Hmmm.... Stick has been flying my way due to my lack of written word, but as you all know, I'm a man of few words!! Anyway, here comes el segundo blog!!

Well since it's been a while, I guess I have a lot to say, however, I'll try not to bore either yourselves or my good self with all the detail or to repeat the impressive reporting from my better half, instead i'll give you some random observations and thoughts since I last sent you some of my wisdom.

Venezuela? As a friendly Venezuelan we met said about her country, 'it's complicated'! I've got be be honest and say that the Roman thumb of fate at one point was heading in the direction of a big thumbs down, but thanks to some of the lovely Venezulan people that we met and the fact that the country has some absoultely wonderful spots, my thumb ended firmly in the upward position.

Canima? Peaceful as you like and trip to get to Angel falls and the falls themselves, top notch. Getting hammered by horizontal rain on the way back for 2hrs, not so top notch. Turning round to discover that the bloke at the front of the boat who was helping to steer our tree boat (I believe that is the technical name of the vessel we were in) was now at the back attempting to scoop water out with what looked like an empty old can wasn't top notch either, but hey that's travelling for you. :o). Anyway, after a few teething problems, which is the Venezuelan way, really enjoyed myself in Canima. Feel i also won the mozzie war, which is always a bonus.

Los Roques? Ah suki, suki now! Now that's what I'M talking about! A million different islands to visit, bevs on tap and food delivered. You've seen the pics I'll say no more. All that was left was a suitable soundtrack. Start with a little Breezin by Georgie Benson. Add a little Voodoo by D'Angelo and finish off with a twist of What's Going On by Marvin Gaye. Done!!

Onto Argentina and BA? Well now obviously city boy loves a city, but I love a proper city me and not just one that claims to be one. It's been said that those from Argentina & BA can be a little shall we say overconfident, but after spending a week in their fine city, I can see they have reason to be over confident. The biggest compliment I can give, is that almost instantly I felt comfortable and at ease in BA. Top, top quality city. I also have to say that the more than agreeable lodgings that we had (shout out to Mr R Moss) helped to enhance the positive vibes. Also you gotta love a city where come the evening, the sweet smell of BBQ is wafting trough the air. Well you'll love it if you're a meat eater. Highlights? Well food has got to be number one. Now you know I like a good feed and all, but that place was ridiculous. I'm actually ashamed to report that the place defeated me at the dinner table on a number of occasions. Outside of the quantity, the quality was outstanding. Steak that can be cut with a butter knife and that costs less than a tenner, needs no further promoting. Even though we were there for a week, the stay seemed to come to a close all too soon, but the strain that I was placing on my belt was becoming a little concerning.

On to El Calafate and back to nature. A slight change in temp admittedly, but a grateful change in many ways as for the first time on this trip, our attire matched our fellow travellers. I.e. Our fellow travellers now have winter gear and walking boots as well. Big walking boots and winter weather gear makes you look something of a k*** when you are heading to an archipelago of desert islands and general temperatures of 30 plus. Anyhow, what of the town by the glaciers? Well the majority of the landscape looks like the set of a spaghetti western. Vast areas of nothingness and very little vegetation outside of scrub and is surrounded by huge mountains. The other part is like the set from Ice Age. Incredible and again i'll leave that description to the pictures, although to be honest, they don't do it justice. Magnificent!! Once again nature has floored city boy with her charms.

Right off to Chile now!!

P.S. One final food report. Patagonian Lamb? Outstanding!!

P.P.S. Guess I'm not a man of so few words after all.

G

Chao!