Well we spent our last days in Chile in bright sunshine, although the autumnal winds began to blow. Took the car down to the coast to the surfing centre at Pichalamu - no traffic on the road - Got stopped by the police and did not have the correct paper work (quote its all your fault!) He did not speak any english so B gave him his PADI diving card which he seemed accept and sent us on the way - phew, had visions of ending up at the police station!! Wonderful coast line with very few people around, lots of fishermen. followed the coast alond a dirt track through the forested area named after the 'libertor, Bernardo O'Higgins!'. Wonderful. Evening went to an observatory on the hill top, 4 telescopes focusing on different parts of the skies. Caught a cable car to top, very clear skies and saw a very clear view of Saturn with its rings - amazing and unexpected.

Visited very modern vineyard for wine tasting - excellent. On our return got lost in Santiago and began to wonder if we were going to make it to the airport! Never saw any signs of directions to the large international airport.

After 18 hours of darkness, we crossed the international dateline and landed at Auckland 3:20am. We are now staying with friends, Julia and David for 3 days and off to visit downtown Auckland.

Really loved South America but will be glad to be able to communicate properly again (we really must learn spanish!)

Jane and Bryan