Well here we are, pretty much our final destination in South America barring a few days on the beach south of here to wait for our flight to LA. We're off to the SAMBADROME tonight for some serious carnival action and afterwards down to the beach to perfect our bronzing and a little bit of people watching - those tinted sunglasses might well come in handy!!!! Went to the Maracana yesterday to see the Rio cup final between Flamengo and Fluminese, the eq...

Well here we are in sunny Buenos Aires, and boy is it sunny - 35 degrees at the last count. Glad to hear that it is snowing in London, so probably about a 40 degree difference between most of you and us! Went to a Tango show last night which was pretty amazing and not too cheesy, went to La Boca and Recoleta today, homes of Maradona and Eva Peron respectively. Tomorrow, we head towards Uruguay, an unexpected addition, then to Paraguay and finally Brazil...

So here we are - at the end of the world or 'fin del mundo' as they say down here!! We have just done a Beagle Channel boat trip(no beagles spotted today though!!). Plenty of sea lions and cormorants though, Helen is adamant she saw a penguin but I think it was just a dead cormorant - maybe a beagle got it!!! Anyway, we have a Mexican night at the campsite tonight, i'm advised tequila is on the menu - memories of June 30 and our leaving do methinks!!!! ...

So we are nearing the end of the world - after several thousand miles and 10 countries we are about to enter Torres Del Paine!! Lots of hiking - 3 full days and possibly 30 miles. Having a great time on the tour so far, plenty of nice people and loads of great scenery. We have just been to the Moreno Glacier - the biggest in South America and absolutely stunning. Anyway love to everyone and keep the messages coming! Matt & Helen

Wish you were here!!! You definately wish you were - red wine is less than $2 for a bottle, and that's in a restaurant! Steaks are cheap, well everything is cheap!! Thank god for an economy collapsing - OK a touch harsh but no reason not to take advantage! Off back to Chile on Wednesday for New Year and more expensive European style living and then to start our tour on the 3rd of Jan! Have a great new year and will send another 'postcard' soon!