We made it in fine style to Santiago on time with no dramas (incredible flight over the Andes - first look at Aconcagua (highest mtn in S America). Our first interaction with Latin America resulted in a lift to the Marriott Hotel in a dubious looking privately owned car - not quite what we had in mind but it did the trick.
The Marriott (free due to Dave´s previous life as an accountant) proceeded to look after us in fine style and upgraded us to a Business Suite on the 24th floor - fab views and free food and free booze. We had a leisurely swim and sauna (I dont know what people talk about when they say this travelling lark is stressful). We were both laughing as we wondered into a posh hotel with rucksacks and in walking boots - the porter that showed us to our room asked if we had lost our luggage when we told him we were away for 3 months!
Got to airport at 4am on 08 Sept to be told our flight to Lima had been delayed (by 7 hours!) - meaning all connections and accommodation in Cusco are now defunct. Now trying to organise night in Lima followed up flight to Cusco tomorrow - now know exactly why we people talk about travelling being stressful. Taking a zen like approach and trying not to sweat the petty stuff. Although the free breakfast of a shite croissant and rubbish coffee was fabulous.
Spanish coming along very slowly - our best phrases are I dont understand´¨and ¨Do you speak english¨- much needed lessons on the way.
Adios Amigos
Ness and Dave
