Another nice day in Miraflores. We had a shopping list before returning to the high places, so attended to those this morning (new flip-flops and haricuts for Abbey and Harold, more sunscreen, a t-shirt for Pauline). Then helados (ice cream) in the plaza. Ice cream is one of the things that Limeños don't do as well as Santiaguiños. Next a bit more shopping, lunch and then into the hotel for homework for Abbey and reading/naps for adults. Tonight we will get out to see a waterfountain display at a park in town that we understand is quite good. Hope to upload some photos later.... read more

Today we travelled from Santiago de Chile to Lima Peru. Chile and Peru have competing claims to the origin of the Pisco Sour drink, so in the departure lounge of the Santiago Airport, the bar is called 'The Last Pisco Sour'. The plane ride today offered us our first example of poor service in almost a month on this continent. We were seated a few rows behind the curtain that separates business class from the rest of the cabin. While the crew were removing lunch trays, the aisle to the back washroom was blocked, and yet the flight attendant in the front section wouldn't let an elderly couple move forward to use the front washroom. They had to wait in a growing line that shuffled along behind the cart as it made its way to the ... read more

Our day started at 5am by rocketing up the side of the mountain from San Pedro at 2200 meters above sea level to over 4300 meters. The van was driven (flown) by a guy named Walter, who could have driven it with his eyes closed. Our guide Pablo started with this briefing " We've got a 90 minute ride up the mountain in the dark and will return on the same route in the daylight. So don't worry about missing anything if you sleep on the way up." This turned out to be a sick joke, as I would have had an easier time sleeping on a roller coaster. Not only is the road up and down like crazy, it's 50 percent washboard. Abbey gets queazy from a combination of the ride, change in altitude, and ... read more

Today was our last day in this, the central part of Chile, and is also the end of the 'self-guided' portion of our trip. With the experience we've gained and the additional comfort with the language, we would feel comfortable with a 'plan as you go" trip around Chile and Argentina using mostly buses. That style would afford more flexibility, and give the opportunity to see more interesting towns and cities. We have really enjoyed the two homestays we've had. At first, you're naturally uneasy, but we find that the more we interact with locals, the better the overall experience. And nothing forces that interaction like sharing a kitchen. The next portion of the trip has been arranged with the assistance of a travel agent, and with the experience we brought to the table at the ... read more

We've made a point of trying as many traditional Chilean foods as possible. Chilean salad, Pastel de Choclo, Congrio and Reinata fish, empanadas, and humitas. They have all been great, but there are a few modern Chilean foods that we've acquired a taste for as well.... read more