Dear All,
The plans of mice and men go astray...
The plan was to get to Santiago then fly up to Quito then to the Galapogos islands for an 8 day trip. Spent a frustrating day trying to work it out. First problem was that we needed to call ecuador and didn´t know how. Took hours to figure out that we needed a city and country code. Boy we need more spanish lessons. Next we found out that there were no flights available to go apart from today within 30mins (as if). Why? build up for Chillean independence day. Got onto the travel agent in Quito and he said that the boat now only had 1 passenger position vacant. So we are now waiting around in Santiago for a couple of days waiting for options...
Did go for a spin into town on the metro. Was fast and cheap. The train looked like it was on tracks but with bus tires. Whatever. It was really easy to get around.
Looks like a bit of a forced break for us.
Reminds me. The bus journey from Calama. What an amazing journey. Through the atacama desert then into beatiful coastal hill with spring flowers then along the rugged coast with sparse populations and small fishing villages. Can recommend. Chile also has more western construction than the other south american countries. Don´t know why yet but intend to find out.
Another day in Santiago. Visited tourist info for a few ideas. Went and climbed the hill with the large virgin mary statue and then caught the cable car back down. Metro into the city for lunch at mercado centro a large seafood market. Salmon a la plancha and fritas. Not particularly nice. Back to the hostel via a supermercardo for 1lt of icecream. Icecream is gone now. We have decided it is time to leave Santiago and start heading south. Not looking like we will make it to the galapogos despite our efforts. Heading to coastal port of Valparaiso tomorrow.
Adios,
David & Vanessa
