In La Serena we stayed in a lovely hostel run by a german couple. This is the best hostel we have stayed in so far: absolutely clean, great beds, hot water shower (and I mean hot), everything seemed quite new actually. The first day we used to walk around La Serena which seems to be quite european, I think there is nothing you do not get in the shops and the have surprisingly modern clothing etc. We went to the Japanese garden where all the youngsters seem to have their first experiences with the other gender...and also walked along the streched out beach. It is very relaxing here and not too many tourists around either. The day after we went into Valle de Elqui - that is very they make the famous Pisco (sure some of you have heard about Pisco sour?) La Serena was cloudy that day but the valley was absolutely stunning: sunny and hot. Lisi got me on another horse trip up the mountains and along the valley. The views from up there were amazing, really beautiful. The horse riding was much worst than the first time and I swear this time: I will never ever ride a horse again! God, was I scared! This horses were proper not like the ones we had the first time, just walking with us, no, I had to bloody ride that horse and it did what it wanted not what I wanted! So glad that I survived - not worth mentioning my muscle aches after!! Although I have to say the owner of these horses was a great teacher and soooo patient with me! Even after me shouting 3x "i am going to walk now" he stayed calm and managed to calm me down as well. Lisi however enjoyed it very much and I am sure she will be on a horse again soon! After all this exhaustion, we needed something to eat. A nice chilenian restaurant offered some goat which we tried and we were pleasantly surprised how good it was! Delicious! I am still in La Serena now, our last day here today. It is sunday and everything is closed which is a shame but it is sunny and warm. We will just chill today and wait for the time to pass because our bus to San Pedro de Atacama is tonight (another 17hours! did I mention I would not do it again?).