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I wanted to write this blog before leaving Chile, but as everyone knows not everything goes to plan. Our expectation was to write blog, load photos at the airport, but we found that even though it was a huge, modern airport - no wifi!! I have to tell you that seeing young folk and 'techno addicts' unable to access their regular 'fix' was an interesting sight. They struggled with the art of conversation, so many stayed silence and had a fixed glare.
Our brief visit to Chile was an unexpected treat! We thought a one night stay and a day in Santago would be enough, well, we never really thought about it. Well, we were wrong! Very wrong! It is a place I would absolutely recommend - we loved it. Our apartment was amazing, with those little touches that really make a difference - the table was laid with wine glasses. The bed linen was white and crisp, the apartments were well proportioned and in such a brilliant location - Santa Lucia Hill, smart, buzzy place with bars, art, theatre, restaurants. All for £30.00 a night!!!
Santiago is a very beautiful city, it's modern with beautiful, clean buildings; the people have a real love for their country and they want the visitors to share the love. There are real problems, this is very evident with the size of the shanty homes as you get closer to Santiago, but there is so much building going on. It feels like an exciting place to be.
I digress a little, this blog is about our bus journey from Mendoza to Santiago. We knew the scenery would be spectatular- our Airbnb accomodation in Tunuyan, was not only the most beautiful so far, the backdrop of the Andes was stunning, although it lacked atmoshere and company- we needed friends and family to arrive, it was a wonderful place for a party. We were a little unlucky with the weather though, as the majority of the time was spent under heavy cloud which meant that you couldn't see the Andes. The only time that this was possible was as the sun rose and you were able to catch a glimpse of the Andes and their majestic beauty. It was nature in control. The clouds teased their audience and produced the most amazing show. The cloud formation moved consistently, revealing different snow capped peaks. The light was simple stunning and then in moment it changed and the Andes disappeared.
The day before the journey, we found that due to the heavy rain,there had been a rockfall on the road to Santiago and delay were to be expected - no one could could say for how long.
The bus left Mendoza at 10.30 am - the sky was blue and absolutely cloudless. Our front row seats on the upper deck, did not disappoint the the moment our journey was under way the views were fabulous, you didn't know whether to look left or right- the endless 'cholocate milk' river flowed down and down as we climbed up and up. the sight to Tupangato and Aconcagua reared up - majestic and respledent, where earlier clouds had impeded our viewing, now the clear skies and sunshine just made the snow glistening in the sunlight. Comments on Trip Advisor about altitude sickness and people being sick seem to show that you can't always believe what is written on reviews.
After three hours we were at the boarder - we knew that this could two hours, as boarder control is strict and rigorous. You go through passport control and all bags are checked. It was at this point a man, a lone traveller, came to all our attention. I had noticed him earlier, perhaps in his late 50's, silver haired , rather unkempt and slightly odd complexion, but I had averted my gaze and dismissed the thought. That is until his luggage was pulled to one side, as the scanning machine had identified 'something.' Two officials opened the bag and thier eyes bulged. Instantly all of the passengers were alerted to the situation. Whispering and more officials, in total six, they all looked in the bag and their eyes bulged as well, questions were asked; you could almost feel all of the passengers standing on their tiptoes looking in anticipation of what 'might' be in the bag. The coach drivers face said it all , we are going to be so late -as the silver haired man was led away to a nearby 'room.'
The coach waited and waited at the boarder, everyone made their guesses and relayed their thoughts, as refreshments were served. After forty five minutes the coach set off again- one passenger less and what ever made their eyes bulge will only be left to our imaginations!
As the boarder is high, the only way down was the zig zags - twenty five bends, totally unbelieveable, slow but sure the coaches negogiated every bend, close to the edge. It was busy both ways with lorries, cars, motorbikes and many coaches. The descent was breathtaking, I closed my eyes as Jeff wished he was on a motorbike and enviously looked as the bikes passed at speed down the dramatic bends. It was like being on a slow 'theme ride' as you heard the sound of the gasped and laughter in surprise of what they were encountering. It must be one of the most remarkable piece of road construction in the world. The journey went on and on - there was more delays as there was a rockfall, but we were quite fortunate. Eventually arrived in Santiago at 7.30pm - two hours late, we were grateful that we were not, as two other traveller of our age, going to the airport. It was a bit of a close shave as their flight was at 9.30pm.
We arrived in Auckland early yesterday morning and a new adventure begins.
- comments
The Meat Pie Boy I've just loved your Blogs from South America !! Have a Great Time in New Zealand
Barbara So pleased you appreciated bagging the best seats on the bus! Fascinating - keep the blogs coming xx
Fiona That journey sounds fun!!! Front seats of a double decker bus down such a huge descent! Fine as long as the roads are wide, smooth and well lit...which I'm guessing the roads weren't! When is your next adrenalin fuelled adventured planned for?! I do hope that you've planned to see some cricket while in New Zeland and Australia?! Take care, F xxx
Tracey W Just been catching upon the blogs - loved the SA blogs - we so want to visit the Andes! Can't wait to see what you think of the City of Sails and the rest of NZ. Don't forget the green lipped mussels!!! xxx