1- Good morning friends, family and people.
Today is my youngest daughter’s birthday, she is 26 years old, which makes me 56 years old! Happy birthday Georgia!
Also, in a couple of hours my eldest is taking me to Christchurch Airport for an escape to South America. My first foray into this continent. A three weeks stint in Chile. Being a short escape I will keep it simple: Santiago, Easter Island, and Valparaiso.
It has been a while since that backpack has been used. Nervousness is creeping up and I can feel my blood getting crazy. I used to travel, the adventurous way, however, now, all abodes are booked. Time is moving on, so I better keep moving as well…
2- Still Saturday! It has been a very peculiar and long day, probably the longest ever! Why? Because of the date line! I have set foot in Chile when theoretically I have not left New Zealand yet! I’ll let you ponder over this one.
So, all went well, Christchurch to Auckland, and Auckland to Santiago. The LATAM Airline services were pretty good. Having read so many different comments concerning their services, I must have travel on one of their good days. Once in the air we are served with a light meal and I chose to taste some Chilean wine. There seem to be some nice reds around here. Then an excellent coffee to conclude! Movie time, sleep, waking, sleep, music, bored, breakfast and 11 hours later we are landing.
Once landed, the immigration, the baggage collection and the custom all went without a hitch. Outside I found my Bed & Breakfast owner, Felipe, holding a piece of paper with my name on it. All goes “perfecto”. His English sounds as rusty as my Spanish! During the half an hour drive to his place we managed to exchange questions and ideas about a few topics, food, wine, weather and life in our respective countries.
Here we are, in the “Barrio Bellavista” area, a colourfull, vibrant, artistic quarter of Santiago. The B&B looks nice, I’ve got to chose between two similar rooms. However now I have realised the choice was not so great because I am right next to the entrance door, and the window faces the street. I hope there won’t be too many people coming in and out, and the street won’t be too noisy. Anyway this is Santiago not Kaiapoi! Once settled in my room I discovered I have left behind somewhere my only warm long sleeves jersey! Mierda! First hiccup! Then the electrical plug bought in NZ does not fit the Chilean system, second hiccup! Luckily, Felipe has a spare one, so, tomorrow I will get a proper Chilean plug, as well as a new jumper. Time to hit the pavement to see where the wind blows in this bohemian neighborhood.
Once in the streets I found out Chile is a Lapis Lazuli country. My favorite stone! I knew about the Afghan lapis lazuli mines but I had no idea Chile is also a big mining country for this semi-precious stone. Gosh…. How will I resist? I do not wear jewelry myself…. Mierda! Passed the numerous blue coloured shops I found an art exhibition, a visual art exhibition, as a matter of fact a very similar visual exhibition I visited in The Physics Room in Christchurch. Only one photo shot, but it had a resonance to some rather unfortunate experience with myself. Back in the streets I found I have walked the wrong way for the past half hour, so I am retracing my steps to where I can find some Kai. Finally, here I am, in the center of this vibrant “barrio”. More galleries, more lapis lazuli shops, and plenty of restaurants with people everywhere. I settled for a restaurant which is also a brewery. I decide for the local fish and ships, “merluche” or hake in English, a type of cod, and the chips are more like wedges. And one of the local brew to wash this down. A little expresso to finish with and it is time to head back to my abode before the night throw its cold air around my naked arms and legs!
Finding my way back was no problem using an “app” map installed on my cell phone which has my lodging flagged on it. So, here I am, after flying 11 hours, in a bed & breakfast in Santiago de Chile, swollen feet, basically with no warm top, and still the same never-ending Saturday 6th of May 2017, what a day so far! As the locals would say “un dia loco”! Buenas noches my amigos.
3- Domingo! Which means Sunday. What a breakfast this morning! Scramble eggs, cheese, ham, fruits, yoghurt, coffee, orange juice and the local bread. A feast!
By late morning I finally decide to hit the pavement. The day is cooler and cloudy, so the shorts are staying indoors. First, I meant to visit Pablo Neruda’s house. However the street’s animations made me forget my goal and here I am in another neighbourhood walking towards the “Plaza de Armas”, heart of Santiago. On my way there I stopped at the “Saint Francis Colonial Art Museum”. In here are mostly holy paintings and church stuff from the seventeenth century. Quick glance and I carried on. Before arriving to this “Plaza de Armas” I found the “Palacio de la Moneda” a neoclassical building where the country presidential offices are. Across from this “Palacio” there is the underground crypt of Bernardo O’Higgins, one of Chile’s founding fathers. It is next to this crypt that I decide to exercise myself to some drawing. One idea I had for this trip is to launch myself into sketching. So I took out my drawing pad with one black pencil and sat there for a couple of hours drawing this building. If I found out how to post photos and stuff you will see my prowess. Yes, I am quite happy with my first work! The good thing was, no one bothered me, no one behind my back, no one to ask me what I was doing. Perfecto! Time for a sandwich before moving onto the North side of the building.
The North side, for the “aficionados”, was badly damaged by the Air-force missile attack during the 1973 military coup when President Salvador Allende, who refused to leave, was overthrown here. Footage of this can be found on YouTube. There is a monument in his honor facing the facade.
More walking and here I am at the “Plaza de Armas”! The place is full of people, street artists, sellers of all sorts, snacks, balloons, and what not. Among buildings there is the Metropolitan Cathedral and in the center there is a fountain celebrating Simon Bolivar, the famous South American liberator from the Spanish rule. Time to find my way back to my neighbourhood.
Lucky me, here is a supermarket! Shopping spree: biscuits, bananas, yoghurts and a bottle of Chilean red wine. Back in my area I decide to indulge myself with a Caesar salad and a beer. Ha ha ha! Caesar would roll over in his tomb! A huge plate of lettuce, some cubes of ham and cheese, some kind of croutons and some rare chicken bits, all this with a few sprinkles of mayonnaise on top! The price reflect the dish. I do not care because I have biscuits, yoghurt and banana for dessert. What a fruitful day! Buenas noches amigos.
Here we are, end of day three. Even if it feels like a whole week here it has only been three days.
4- Over night I could hear the rain falling, but, it was gone by daylight. So, after breakfast I wear my walking shoes and head for the hill called “El Cerro San Cristobal”, Saint Christopher’s hill. It was an arduous climb on wet soil, however I got to the top without a slide, which I was dreading. At 300 meters above Santiago, it is the second highest point in the city. From the top the view is splendid. Unfortunately there were still some clouds and fog around the far distant mountain chain. By chance, the sun was shining on the hill, so I decided to wait for the cloud cover to disappear. Two hours later the Andes are showing all their glory! Yes, I waited for all that time, but it was worth it. A part of this gigantic and longest mountain range shows its snowy peaks on the foot steps of Santiago. A series of panoramic photo shots are a must. following this I head back down towards the bustling city. Going a different way I end up in an other part of this metropolis. A part with very posh houses, so I must be in one of the upper class suburb. Very nice.
Instead of using the Metro (the Metropolitan Underground Railway Network of Santiago) to reach my abode I chose to walk a very long way through the commercial hub, high rise buildings and business center, which represent the Manhattan of Santiago. On my way I am looking to buy some postcards. However, this is unbelievable, I cannot find postcards anywhere! I keep asking around and the same answer is given to me, I need to go to the main post office. It looks like the business of postcards is controlled and very restricted. This will be my treasure hunt for tomorrow.
By the end of the afternoon I finally reach my neighbourhood, and before going back to my safe heaven I get a take away pizza. What a pizza! One size fits them all. In our neck of the woods, it would be a medium size, even a small medium size! Anyway, the cheese I bought on the way pass the posh area will serve as second course, and banana for dessert. All this food will go well with my Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon bought yesterday. I can tell you it was a nice drop!
While dinning and drinking, I sorted all those photos on my laptop and tried to salvage a drawing from becoming a big smudge. I don’t want my first drawing to become a big grey slurry fog! I have tried to spray some hair lacquer but it didn’t work too well. What shall I do to protect my little artistic pride?
So, this was Monday! Tomorrow’s plan is a visit to Pablo Neruda’ Santiago’s house and the hunt for postcards! In the meantime, good night.
5- Tuesday! How many people have watched that TV channel called Netflix? Well I just watched it for the first time today! Three episodes of “Vikings” in a row! I could become addicted to this. Anyway…
Today started with a visit to Santiago’s Pablo Neruda’s house called “La Chascona”. this house is like a labyrinth and was build to have a sea theme to it, as the poet loved the sea so much. A house full of stuff, mostly art, but also souvenirs from the writer’s travels. I managed to take a few photos before being told it was not allowed. Honestly, I had no idea and didn’t notice the signs saying so. Shots from the garden was allowed, so plenty views from different angles of the terraced garden. Some very interesting paintings in this house. If you want to find out more about the history of the house, one place: the Web!
Then the hunt for postcards is on. I finally found some at the general post office. They were horrible! So I decided to give it a miss and rely to some underground sources! We’ll see what this mole can do.
After a bit of grocery shopping I head for the Santiago Metro. Here I go, a new metro to add on my long list of world mass transport system! I choose to go all the way to the end of line number 1. so I end up at a station called “Los Dominicos”, it should translate as “The Dominicans” I guess. I was told by my lodger they was a little village of arts and craft. But I didn’t find it so I retraced my way back to the city center by foot. Why I didn’t find it? stupid me, I walked around the park/place instead of going straight to where the big church was, and I did not bother to ask anyone, never mind.
After some time I am right back into the Chilean Manhattan during rush hours. I love it! On my way home to the B&B I decide to get a burger. What a burger! The price was a bit dear, but it reflected the size of the burger, plus chips. A feast! Back at my abode I have a glass of red with some Argentinian blue cheese, and start watching the “Vikings” saga. Three episodes later, time to go to bed to write this, and now… Buenas noches amigos!
6- Buenas dias mis amigos, como estan?
Gosh this “Vikings” series is good! Anyway…
This morning was a very interesting morning. First I woke up late but still in time for my breakfast. While I am starting with my fruits of the day, strawberries, I met the owner of the B&B, Katalina, Felipe’s girlfriend. Up to now she has kept to herself. A typical Chilean native, not very tall with long black hair. During our conversation, which went from one subject to another, worth than me she is, I asked to settle my bill. Settling my bill was a bit of a worry because I had planned to pay with a plastic card, but their machine is broken and the options left are cash, which bothers me, and PayPal, which I have no idea how to do. After a long talk, I let her do the deed via PayPal. I hope all this is going to be fine and safe!?! You will see why shortly… Business done we can relax and you’ll never guess what happened next. Katalina asks me if I smoke. Here I’m not talking about tobacco! So, here we are, outside, in the little courtyard, smoking a Chilean spliff, just enough to be happy. Chile is full of surprises. I love it!
Gosh, I can see that Felipe is doing his best to keep the peace. She is a hard woman, especially when….”happy”! By the way Felipe is a movie aficionado. If I understood well, he is in the sound department, hobby or study I don’t remember. We loved the same kind of movies (“American Beauty”, “Django”, “Snatch”). By one O’clock I decide to get ready for my daily wander in the city.
Today’s plan is to go to the Museum of Memory and Human Rights. This time, instead of walking I will go by Metro. Beside a little hiccup while buying the ticket, all is good, just like being in Paris, especially that the trains are French made.
This museum is about the 17 years of the Chilean dictatorship. The “coup d’etat” of 1973 by General Augusto Pinochet and the others (under the watchful eyes of the CIA at the time), the air bombardments of the presidential palace, the killing of the democratically elected Socialist/Marxist president Salvador Allende, the era of terror which followed, disappearances, tortures, killings, propaganda, lies and assassination of outspoken Chileans on foreign soil, fortunately the museum concludes with the National Commission for Truth and Reconciliation. I stayed there the whole afternoon, it brought me back to my youth days. The names pronounced above plus the one of Victor Jara and the place called “Villa Grimaldi” came back to me in a flash. What a sad time for Chile, and the world. It is very moving when you are remembered, for example, the different means of tortures employed. Unfortunately these “things” still happens today. Twenty years ago in Latin America, beside Chile, countries like Argentina, Nicaragua come to mind. Now days, China comes to mind, Uzbekistan definitely, North Korea too, however, I would rather stop here.
I am planning to have another visit to this museum, I feel like getting something to bring back.
Talking about “bringing back”, I brought myself back to my “hood” by foot, then I stopped by a restaurant to get some “kai” and got home to watch the Vikings!
Again, it is getting very late people, so, good night my friends.
7- It rained almost all day today! But it didn’t stop me to get my daily fix of walks. After breakfast, I went in search of these unattainable postcards. I get to that hill again, “Cerro San Cristobal”, but this time I took the funicular to the top. Two old machines date from the 1920’s, one goes up while the other one goes down, definitely a fun thing to do. The souvenir shop sells mostly religious stuff but also some typical souvenirs like in any souvenir shop, and, the postcards. Not much choice and none with superb view, but there were the best by far and the cheapest of them all. Two dozens, half from Santiago and half from Rapa nui, or Easter Island, and the stamps to go with them. Back to my residence I decide to watch more of that historical series, it’s raining so why not, though hoping it will stop.
Felipe is getting some take away for lunch, a late lunch, and is asking me if I want any, I chose a shawerma (a filled pita bread). Nice choice! The rain does not seem to stop. I had planned to get back to the museum of Human Rights to get a souvenir, so I decide to go anyway. The Metro is a safe bet to stay dry and I’m there “pronto”. Now is decision time, what to get? I’m well known about choices, more than one choice is an infernal dilemma. Anyway, I settled for a poster representing an appeal to a 1975 demonstration in Trafalgar square in solidarity to the Chilean people. Back to the Metro station “Quinto Normal” heading to the “Baquedano” station. A very nice and clean underground train transport. On my way “home” I buy a few items to take with me to Rapa Nui, as food on the island is expensive.
Here I am now, dry and waiting for tonight’s meal, a take away shawerma “con carne, tomate y ensalada”, yum! While waiting for it, the bottle of red is on its way out. Tomorrow is the Rapa Nui trip. That is going to be interesting, but also drier and warmer! Buenas noches amigos.
8- Rapa Nui!
Early wake up call this morning for the ritual breakfast, and then, off to Santiago airport. Nothing special about boarding the plane, all went well. It was full, tourists from all over the world, Chileans going for a break, and, I recognised a Rapa Nui family with the women wearing a flower in their hair, just like women would do on any Pacific island. The flight is about five hours. AC/DC and Bob Marley will be my choice of music while in the air.
Approaching and going down toward the island airport I could only see the vast blue sea because I was on the wrong side of the plane. The view of the island was on the other side. Shame! We walked down the plane onto the tarmac and toward the arrival hall. No custom nor immigration here because Rapa Nui is part of Chile. My chauffeur is here to take me to the lodge, as well as a British couple. I have a feeling of things being pretty relax here, an island feeling like the island time. Definitely feeling more Polynesian than American.
So here we are, Aukara Lodge. A nice place, shaded by trees, pretty quiet, only the odd motorbike and the odd dog barking. After organising a guided tour for tomorrow I hit a street straight down to the sea. At the end of it, on my left side, I find myself next to the airport so I go right toward the “town center”. Along the way I found a rather big “eco tourist hotel” with a superb view to the sea. But, the local Rapa Nui people, fighting for the return of their land confiscated over the years, had raised numerous black flags and had a couple of little shacks built on the opposite side to, obviously, block the view to the posh “eco tourist hotel”. I’m sure any activist Maori would feel for their Pacific brothers. Unfortunately, the fight of the Rapa Nui people has just started. Anyway, just before the little port, a nice restaurant with the vast blue sea as a view and an appetising menu catches my eyes. Grilled tuna and chips with a “cerveza” will be my supper!
Going back to my lovely Bed & Breakfast via an other set of streets I discover my first Moai statue. I think I’m going to enjoy roaming this island by van, by foot, by bicycle and by horse! Bring it on! That is the plan anyhow.
Before hitting the sack, as they say, here are some good infos and not so good ones. the good ones are, shorts and flip flops are back on! The not so good… The internet is veryyyyyy sloooowwwww, so I do not know how this is going to affect my life! Ha ha ha ha! And NO NETFLIX! Sarah, if one day you come here, be warned! Mind you, I’ll happily join you for another visit. We’ll bring a game of “Uno”, find a nice drinking hole and make it ours! Buenas noches companeros.
9- Day two. What a night! Tired but couldn’t sleep! Then, the dogs of the whole island have decided to bark and howl! It looks like I have just managed to slide into sleep when the alarm clock rings, two hours earlier than planned (I’ll explain later why the alarm clock)! And after the dogs it was the turn of all the chickens, roosters and hens cockeldooing everywhere! Finally the rain came down with “fracas”. Despite all this, up by eight O’clock as planned, and breakfast by eight thirty, because the British couple and I had organised a guided tour with Leonardo, a local Rapa Nui guy.
As the weather was not too good due to the overnight rain and the occasional shower still coming down, we were not sure how the tour would go, and if there was one at all. But Leonardo arrived, late, but all set for the tour. So, here we go in his four wheel drive ready for a whole day of sightseeing around the island.
It would be too arduous to name all the places we’ve been to, but here is a few of them: Anakena, the only sandy beach in the whole island, with seven Moai standing in a row and facing inland. All the Moai are facing inland. A description of those statues would be too long, so I am planning to post photos once I have figured out how, and once I access a faster connection. Another place is Ahu Tongariki. Fifteen Moai on top of a funeral platform called a “Ahu”. Those Moai were all scattered down by a tsunami wave due to the most powerful earthquake ever recorded, the 1960 Chilean quake. There were restored accurately because of photos and films done in previous years. Next, was the quarry. To me, this place is the most fascinating of all because of the numerous number of Moai lying, broken, half sculpted and still in the rock, buried, with a different style, small, big, and with the biggest of all (22 meters long) still in the rock, everywhere around you. It has an amazing feeling. And the locals are still discovering more buried in the ground. Then, we finished the tour with the area called Orongo, where the “birdman” cult was happening, next to a magnificent crater.
A superb tour, with a pretty good Rapa Nui guide. Now, though, my legs are pretty tired. But tomorrow if the weather is holding off its rain, I will go back to some of those places on bicycle and try my hand at drawing a couple of Moai. Bonne nuit.
10- Hoy es el domingo/Today is Sunday. Same story last night with the dogs! I suppose I will get used to them. Luckily, I had an extra hour sleep as Chile was changing from summer time to its winter time, even in Rapa Nui.
This morning’s breakfast had an extra flavour to it, french pancakes. Once I finished this simple but filling breakfast it is time for a shave and my morning shower. All this done, I am heading into town, well, “into town” is not how it seems, the town center is just around the corner. Today’s plan is renting a bicycle. Last night I have asked the price at one place, and satisfied with my bargain I head back there this morning. Unfortunately yesterday’s youth was not there and the “mama” did not want to bulge her price, saying: “yesterday’s price was yesterday’s”. So I am moving along in search of another rental place. further up the street I find a little shop with bike to rent, and I get a mountain back for two days at the same price the other place was asking for one day, equivalent of 33 New Zealand dollars. One always feels good when one gets a bargain! Back to the lodge to gear myself with all the necessary for my afternoon adventure.
The aim is to go back to Anakena, the only sandy beach of the island, 14 kilometers or thereabout with a couple of hills. Hills are good, because once you are on top the next part is downhill, and all fun! A few photos on my way there: a row of four Moai on a private land, a road sign, wild horses blocking the road and a far away view of one of the crater I visited yesterday. The day was not too hot so not too bad for cycling. Once there, I discover the beach full of people, tourists like me. The paddle in the water plan will be for later, and I decide to launch myself into my second drawing of the trip. The drawing is going to be the Moai statues from a distance. I sat myself under the shade of the palmery, and during about two hours I draw the seven Moai on their Ahu, the scenery around, the palms, the hill and the sandy beach. I had a few visitors, wandering what I was doing. They were nice to me, however, in my eyes this drawing is not a success. More visitors galloping away around me, horses. Time to test the sea.
Taking my shoes off I decide to dip my feet into the water. Warm enough! I walk back along the grass edge to drop my bag. Then I am going for a dip right to my knees. Yep, she is fine. Shall I go for a total dip? Here is a secret, people, I love the water but I cannot swim. To put it simply, I do not know how! Anyway, I decide to take my singlet off and go into the water until it reaches my shoulders, then I plunge my head under the water a couple of times, I stay a few minutes more and get out. I reach back to my bag, sit for a while to warm up and walk to the other side of the beach. There, I have a bite to eat, finish my drinking water, take a few more photos of the beach and the Moai, and head back to town on the other side of the island, Hanga Roa. I got there just when night has fallen down. Before going back to the lodge I decide to get a feed. The best hamburgers in town it says, well, best, I don’t know, but big, yes! Sweet potatoes as chips and a “cerveza” to go with it.
Here I am now, fed, rested, showered, and writing this in the only place where the slow Internet lives. It is getting late again, very late, so I will say good night to you all, if any?
11- Let’s forget about the howling dogs, the new arrivals on the lodge and their crying baby, and breakfast, let’s get straight into it, shall we?
Backpack ready and off on the mountain bike to the other side of town.
From the little port I direct myself to the North. Would you believe it, more Moai! But this time one has eyes. He is standing alone, although there are others not far. Further afield an area known for its caves. Before going down there I walk right to the cliff edge. Gosh this is rough. The sea and its waves crashing on the rock face, however dangerous it is, there is a guy on his canoe out there. He has to be a Rapa Nui. One of the cave leads you right down onto an opening to the sea, on the edge of the cliff! You don’t want to get vertigo here. Further along more caves. this time, subterranean caves, this is fun. A quick word about mountain biking! This too is fun. Up, down, rough terrain, grass, rocky and crevasses terrain, I love every moment of it. Sightseeing with a twist, “perfecto”! At the end of this track I find myself at the start of the National Park. There, it seems that there was an important village due to the numerous remnants of houses. Well, when I say houses, it is more like little brick walls not higher than 50 centimeters, half buried in the ground, with holes on top to put in branches and have them bent towards the other side, if you see what I mean, I hope. I didn’t go any further in the park. So I carried on the other way and ended up where there is a huge open cave which was used as a garden. It holds the rain water for the plants to be able to grow. That’s perfect for a dry island with no natural spring like Rapa Nui. Then I reach an area where the Moai are facing the sea rather than inland, Ahu a Kivi. But this is very subjective, because the sea is all around and not far at all. In fact all the Moai are looking towards its village and its inhabitants.
To finish today’s tour I decide to climb the highest point of the island, Tere Vaka, 500 meters. I start the climb on my bike, but once it gets steeper I walk and push the bike, hence a “push bike”, ha ha ha! So here I go up and up and up, thinking, this is going to be fun going down! The track is getting rough with crevasses due to flash flood, but hardly any stones. Up and up and up, and sweating. Suddenly I reach a little meteorological station and decide to leave the bike there, and up and up I carried on. I see a peak and wonder if it is there, but no, there is a higher point just around the corner. So I carried on until finally I reach the top! How do I know it is the top? There is a little pile of rocks and stones in the shape of a pyramid. The wind is cold up here. Time for a bite and a couple of photos before heading back down. But before this I place my own little stone on top of the pyramid and down I go. Once I reach my push bike, I prepare myself to become a weapon of velocity! Luckily the breaks are very good, the front fork is strong, and my whole body can handle the ride! Let’s go! I love it, the ride of a life time. Magnificent, the breaks are perfect, and they need to be to stay in total control. Gosh, this ride ends too quickly, but what a ride. I loved every second of this.
Back on the bitumen road in direction of Hanga Roa, where the people lives.
Reaching my abode it is time for a well deserved shower. My legs are funny. They are red from the earth dust, while my feet are white as ivory. After the shower I park the bike for the night and walk towards the port for a feed. Te Moana restaurant, a well known joint for good food and good view. Grilled tuna, salad and chips, and a couple of cerveza “Escudos” to go with it, succulent! Highly recommend the place for a dinner in “amoureux”, right next to the sea, sunset, waves, then stars, Orion is just there in front of your eyes! Gosh I am enjoying this whole thing, Chile, its wine, Rapa Nui, its Moai, its fish, its wild bike rides, and the “Escudos”. One last thing, I am glad I am still fit for this, wow, that was a fun day, sore bottom, but fun!
12- Another bike ride today, the last. I decided to do the whole loop. This means going South-East toward the South coast, stopping everywhere along the way when I see stuff. And it doesn’t take long. However, it is not the sight of Moai that stops me, it is the sea and its swells crashing on the rock face. It is very impressive. Then, of course, some Moai, but none are standing erect around here. They have been all toppled down during an upheaval, tribal war. The sun is high and shinning on my left side, my singlet does not protect much of my arms and neck, but “que sera sera”. The road is mostly flat until it reaches two of the main sites on the island, Ahu Tongariki, where there are 15 Moai standing in a row, and Rano Raraku, the quarry. Then it twists and turns in a northern direction around one of the three volcanoes on the island, Pua Katiki. After a few kilometers it reaches the coast again, this time I am on the north side until I get to a junction. Right, I get to Anakena, the sandy beach, or left, back to town via the inland road. I chose left. Another 15 kilometers is waiting for me, with the sun on my right side, but the damage is done! I know this road pretty well by now, a steep climb of a few kilometers before a gentle 12 kilometers downhill slope to town. Nothing very interesting along this road, except for the remnants of the famous sheep farm from the first half of the 20th century. Before town I turn right to visit the other quarry. The quarry where the “hats” of the Moai, Pukao, are made. This is it for the day, back to the lodge, the usual things before heading for a feed…. Grilled tuna.
By the way my left arm is very red and a little warmish! Anyway, good people, this is it for today, I feel slightly tired and the dogs have just started to bark. What an island! Good night.
13- Penultimate day in Rapa Nui. This day was planned as a relaxing day, a nothing do day!
After the morning breakfast I decide to wash a few cloth while I tend to my everyday upkeep, and Web checking in the reception room where Internet lives. Midday comes and I bring back my “waka”, also known as a mountain bike, to the rental place. That waka was a perfect mean of transport, I’m going to miss it, albeit my bottom won’t. While in the main street I decide to have a wander on the seafront where the little port is situated. There, I sat for almost an hour on a bench, under the shade, watching the waves, the surfers and paddle boarders. Walking back to the lodge I meander through the local covered market place. I found fruits, vegetables and fish mixed up with the typical souvenirs like wood carving statues, little Moai sculptured in lapis lazuli, jewelries and other knickknacks like fridge magnets and book marks. Back at the lodge I decide to launch myself into drawing some Moai from photos I took. I find a couple of good ones from the quarry. The result pleases me. It is not so difficult after all, but it took me almost all afternoon to do two drawings, so, writing post cards is still not done, sorry my friends! Suddenly, hunger wakes me up, so after putting away pencils and drawing pad I head for the last time toward the posh sea front restaurant for another grilled tuna. Once the meal finished I wait there until dark to have a last look at the stars under a different sky, and then, walk back to my abode for my last sleep on the island.
Buenas noches.
14- This is my last day in Rapa Nui / Isla de Pascua / Easter island.
I have enjoyed every moment of it. Apart for a showery weather on the second day, the sun has shined the whole time, and my skin still bears the colour of it. After my last breakfast I get myself organised before I am taken to the airport by Leonardo. Being early allows me to relax outside the small airport watching people getting out of their taxi lodge with their luggage. Time to get through the control and to go into the boarding lounge. This is it, time to board. We are walking onto the tarmac, some toward the front of the plane, a Boeing Dreamliner, some, like me, toward the back. While in the air I managed to get some last photo shots of the island.
Five hours later, we are approaching Santiago and we are getting ready to land. Going out of the plane is a shock! The nice heat of the island is gone, I am back in the cold winter of the Chilean capital. My friend, Felipe, is here, and once we get out of the airport it is an easy drive back to the B&B. There, I am welcomed back by Katalina. My room has been warmed up with a portable heater, and Felipe is asking me if I want to watch Vikings? “Of course” is my reply. The evening finishes with a take away pizza and Netflix!
15- Today is going to be an easy day. There is a bit of jet lag in the air, and I had a sore throat during the night so I haven’t slept well. the plan is writing my post cards then have a walk to the main post office in the “Plaza de Armas” and post those cards. On my way there, through the city’s buildings, I was lucky enough to have a wonderfully perfect clear view of the Andes covered with snow. No fog nor smoke, an entire clean view, it is magnificent! By the time I am back in my “barrio”, I decide to get a feed at the burger joint called “Mr. Jack”. This time I dine on the spot. Walking back toward my B&B I go through the Lapis Lazuli shops. Gosh there are some nice pieces!
Time for Netflix and its “Vikings”, then it is going to be buenas noches amigos.
16- Saturday 20th, another “transit day”. Why “transit day”? Because I will be moving out of Santiago again. This time I am going toward the coast, to the town of Valparaiso.
It is only an hour and a half away by bus from Santiago. Valparaiso is a coastal city famous for its colourful houses on the city hills. Getting to the bus terminal is pretty simple, it is a direct line by metro, only six stations. Once there I managed to find the counter to buy a ticket. I was told by Felipe not to pay more than five thousand pesos, nice of him to warn me because the guy behind the counter, after typing on his computer, asked for six and a half thousand pesos. I said no and then he asked for four thousand. I have to ask Felipe why the difference in price, because the time of departure was the same. And I even got asked if I wanted a window seat, of course I said yes. Departure in twenty minutes on platform seven. Easy to find and so here I am on the bus to Valparaiso.
Nice drive. Once on the outskirt of the city, traffic starts to be busy but we get to the bus terminal pretty quick. The weather being sunny and warm I decide to walk to my next abode, even knowing it is a long walk, I am not tired and not heavily loaded. With the help of my smart phone I found my hotel without any problem. This time I have booked a room in a “Ibis” hotel. I thought having a change from the B&B.
I get to my room, and after dropping my stuff I am ready to start exploring the streets of this vibrant city. She is very vibrant. Night is falling, and there is a superb view of the illuminated towns around the bay. After wondering through the streets I opt for a little “plaza” where I can choose from three places for a feed. I chose the one where I can have a fish. A huge plate, but not as nice as I expected, the fish is a bit dry, plus, I was not that hungry. Never mind, time to go back to the “Ibis”. When the sun disappears, the cold winter takes back its air. Buenas noches.
17- First whole day in Valaparaiso.
After a little lie in bed I decide to “rise and shine” for the day! Down the breakfast area, it is busy. I crawl around the buffet and managed to find some convenient food like oats (horse food), bread, scramble eggs, little slices of cheese, and ham, and a couple of toasts with butter and jam, plus a yogurt. For drinks I found some juice, water and coffee. Once fed I head back to my room to get ready for the day.
Once ready, I step outside and can see there is a big crowd gathering in the streets. Later in the day I found out it is the Chilean celebration for the 21st of May. Well not a celebration as such because I believe Chile lost that battle to the Peruvian navy in the 19th century. For more info, do a search on the Web. So, the streets were waiting for the military parade, just like me for almost two hours. Finally the parade started. I don’t know how many military schools were showing off their uniform, rifles and flags, from the Navy to the “Carabineros” or “Gendarmes”, including a whole crew of women “Carabineros”, but the people in the streets was showing off their patriotism with applause. Then, after the military, there were a whole bunch of people in regional costumes, dancing costumes. Possibly a dozen schools, from the area, and further. A crew of riders on horses finished the defile. Time for me to make a move.
Back in the hotel and I gear myself with my little backpack and set off to another part of town. Unknown to me I would found the military parade was going the same way as I! So, going along the large avenue around the bay I end up in the main thoroughfare out of town. This whole avenue is packed with sellers of all sorts, like a gigantic flea market. Being uncovered, the sun is shining hot on my head. After I spotted some incense at a very good price I head back under the shade of the buildings. Back where I started from, the parade is still going. Anyway, going back toward the hotel I stopped on a little “plaza” for an…. Irish coffee! So cheap and so generous that I shout myself another one! Once the hot drinks finished I finally made it back to my abode.
After a little rest, time for a feed. Tonight it is going to be a “pizza por llevar”, in other words, a take away pizza. Not easy to find a pizzeria opened on a Sunday evening around the neighbourood. However, going back where the flea market was, along the bay, I found a little place with pizza to eat in or take away, “perfecto”. Pizza, with Chilean wine bought yesterday, and for dessert a Chilean camenbert. Now it is time to settle for the night in front of the TV watching “The Godfather” in Spanish, no Netflix at “Ibis”! Bonne nuit.
18- Before anything I want to come back to yesterday. Why? One word: quake! Yes, earthquake. While I was drinking my second Irish coffee I felt a short strong jolt. It was like being back in Christchurch. As you might be aware, Chile is part of the Pacific ring of fire and the last big “terremoto” was about four weeks ago, a 6.9 off the coast of Valparaiso. I hope no major seismic activity will occur while I’m here.
So the plan for today is to go up the hills via the hidden stairs and side streets. My camera is going to work overtime today, capturing unexpected graffiti, mosaics, colourful houses and what may cross my eyes along the way. After a while I reach a little “plaza” with a view of the entire bay. Unfortunately, today, the sun is not with me and a haze is hovering in the distance, a maritime haze I would say. Still worth a few shots though. Carrying on my walk, I come across two little bright-coloured houses next to a couple of high rise buildings, and then I see a poster highlighting the fight between small tenants and building promoters, developers. The same fight seems to be everywhere in the world. Next street I discover Pablo Neruda’s house in this port city, you know, the famous Chilean poet killed during the early days of the Pinochet regime. No need to ask myself to visit it or not, it is in renovation. Then, a multicoloured flight of stairs with an ode to wine. A rhyme written on each step, as far as I can see. “Avenida Alemania” is a long winding avenue linking a few hills surrounding this city. Mystic, messy, dangerous, wild, vibrant, cosmopolitan, like any port city, but this is Valpo, as familiarly known. Pablo Neruda wrote a poem about her, here is just the beginning of it: “What nonsense You are What a crazy Insane Port. Your mounded head Disheveled You never finish combing your hair Life has always surprised you”. Another person comes to mind, Corto Maltese! For the ones who knows him, or have heard of him, this is how I feel, like being him! Time to head back down toward the sea via “Avenida Francia”. More surprising colourful murals, even the rubbish trucks are painted. By now my knees are hurting a bit, a coffee break is my next goal. Here is a pretty, small “cafeteria” and almost empty as well. Coffee with a slice of a red berry cake is “perfecto”. Life can be sweet sometimes.
While I watch the world go by, the dogs carry on with their lives. Street dogs! They seem to be part of any street life in Chile. Santiago, Rapa Nui, or Valparaiso, they are everywhere. The ones who have owners wear little jacket covering their body and even their legs. Mind you, even some street dogs have warm jumper on them, ready for winter they are. They look in pretty good health and not emaciated at all. I don’t even think fleas are a problem. Most of them have their own pieces of flattened cardboard to sleep on. Plastic bottles cut open in half with water are scattered here and there to provide drinking oases. It is not uncommon to see them with their own food bowl. They stick to the foot path like human, and cross at green lights. Sometimes though, like kids, they will cross the road without watching if cars are coming. They might pay you a visit to see what you are having with your drink. If you give them something, fine, otherwise they will sit for a while and move on. If you do eye contact they will ask for a pat. They are better behaved than some humans.
Coffee break over, I head back toward my abode while keeping an eye for street posters. Here and there I found remnants of political ones. Mostly Anarcho-leftist, 1st of May was not long ago. “Robery is prohibited, the state doesn’t allow competition”, “Stop collusion. Stop debt. Stop consumption”, one cites Simone de Beauvoir: “All oppression creates a state of war!”. This brings me back years ago, fist in the air singing “El pueblo unido jamas sera vencido!” (“The united people will never be defeated!”). It was a song written by a band called Quilapayun at the hight of the Pinochet regime. Gosh, Chile seems to be synonymous to Pinochet more than anything. Anyway, guess what! Quilapayun is playing this Wednesday in Valparaiso. 10 000 Pesos. Fate, coincidence, or just spooky? Now it is another slogan against another developer. A very pretty building, dated 1913, is doomed to be demolished, and squatters are fighting to keep it standing. Then, I am back on a busy thoroughfare, and this is the place where oldies and not so old play chess or cards. Cards like any playing cards, but also cards with different symbols that I have never seen. I am not going to ask any questions about it when the game involves money. Just move on Didier. Time for a bit of shopping at a grocery store and reach the hotel.
After a little rest, it is time for dinner. A nice place for a nice vegetarian sandwich with fried sweet potatoes and a “cerveza”. What a ‘tremendous’ day, as would say our beloved Don! Ha ha ha! I wish he could disappear like last night’s writing. Yes my dear friends, last night, two hours effort have vanished, and I was not able to reconnect on “my blog”. So, today, after breakfast, I had a look at it, and yes, all I have written yesterday was gone! I had to do it again this morning. I hope it is as good as yesterday’s, but we’ll never know! Time to save it and make a move.
19- The day being already well advanced I decide to take the local Metro to a near city called Vina del Mar. It is only about ten kilometers on the north of the Valparaiso bay.
Once there I start the search for the tourist information center. A very polite young woman gives me a map and some indications. The idea is going to the archaeological museum and then stroll the main streets right down to the sea.
The archaeological museum has some very interesting artifacts from Rapa Nui and other South American cultures. I did not register everything, but I like what I found there. Apart from a very good showroom of Rapa Nui artifacts and a good history of this civilisation, there is a very interesting exhibition about how and why making shrunken heads. There are also a few exhibited ones. On the second floor there is a good collection of butterflies, part of the Museum of Natural History. Small but a pretty good museum overall. Time to hit the main drag with the crowd and side street sellers. After a while I stop for a coffee. In fact it’s going to be a mocaccino. Nice drink, but when it is time to pay the 2050 Pesos, I hand over 250! I was so confused of that terrible mistake, but luckily the guy was very understanding. Stupid foreigner! Moving along…. I reach the end of this busy street and find my way to the sea. Unfortunately, the sun is already below the horizon. A bit of a shame, because it would have been a good photo opportunity. So I decide to find the local Casino for a flutter. I am not going to explain the length I walked to get there, but ultimately I found myself in front of a green velvet rug with numbers on it, a roulette! It takes me a while to understand how much I need to play for the different bets. Before I take out a 10 000 Pesos bill, I look around the three tables to see what has happened, to give me a better chance. After a couple of bets I have almost doubled my initial amount. Shall I get out of it as a winner or shall I carry on? Let’s have more fun! About half an hour later I have lost everything. But, I had fun, and I can say I have played the roulette at the Vina Del Mar Casino, in Chile!
Time to walk back the main street in the direction of the metro station. In no time I am back in the vicinity of my hotel. I stop by my favourite pizza place for a few slices, and get back to ‘Ibis” to savour those slices with some wine.
An interesting day with a local metro, a local Archaeological museum, a local casino and a very savoury local mocaccino! Good night.
20- This morning, the breakfast area was pretty full. Anyway, I get my usual feed: juice, ham slices, cheese slices, a bit of scramble eggs, two little loaves of bread, a pastry, a yogurt and water. Later on, I get my two slices of toasts and a cup of coffee. This will keep me satisfy for a while!
Today is my last full day in Valpo and I have no specific plan. Taking the metro again for a further trip is a solution. At the end I chose to stay in Valparaiso and walk the streets on the South side, where the port is. The weather is cloudy and rather fresh again, but dry. So here I go walking the streets of Valparaiso one last time, camera in hands and eyes wide open for any street art. Along the way I strike a street where I see many buildings in ruins, I thought they could be the remnants of a big quake. Further down I find a commemorative little shrine with the name of five people who died here. While I try to make sense of what it means, two people stop by and do a little prayer, so I ask them what it is about. They tell me that in 2007 there was a big gas explosion followed by a fire, and those five persons died. This is also why all those street buildings look like they’ve been hit by an earthquake.
I reach a very colourful street next to the “Ascensor Artilleria”. After a few shots I chose to take that very old and fascinating “ascensor” or funicular which brings me to the Naval and Maritime Museum, a museum mostly dedicated in the memory of Chile’s victory in the 19th century War of the Pacific. Around the funicular and the museum’s entrance there are numerous little shops selling crafts and souvenirs. After a wonder in the streets around and, despite the sad weather, taking shots of the bay, the hills and the port, I decide to go inside the museum. Interesting facts, maps, and all sort of artifacts from that epoch and that war.
Back outside I spend a bit more time watching the activities on the port. After I filled up my eyes with this spectacle I start wondering down the streets in search of any mural art or political posters. Photos are better than words to explain what I have captured. Reuniting me with the flat ground I found myself outside a “Seminario Marxismo”! Curious, I walk in and ask if I can have a look around. Many posters and nice paintings about women rights, lesbians rights, and of course workers rights. I didn’t take one photo even if a gigantic black and white drawing was tempting. Stepping back outside I chose to climb another flight of stairs, a well known one that brings me to the “Paseo Atkinson”. On my way up I walk pass many high school students. Most of them are smoking pot. If I have not talked about the weed and the Chilean attitude about it, here I go…. Basically, smoking grass is not a crime. However, selling it, is a crime. There are shops who sell the seeds and all the paraphernalia that goes with it. I cannot say it is legalised, but it is not prohibited. For more information about it, I am sure the Web will provide.
Back to my view on the “Paseo Atkinson”, night is falling but the shots are nice. I think I will get a coffee somewhere, however, by the time I finish winding up and down the streets and stopping every three minutes I forget the coffee and decide to go for my dinner. I end up at that pretty and busy intersection/plaza called “Plaza Anibal Pinto”. I have no idea who he is…. Just searched Wikipedia and I have learnt that he was a Chilean politician who became president between 1876 and 1881. So, here it is! Sandwich with fried sweet potatoes, a cerveza, and a cake for dessert. The time to watch the world go by is over and it is time to go back to Ibis. This is my last night in Valaparaiso! But I hope coming back one day. I didn’t do any drawings, this is disappointing. I will do some later on from photos I took and from imagination. Buenas noches mi amigos.
21- Last day in Valparaiso, and back to Santiago sometime in the afternoon. Today has been a day of confusion and absurdity! Here it is…
Breakfast as usual, then back in my room to pack up my bags. I thought asking the desk employee to keep an eye on my stuff while I will have a last look at the “ciudad”. The sun is shinning high so it is an opportunity for some nice photo shots. Once I get to the desk the young man is telling me: “Sir, you check out time is tomorrow!” I am a bit lost here and ask the guy if he is sure of this. In the meantime I am checking my documentation. Yes, I have to face the fact that my check out date is tomorrow 26th. So I have paid for an extra night that is not reimbursable. I got confused with the dates somehow when I did my booking. I cannot do anything about it, therefore I accept my mistake and go back up in my room. I don’t have to ask anyone to look after my bags, I can leave them in my room while I walk the streets for a last time.
I am going back to the funicular and up that hill again for a photo shoot. Very nice view of the bay. After my photo session I go back down with the funicular and back to Ibis for the last time. Before I leave the place I try to give my non reimbursable night stay to someone, but it is not easy, so I give up. I also ask the young man at the desk to give my prepaid breakfast to someone in the street. I insist to make sure he will do it. I hope he will, however I have doubt, but let’s give him credit.
Next, is taking the Valparaiso metro a few stations to get closer to the bus terminal. There I get my bus ticket and climb on board the bus minutes before it leaves. Nice ride, unfortunately I don’t see much of it because motion movement by buses or trains makes me sleepy. Arriving into Santiago, I get out of the bus and go down the stairs to catch the metro. I look for my wallet to buy the ticket, and I cannot find it anywhere on me, or in my rucksack. I cannot believe it. I have not been robbed, I’m pretty sure of this. So I think my wallet has slipped out of my back pocket while in the bus. I go back to the bus, but it is gone. I go to the ticket counter and find a nice person which tells me to go to the other terminal to the lost property department. I doubt it will be there, but it is the only solution. The friendly employee uses his metro pass to let me in and explains me how to get there and where to go. I thank him, go down the stairs and wait for the metro. Once In the wagon, I look inside a pocket on my backpack, this is my big bag, where I never put my wallet in, because I always put it on me or in my day bag, what I call rucksack. And guess what I found in the top pocket? My wallet! Relieve is my first feeling, then, being stupid is my second one! I am soooo relieved, but I feel sooooo stupid! A big smile shines on me.
All is good. Once at the “B&B” Felipe is welcoming me back and I tell him all about my insane adventures. He offers me to watch the Vikings, however I tell him that I want to go out for a drink to celebrate my luck.
He sends me to a beer place with nice burgers. There, I manage to have a nice discussion, in English, with, who I think, is the manager of this place. At the end he offers me the beer, so I have another one before going for a wander in the area, and promising to come back to try his burgers. And I did so for a vegetable burger with a couple of more beers. Once all this is digested I am heading back to my place. The evening/night finishes with the Vikings series. What a day of highs and lows it has been!
22- Last full day in Santiago.
Here, with Felipe, breakfast time is not so square. So I have a late breakfast, and watch a bit of TV while writing the last post cards. No need to tell you what I was watching on TV!
Cards written and time to go for the penultimate walk in this city.
I have decided to get myself a poncho. I don’t do souvenirs that gather dust anymore, however, useful souvenir I might do. On my way to the main post office, at the “Plaza de Armas”, I found the area where they do all sorts of craft stuff. As I might have told you before when faced with two or more choices, I need to ponder a long time before making a decision! Anyway, I decide on a poncho with a hood. I think the lady has told me crap in regards to what the design means, never mind, however I hope it is really made with llama wool. At the same time I have bought two woolen things that seems to be in fashion this winter over here. It is a sort of a scarf with a twist! Presents for my daughters. Once I found my way to the post office and post the last postcards, I walk around this ample square to watch what life lives around it. There are all sorts of people, doing all sorts of things: jugglers, music players, preachers, street artists doing your portrait, other kind of street artists, and, the chess corner, just like the chess corner I saw in Valparaiso. Only that here, it is not free, there is a guy collecting money while giving some kind of receipt. I decide to watch a couple of games, I am even invited to have a game by someone, but I have not played for a long time and I don’t feel I am at their level, so I refused.
Moving back slowly to my B&B while enjoying this very warm sun I step onto a bridge with a magnificent view of the Andes in the far distance. Beautiful!
Before reaching my destination I want to enjoy a coffee, unfortunately being late in the day it seems to me that all the coffee places have shut down. However I found a little place still open. A very cosy place. The lady and I have a bit of difficulty to communicate but all is good: white coffee in a glass ware mug and a slice of cake. That cake took a long time to come, and it was the most ever driest piece of cake I have ever been served! And in a place cosy like this one is unreal! Anyway, back to my abode and Felipe, Katalina and I have decided to go out for a drink and a possible meal. We end up at the same place I was in yesterday. After a feed, a few beers, and a chinwag we go back to their house, they go upstairs into their quarters while I ready myself under a blanket to watch more of the Vikings!
23- Ultima dia en Santiago! The sun is high. Let’s have a last wander around my “barrio”.
I was walking down the street, concentrating on trucking right… Finding my way back to that artisan quarter where I bought woolen scarves for my daughters. I have decided to buy one as a present for Katalina. Then, finding a supermarket for a bottle of wine as a gift to Felipe. They have been very nice, even if this is their business, they have done extra miles. While at the supermarket I get some chocolate and biscuits. A bit of local treats to bring back to Aotearoa. That last day was another good day, sunny with a blue sky, but fresh. Walking back to my lovely B&B for a last time, I stumble again on that magnificent view of the Andes covered with snow. A very atractive and vibrant “Ciudad”.
Remember my amazement when discovering that Chile is the second place in the world for the semi-precious stone called Lapis Lazuli. Well, I cannot leave this country without buying some kind of jewelry. It will be bracelets for my daughters.
Back to Katalina’s place, “Bellavista Home”, I start packing my bag. Not flying out before midnight I have plenty of time on my hand. Felipe has talked to me into watching a Chilean TV production retracing the last fateful day of President Allende. But I still have time to fit in a last episode of “Vikings”. 
Time has arrived to say goodbye to my hosts. Felipe drives me to the airport and we have a last handshake. Latam Airlines counter, all done. I get through custom, immigration and control. Settle down for a very nice orange drink on the departure area. Then, time to board. I find my place on the plane and I can hear on the seat behind two guys chatting and saying thing like”Kiwi air”. Then, those two guys became six. That was when I realised I was surrounded by a kiwi crew of fishermen returning to NZ after a stint at sea around the South Georgia island. I had one of them sitting right next to me who had smuggled a bottle of booze, while another one in the front seat had his one confiscated. I was thinking, this is not happening, seriously? I could see havoc erupting around me at any moment. I am communicating my fear to the one next to me, as he is spilling his glass onto his little folding table. Then he tries to reassure me and decides do clean his spillage with a T-shirt he had in a bag. After this, the one who had his bottle confiscated spewed all over him. This, finally alerted the flight attendants and they spotted the other bottle of booze from the guy next to me. There was a bit of a spat of force between the two parties, but quickly the bottle was surrounded. A tense time starts between me and my neighbour. Hopefully he settles down after that, as all the others. Phew! The flight from hell was avoided.
Suddenly we are awaken by the lights and a breakfast service. Half an hour later the announcement of imminent landing in Auckland is made. I decide to engage on a dialogue with my fisherman, now that he is sober. Interesting to know where he has been fishing, near the South Georgia island, what they have been fishing, tooth fish, and how long for they were out at sea. Time to disembark. Custom, bags collection, immigration and finally border control people with their dogs. From the international terminal I find my way to the domestic one. Five hours to wait my Christchurch flight. I decide to sit on a bench and watch the world of travelers/commuters unfolding in front of my eyes. While doing this, I spot among the world of unknown faces a famous one, Pita Sharples the well known face of Maori politics. Time to make a move toward a coffee and a bite to eat. Finally, my plane to Christchurch is ready for checking in, reporting to the gate and in no time, boarding.
Monday 29th of May 2017 lunch time at Christchurch airport waiting for my eldest daughter to pick me up. My holidays, adventures, journey, trip, walkabout in Chile are over. I have enjoyed every moment of it, and I am ready to go back next year.
24– Epilogue: I have enjoyed writing this blog and I hope you have enjoyed reading it, even with grammar or/and spelling mistakes.Before I close it, here are my last impressions from this Chilean trip.
The people: they have been friendly wherever I was. They were going the extra mile to help out. The country itself seems to be young and vibrant, with a lot of history to discover. Staying around Universities in Santiago has helped me toward this feeling. Now, let me write a word about a certain kind of fashion. The trend for the ladies shoe-wear reminded me of the 70’s, platform shoes and platform boots! The average height of the Chilean people is not high, so possibly, this explains that.
The dogs! Myself being a dog person I loved it. They are everywhere and they are very well treated. This country seems to be heaven for any dog.
Chilean wine: it is pretty good. Mind you, I haven’t tasted that many, as some of you might think!
The street arts: murals, graffiti and political posters are an attraction on its own. Among those colourful streets you can feel the revolutionary spirit of South America.
The Andes! Their views are magnificent. They surround most of Santiago.
Now, a quick word about drugs! By this I mean the soft one, what we would call “grass”. They have a very loose attitude toward this eco-friendly recreational drug. Seeds and every paraphernalia are openly sold in shops. However, keep in mind that the sale of any mature product is illegal.
POSTCARDS! What a struggle to start with, I couldn’t find any at all. Then, when found, written and posted, it took an awful long time to get to you, my friends. El Chilean correo es muy lento! Muy lento! Anyway… I was hoping to fit in this blog some photos, but I do not think it allows photos, so, one day, we will have to meet and I will give you the whole story behind every shot I took!
In the meantime, my friends, take care, keep smiling and all will be fine.
Didier.