Greetings all!
Sooo, we have spent another couple of days in Santiago and visited the surrounding towns of Vina del Mar and Valparaiso. Rodney and Matilda have been joined by a new friend of theirs: Manuel, the Chilean packback (thanks to Carlos). At this point, I feel it necessary to share with you that it is now day 6 of us wearing the SAME (ugly ) clothes! I nolonger know how it feels to be without a fleece! The problem is exacerbated by the fact that the Chileans don't seem to recognise it is winter and still insist on dining and drinking in the open air....WHAT! I think it is safe to say we were not expecting the weather, thank goodness we are heading North to warmer climes tomorrow.

We followed a recommendation in Valparaiso and went to an AMAZING cafe for lunch. We had fresh fish, locally brewed beer and other typical foods topped with the best hot chocolate I have ever had. Whilst politely thanking and complementing the chef, he proceeded to declare his love for Roses by likening her to an angel (standard) and Winnie the poo (possibly not so expected). What a chat-up line, I wonder if this approach is typical of Chilean men. On that note, we also followed a guide book recommendation for a coffee shop: Cafe Haiti. WOW I was shocked and appauled. The waitress uniform consists of a grey/blue mini-dress, wonderbra, false breasts completely on display, drag queen make-up, oh and the "bend over and smile" as she serves you your mid-morning coffee. We may not have been looking our most attractive or feminine, but a waitress was DEFINATELY flirting wirh Roses. it was disgusting to watch.

We have gotten to know some local Chileans, which has been a great experience. Roses' approach to this seems to be telling them "Tu madre es un pollo"(your mum is a chicken), funilly enough, they DO actually seem to like us.

Right, well I must love you and leave you as I have a fleece to put on!
Tomorrow: Atacama desert, here we come.

Toodles
Clara xx