8/11/2010

A few unexpected events today. We've had a couple of nice days just relaxing in Cafayate, then managed to get to Mendoza in time to do a wine tour on Saturday afternoon, which was interesting but it was mostly red wine which I don't really like so was just a nice sunny day in the vineyards for me. Sunday was a relaxation day at the campsite, with a swimming pool, and today we got up early to make the drive to Santiago. Unfortunately when we went to get our passports out of the safe no one could find the third key so we ended up having to break the padlocks off. After a few hours drive we reached a roadblock where we were told the pass to Chile is closed because of snow and we won't be able to cross today. Now we have made the drive back to Mendoza to hope the snow clears and we can get across tomorrow. Luckily none of the people leaving the trip had flights until tomorrow night, except for one guy who has to fly today to get to an interview in the States. He is now trying to get a flight from Mendoza to Santiago, fingers crossed it all works out!

10/11/2010

We made it! A day late and a very long trip to get here but last night we arrived in Santiago. The border opened but of course had two days of traffic trying to get through. It took six hours queuing to get through and we didn't arrive until after 10pm but we're here and I get to have my birthday in a city instead of on a drive day.

Better yet I got to go to the zoo! The zoo here is on a hillside looking out over the city. It's quite big with all sorts of animals but I found it a bit smelly and the enclosures aren't the best. It was fun and I got some animal time so I'm happy.

We went up to the top of the hill to look out over the city, and had a look at a market, and now it's siesta time to get ready for dinner and drinks tonight.

12/11/2010

A good night out in Santiago followed by a drive day yesterday brings us to Pucon. A nice touristy little town where I'm spending a day relaxing. Tomorrow we cross back to Argy to Bariloche.