Hola Amigos,

So, crazy girls that we are...we`ve decided to "do" Chile in 1 night and 2 half days. Hmm. We got the bus from Mendoza to Santiago which only took about 7 hours.

First though, let me tell you about our meal. So we went to the restaurant in Mendoza that is apparently the 7th best in the world. i found the list and it comes in just ahead of the Ivy in London which is number 8!!! We had to book a table so we booked for 10pm. The taxi pulled up and it didn`t really look like a restaurant. Just huge doors that you couldn´t see through. We rang the bell and the gates opened and 3 bouncer type guys were stood there. 1 had a clipboard and walkie talkie. He took our name, crossed us off the list and radioed someone inside to say that we were here. We walked to another massive door and it was opened by another guy in a suit with a walkie talkie. He was like, "welcome Lisa, please come through". it was AMAZING. There was loads of tables outside around the gardens. They had loads of candles and lanterns and inside was absoloutely beautiful. Not sure how to describe it, i`ll have to try and put some pics up.

Anyway, although it was ridiculously posh, we also felt really comfortable in there. The food was amazing!! Basically, we had starters, main courses and desserts and 2 bottles of wine between us. It was all absoloutely delicious and the whole bill came to less than 60 pounds!!!! We wanted to go again the next night!! :;-) It was the best meal i`ve ever had I think and the service was amazing!!!

Next day we did our mad dash to Chile.The drive from Mendoza to Santiago was stunning. Absoloutely beautiful as we were driving through the Andes and it was so amazing!! Worth it just for the drive.

Santiago seems nice but we didn`t have much time there. its also the most expensive place i`ve been in South America. Was nice to see it though and although it`s nowhere near as nice as Buenos Aires, it was still good to see it. Tonight we fly to Florianapolis in South East Brazil. So looking forward to it as it has beautiful beaches and it´s been a while since we`ve been on any beaches. Then last stop - Rio and then home. I can´t believe how quickly it´s gone.Far too quickly!

Oh and I have to tell you about the buses. The buses in Argentina are definitely the best!!! We travelled overnight from Buenos Aires to Mendoza and back again. It takes 14 hours and the bus was so cool. Huge leather seats which fully recline. Loads of space between chairs and so much leg room. You get a blanket and pillow too. They have flat screen tvs AND....they showed an Ashton Kutcher film, what more could I want?? :-) You get dinner and breakfast. And dinner is a hot meal served with wine!!! It is so amazing. We actually get excited about going on overnight buses. You get so much sleep on them.Oh and they also play bingo which is amusing to watch!!! :-)

Beck - we`ve taken to doing 100 sit ups every night as i`m very worried about not fitting into my bridesmaid dress!!!! That said, we`re off for lunch now!!!

Can`t believe i`ll be seeing you all in a couple of weeks.

Miss you all heaps and thanks for all your emails, it is so nice that everyone has kept in touch.

Lisa

xxxx