Although more than happy to be leaving New Zealand, I can´t help but feel a little anxious as I know that with it, I will be leaving the comforts of a westernised world. In contrast, the beauty of travelling around developing countries before returning home, means that I will appreciate the little things so much more. I am excited though, not just at the afore mentioned prospect, but also for feeling emotions other than boredom.

And so, Aotearoa (the land of the long white cloud) is now far behind me and as I begin to make my way closer to home, I send you spanish greetings from Chile - "¡Hola Mi Amigos!"

After a turbulent flight from Auckland to Chile´s capital, Santiago, departing at 17.30 on the 1st August and landing at 13.00 on the 1st August, the 17 hour time difference has hit me hard. Thank God for the fantastic Bed and Breakfast Casa Newen, it is like being at home - warm, clean, comfortable and very welcoming; the electric blankets are a God send during the freezing cold winter nights.

In an effort to fight the jet lag, my first full day in Santiago was spent visiting Cerro San Cristobal. Here is a small mountain where on top stands a huge statue of the Virgin Mary. To reach the summit I boarded the teleferico (cable car) and managed to view the huge city below - Extensive economic growth over recent years has transformed Santiago into one of Latin America´s most modern metropolitan areas; not at all the developing country I had imagined. The city has some of the continent´s most modern infrastructures including the Santiago Metro (which is amazingly spotless and totally graffiti-free) - From the top, as well as the statue and city, I had a fantastic view of the Andes which separate Chile and Argentina and pratically run the length of the long, narrow country - they make a stunning backdrop to the city, especially in winter when they are covered in white snow. Once I had soaked up the views, I headed back down via the funicular (tram) to a suburb known as Barrio Bellavista. Bellavista is full of restaurants and cafes and so it only seemed right to join the locals and eat at one of the many places.

My first impressions of Chile are good, Santiago is very westernised - I have struggled with the language barrier but armed with my phrase book, I am eager to learn and at least try and communicate. The locals are friendly and helpful but I think being in the city, they are used to useless tourists. The real test will come once I leave the capital; next week I am planning to join a bus tour and visit southern Chile.