Ending the Central and South America adventure

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We've been on wine tours and out partying in the streets for Chile's celebrations, we've met some lovely people at the hostel and have managed to sleep in a dorm for two weeks. We're now packed and ready for a new adventure.

It's been roughly seven and a half months since we left snowy England and since then we've had the time of our life. Central America for five months and South America for three, I think we may have got our timings a little upside down when you compare their sizes.

South America is huge, HUGE and three months seems such a small amount of time to see and do everything that you want. We've not done too badly though; diving in the Galapagos, climbing Machu Picchu, bombing around salt deserts, boating through the jungle, speeding under Iguazu Falls, meeting up with friends in Buenos Aires and sampling some of the highlights of Santiago. If anything, the trip has made us want to come back armed with more time and some camping gear.

We have loved every minute and are so pleased to have experienced South America, but as always we are very excited about getting back to the water. We have an overnight flight (14hrs) to LA tonight with a 19 hour wait and then on to another overnighter to Hong Kong (another 14.5 hours). We're hoping that the 31 hour bus journey we took in Bolivia to Peru has hardened us to long haul flights. We shall see.

It's been a pleasure to write this blog, not only for us to look back on and make our heads spin with what we have done, but also to share with you at home. It's lovely hearing from you and what you are up to. The internet/gadgets have definitely changed the way people travel. I know that I am grateful for that little piece of home whilst I've been away.

Well, hasta luego South America and sawatdee kaa SE Asia.

Lots of love from the clouds

S&S

xXxXxXx

PS There's another blog before this one that didn't seem to want to email alerts.

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Photos

This vine is 40 years old.
Each vine gives two bottles of wine per year.

French and USA oak barrels.
Each barrel contains enough wine for 100 bottles.

Casillero del Diable
The guy who set up this winery thought that his neighbours were knicking bottles from his cellar so he started a rumour that there was a devil down there. Hence the name Casillero del Diablo - Devil's Cellar.

The stuff between the bricks is made from lime, sand and egg whites.
It must've taken a fair few eggs!

The Devil!
It wasn't a rumour.

Second tasting..
this bottle costs $100 US. It was a very nice glass of wine.

We get to keep the glasses too.
I think we might leave them with the hostel though.. It would be interesting trying to get them home.

Lightshow in Santiago
This was the start of the weekend celebrations. A light show on the side of a government building. It was very good, but with the crowds it was tricky to see.

Comments

[Lisa Sood]

Hasta luego chicos!
Bye guys! Have a safe journey to the next continent. This one will miss you!! Hasta luego y pasan bien mis amigos. Besitos! x

[M&D]

Bon voyage little ones
A wonderful seven months. Thank you for sharing and bringing it to life for us - now for the Asian adventure!! keep safe and lots of love xxxx

[Sheryl and Steve]

Adios Lisa
Hasta luego and don't forget about Glasto... xxxxxxx

[Sheryl and Steve]

Thanks everyone
for your lovely comments. Lots of love xxxx

[Cyril September 20th 2010]

Sad to leave SA
S&S Your blog is so well written that I feel I am there with you. As a result, I feel sad at leaving South America, because you have made me feel so much at home there. Of course, I haven't had to share the 17hr bus rides, for which I am grateful. So Hasta la Vista, or words like that, and I look forward to the next excitements. Love C

[Joan September 20th 2010]

What a wonderful trip! God speed for next phase of your travels. Keep safe & lots of love, Joan.