600m
Last day in Santiago, last day in South America.
Not a lot happened today. I went for a 3 1/2 hour walk around Santiago, looking for something to do as the haze prevented me from wanting to pay the $30US and go up the tall tower.
So, summary.
It has certainly been an interesting, exciting and eye-opening trip.
The food has been amazing, including piranha, Guinea pig, guanaco, vegan ceviche, roasted palm-larvae and quinoa in many forms and colours. I have some of the best steaks ever, and some of the worst. The beer and wine certainly matched the food, including several varieties of cervosa which tasted of chocolate.
The hotels have ranged from Cusco (friendliest, and best overall) to over-the-top in Iguazu, to stupidly expensive with Habitas to WTactualF in Riobamba. The staff have been genuine and caring in the most part, at all times (with the one exception being Eurobuilding in Buenos Aires) trying to be understood and meet our needs.
The guides have been personable and caring, sharing a lot of themselves as well as their country, with Dirk being the absolute paragon. I have learnt so much about the pre-history, the Inca, the current political and economic climates, and how the jigsaw fits together.
The company has been mostly convivial but has certainly reinforced with me to never travel with Charlie again.
Stand out memories are certainly too many to list them all, but SkyLodge, Iguazu, Brazilian BBQ, Bolivian Altiplanico, PeruRail from Puno to Cusco and being next to my sister and having our photo taken at Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf would be the highlights.
Thanks also to MattMatt and KatieGirl for looking after the person who allowed me to come here, my love, who selflessly (as always) indulged me to continue my passion of travelling even though I always wished that she was with me. Sue, Ugg Boo Toast!
Signing off.