Parque Nacional Lauca

Today we got up early and drove 2 and a half hours up (from sea level to 5000m!! fffreeezing!) to Parque Nacional Lauca. It was spectacular yes. But not great enough to warrant that long a drive. So we went, saw and came back. Oh, I did see some flamingos. But some woman got too close and scared them all away! And I know what you're thinking, no it wasn't me! Pics are ok I guess. See what you think yersel!

So we went for dinner in our usual. Where Roberto had recommended I go for lunch, then Trevor and I went the previous evening. We had only just sat down when the guy from the next table asked me something I didn't understand. I don't understand I said. He then continued to talk to me in broken English telling me all about the difference between Chilean Spanish and Peruvian Spanish. Ok, like I'm really going to grasp any of that when I'm only just getting my head round the basics. He and his female friend then took it upon themselves to chat away to us. Sometimes in Spanish, with Trevor joining in (a year ago he understood as much as I do. Now, after all his travelling he's pretty fluent), and sometimes in English. He is gay and very flamboyant and he was getting himself very excited chatting to us! Then...get this!, they came and sat next to us! How very rude I thought! I have no interest whatsoever in listening to your stories and I didn't invite you so F*** off I thought! (sorry mum, I only thought it, honest!). I tried to give Trevor some eye contact which told him, lets get out of here, but he seemed as interested in the whole conversation as the other two! I am resigned. So I smiled and nodded in all the right places while they all had a jolly old time. My food and Gin and Tonic (with my own ice bucket) was delicious by the way so I survived by just concentrating on that!

Trevor and I parted company as he had another 10 hours of driving to do split between that night and the next day. Trevor was incredibly easy to talk to and I enjoyed his company very much although I found myself relying on him a bit too much so I need to get on with my own thing again.

Overnight bus to San Pedro de Atacama now. 10pm - 930am!