After a lengthy journey we arrived in what Lonely Planet calls the ruff and tumble of Coquimbo. Slightly anxious that they had seen nothing but a bit of a hole on the way in the lads jumped in a taxi and headed off to Hostel Normade. Travelling through what can only be described as an industrial estate the lads arrived at a hostel that James quickly pointed out looked like the house out of the Burbs. Slightly wary the lads headed in to be greeted by the couple that must have ran the place. Not really speaking much English we checked in and soon realised once again we were the only people staying in this bloody spooky house! Slightly stumped for words and feeling like they were stuck on an industrial estate far from reality the chaps gathered themselves and with an almost un-readable map headed off to find life. This place was bloody random as within five minutes of walking from spooksville we were in the town square that was bussling with places to eat, bars and shops. This place was even packing department stores. We couldn't believe it. Headed to the shops for a look around and low and behold the security guards were on us in a flash. We were in a poor mans Debenhams with an SAS style security operation on us. At least 5 guards must have been rotated to keep an eye on us. Never mind the little s***s downstairs robbing the place. Us English guys must look too bloody shady. Not to sure if these boys understand world economics and the fact the cloths on our back are worth more than all the 1980's Adidas popper trousers they had on their shelves! Unreal and bloody uncomfortable as they are all packing in the weapon department! Having not bought anything (or again stolen anything) we cruised off for a cheeky Tele Pizza. Nice! After that we thought we'd head back to the haunted house. There we chilled and decided to watch a film. Whilst watching the film we met one of the house dogs, Rover, who certainly knew where the goods were! Friendly! After the film we headed in to town to check out the night life. Apparently at the weekend this place is pumping, and it would of been quality to be there on one, however it was a Monday night and a little quieter. Hit a nice little joint where the lads had some steak, sunk some beers and some local Pesco (fruity!) and chatted away till the early hours. Good little night before retiring to the love shack!

A little tired from all their travels the lads rose at mid day on Tuesday. Rover and his Mrs' the fox were trying to maul some dog in the garden which provided some different entertainment. After getting ourselves together we headed off. Rover greeted us at the door with his now all to familiar sniff and wanted to come into town with us. Not letting him out the gate we headed off only to find rover has got his own ways of getting out and he escorted us into town. It was crazy as it was like he was going out for the day! After mincing around the lads noticed a lot of police activity so we ducked into an internet cafe. Setting a world record stint on the i-net the boys missed some sort of Coquimbo parade. Dam it! Headed back to the shack where Rover was back and again decided to watch another film before heading out. Rover now feeling like part of the family joined us. Got ourselves ready and headed off again with Rover with us. He took us into town where he shot off with his buddies. It's bloody random! Treated ourselves to a steady little Mexican and a couple of vieno's before going back to catch some Z's.

It was up early on the Wednesday to head off for Copiapo. Had a serious bread based breakfast at the hostel - they actually spoke to us! - whilst Rover rested at our feet. It was heart braking saying goodbye to that man as we got in the Taxi he sat on the step of the hostel just watching us. I swear there was a tear in that man's eye! Rover we won't forget you!