After a lazy lie in and breakfast, took the metro to the bus terminal. Rather than the cheap minibus we booked, we got ushered on to a somewhat swankier bus on which we were given meals. Travelled through some beautiful scenery as we negotiated the snowy peaks of the Andes on the way to Mendoza. Shorts and flip flops were not the sensible attire for the chilly Chile-Argentina border crossing high in the mountains. Arrived in Mendoza at night, with just enough tim...

Walked up the winding path to the top of Cerro San Cristobal for brilliant views over the city and the surrounding towering mountains. Wandered back down and joined the throngs of Saturday street pavement cafe goers, where we people watched with a bottle of Chilean red.

Arriving at Santiago at 6 in the morning, brief chat with some chap as to where Rob's rucksack cover may have vanished to, before a bus and taxi to our hostal. Much plusher than we were used to (and more expensive!) we welcomed the really comfy bed and caught up on some lost sleep. After a sunny cafe lunch, wandered the streets and parks of Santiago, taking in the Friday night excitement. Watched some chess playing and musicians in the Plaza de Armas before picki...