Book I am reading. Alex Cross's Trail by James Patterson. A true story about the events of lynching in the deep south and one mans campaign against it. Compelling and tearful reading. . I am writing this sat under a cloudless sky by a hostel swimming pool. It is 8.45am. All around there are the mountains of the Andes, in every conceivable shade of brown. The green of the garden in which I am sat is a stark contrast reminding me that I am between the desert of the north and the fertile soil of the south. It is very peaceful with only the sound of a cockerel breaking the silence as he welcomes a new day. Yesterday I finally managed to speak to a manager at my bank. My cards have now been cancelled again ... read more

But first: written on the side of a local church: If you want to use the toilet follow the path, and then down the steps. Saw a begger with elephantitis today. First time I have ever witnessed that desease so close. Put all my bullshit into perspective. Gave him my change, which is very unlike me. Egyptian kama perhaps? So, have decided to spend the weekend in Santa Cruz. Have packed lightly and left passport at the house. My Spanish is coming along nicely thanks to Andy, but also his mum Victoria, who is very patient as I struggle along tripping over my tongue as I try to communicate with her. A most wonderful woman who runs the home and clearly has her hand gently on the tiller to support her husband Ivor and her children. ... read more

Happy St Patricks day to my Irish Readers. One of the best things about arriving at a place with nowhere to stay is the pot luck of it all. Sometimes you pull a blinder, like Entretenido in castro, others, well,.... me in my best spanish- hola. ¿teines habitation para una noche.? R- ¿que? me ¿ teines....habitation...la noche? R- ¿que? me doooo yooo have a roooom por le noche? R- no adios. other times you think you are in the correct place but you are not. Take the Hostel Internacionale in Valdivia. Huge sign on the building in the compound and small building which looks like someones house to the left. Wander into what looks like a very well lived in reception area. TV, telephone,computer, crisp packets everywhere and evidence of a cracking lager session. no one ... read more

The weather has finally closed in and so it's time to head off from my lovely island, Chiloe. Have been tipped off about a fiesta in the wine growing area about 1000kms north of here next weekend (25th) and sounds too good to miss. It's somewhere in the Santa Cruz area. This will also put me close to Santiago, half way through travels and halfway up the country. Good karma all round. So to visit Pucon aswell, need to get a wiggle on. Sat on bus heading towards the ferry and it looks grim outside so made the right decision. When it rains here in Chiloe it #ing humps it down, sometimes for days on end. Been so lucky with the weather since monday, even the locals cannot believe it. All good things must come to ... read more

You know music is probably the only art form that can touch every emotion. You hear a tune and sometimes you can recall every little detail in your life at that time. Some radio shows, Desert Island Discs for example, have survived for years in this premise. Songs that make you laugh, that can make you cry, remind you of your first kiss, and the first time you made love, (of the only time if you were put off by the whole messy business).People name their children after their pop idols, cry openly when they pass away and sing their favourite songs in karaoke bars around the world.From early man ... read more