chileño despite the maori greeting emblazoned on my jersey) to transport me into the hispanic world.

We must have flown an Antarctic course to get to Chile, as we flew over much of NZ before dark. When it became light again the jagged edges of the cordilleras de los Andes began to take shape. Santiago is not right on the coast, so we flew right up to the foothills of the range before banking dramatically to reveal some of the higher peaks (some sporting Aoraki-esque hogsbacks I meteorologically noted!) I am interested to find out why Chile and NZ's West Coast have an almost opposite climate given their similar location west of a big mountain range. It is very dry and dusty here, apart from the massive vineyards which must require intensive irrigation to maintain their green hue.

After foolishly allowing myself to be persuaded by a carded though plainclothed 'oficial' standing beside the bus (coincidentally it later transpired) on the airport forecourt that the efficient, cheap bus service to town would drop us a long way from our lodgings, we briefly flirted with the idea of taking a minibus instead (which all seemed to become 'un taxi exclusivo' as the asking price climbed!) before my wife and lover helpfully suggested we just talk to the bus driver directly. This resulted in ourselves and our bags being safely deposited in town a mere 15min walk from el hostal Americano, with more change in our pockets than the Chileño middleman would probably have desired!

So, we will sleep again (we had 5 hours kip on arrival but still both feel smashed). I look forward to exploring la capital mañana! ¿Donde es la piscina?

Mr R