Hey all Am now in Santiago Chile and looking forward to flying to New Zealand tomo morning. Am off to the south island first for around 6 weeks followed by 2/3 weeks in the north island. Have only spent 2 days in Santiago, and so far the highlight has been bus journey crossing the Andes from Mendoza Argentina to Santiago Chile. The mountain views were so spectacular that they even held my interest long enough to prevent me falling asleep and headbanging my way throughout the entire journey - a first I think! From what little I`ve seen, Santiago looks like a regular European city - old and modern architecture, green parks, pedestrianised squares, a clean and fast metro and lots of shops and restaurants. Am off to chill once again in the hostel garden in the lovely sunshine. Ta ta Lindsx