Santiago

We arrived in Santiago a little weary after our twenty-four hour direct coach. We'd heard many people complain of how this city is horribly polluted due to the fact that 40% of the Chilean population reside in and around it's area, but as Londoners this ends up being a trivial gripe, and to be honest wasn't something we really noticed.

The political, economical and financial Capital of Chile is beautifully set, sitting in a wide plain with the magnificent Andes in full view. Compared to home, it's streets seem very neat and tidy, and it's architecture is very 'big-city' while the suburbs tend to exhibit large mansion style buildings, although some are in need of some serious repair.

On our first night we met up again with Tom and Lisa who we spent time with in Cusco, and also had one last night on the town with Tim (the more laid-back half of the warring couple from Iqueque). Finding a really nice hostel run by an American guy who had previously made his fortune in banking, we all contented ourselves for our last few days in South America; blasting, fighting and racing away on the chipped Playstations and X-Boxes, cracking balls around the full-sized pool table and table-tennis, or lazily slouching in the lounge in front of one of the eight-hundred movies on offer. It's safe to say we were all a little sad to be leaving the continent, but new and exciting things were waiting for us in New Zealand which kept spirits high, and the entertaining nature of our final sleeping place did much to keep the mood light. Along with their ridiculous cat and dog fight show!

Sightseeing around the area consisted of little for us: journeying to the metropolitan area by an ultra-clean, ultra-modern tube system that would put London to shame and quick perusals in the many shopping arcades and markets; a quick tour around the Plaza de Armas and a look in the huge Cathedral, in fairness, only to escape the strange guy who had taken up station some five-feet behind Sarah and was making strange movements inside his trouser pocket.

On meeting a girl from Wellington who was at a loose end, we all took an afternoon to visit the nearby San Cristobal hill, taking the Funicular to the top and it's panoramic views over the city followed by the cable car over the top of the hillside park. At it's base lies the bar and restaurant infested area of Bellavista, where we sat and whiled away a couple of hours in the small market and one of the many streetside cafes.

Our last few days in South America were probably not as exciting and wonder-filled as the rest of our journey here may have been, but it dealt us a pleasant last few days in which to relax in preparation for the hectic month to follow and the new experiences that waited on the other side of the Pacific. Our time here will be something we will never forget, and definitely one we intend to repeat in the near future. With still so much to see and do, there is no doubt we will have plenty to choose from...

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