Blogs from Magallanes, Chile, South America - page 7

Another big South American hello to you all, this time from a rather chilly Chile, where we have so far spent a week marvelling at this country's simply stunning natural landscapes. We arrived in the country by coach from Argentina, a five hour schlep that included two border checkpoints vehemently reminding us that the 'Malvinas', or Falklands to us, are in fact Argentinian ruled. At the second checkpoint, Vicky's backpack was singled out and searched thoroughly by several guards, adding delay to the coach party. Once it was established that Vicky's entry was indeed legitimate, and our beloved scrabble-like game of 'Bananagrams' was in fact a game in the shape of a banana, rather than a banana itself, we were able to enter Chilean territory. We stayed that night in Puerto Natales, a small town that ... read more

Torres del Paine We were now free and clear of any jobs and Spanish classes as we crossed back over the border into Chile for our grand finale in South America. The goal was to hike the "O" circuit in Torres del Paine national park in southern Patagonia. The trek would circumnavigate around the outside edges of the entire park, all the while setting up camp at specific areas called campementos or Refugio's. Some of these sites were nothing more than an open field to set up a tent while some of the others had huts and even a small general store to buy certain supplies, such as chocolate or beer. We planned on the trek taking us 8 days to complete, give or take a day. But first we needed to get to Puerto Natales, ... read more

This morning we were able to sleep in a bit after four mornings in a row where we were up at 6.00am or earlier!! We were on the move again today, heading back down to Punta Arenas. We were in Punta Arenas 20 days ago when the m.s. Zandaam docked there for the day. Well, Bernie and Meredith made it into Punta Arenas, that was the first day of my confinement to our cabin. Punta Arenas was going to be all new for me! Fortunately for us today's coach was departing at a more civilised hour and we didn't have to rise before the sun. After a relaxed breakfast, we were collected from Hotel Glaciares and driven back across town to the bus depot. Our seats were numbered the same as for the trip down from ... read more

We had to start early again today, this time for our bus transfer to Puerto Natales. We were picked up from the Michelangelo Hotel and driven across town to the bus depot where we had to change our vouchers over for our actual tickets. Then we had to hang around in the freezing cold waiting for the bus to be unlocked. Hmmn, just us, a few stray dogs and all the young back packers! When the driver arrived we were able to load our bags in the luggage compartment at the rear of the bus and then take our seats upstairs. Our seats were at the top of the stairs so there were no seats in front of us - just the void over the stairs. What a bonus! No-one sitting in front to recline their ... read more

Geo: -55.9833, -67.2667Today we sailed around the horn of South America. What a memorable experience it was. The kind of thing that you've just got to do. Photos don't do it any justice. The feeling of being there, in an untouched place, so remote, you've just got to be there. Aside from that, we've spent the last two days at sea.Yesterday, we treated ourselves to a paid specialty restaurant called Chops Grill "the best steaks on the high seas". It cost us $50USD for both of us but it was worth it. A quiet, cosy little restaurant with private little tables facing the ocean. Our booking at 7pm was perfect to watch the sunset. The food was excellent from starters to desert and it was a quality steak. For me, perhaps still not as great as ... read more