We've reached Santiago

Friday 14th December

More plane trouble. Boarding was late at Miami, and took ages. Then as we sat on the tarmac, the temperature in the cabin began to rise rapidly. The Captain came on the tannoy and explained there was a fault, and we had to wait for maintenance. They arrived quickly, the fault was “fixed” and we set of to taxi to the runway.

Ten minutes later we were back outside the terminal as the fault had reoccurred. After quite a long time roasting, the Captain let us off the plane into a now closed airport to cool down. Eventually we set off about 2 ½ hours late and had the bizarre experience off eating dinner at 3 am Miami time.

Arrived in Chile about 11:45 local time and caught a cab down to Providencia. The temperature was 26 deg C, in comparison with the heavy frost at home. The days are lengthening too and it is the longest day next week.

When we came last time we sat for hours and watched battered yellow buses competing for trade along the busy avenue. Some had their destinations chalked on the front, others had seen better days. There were thousands of them, hustling along. Sasly, it has all changed. The guide book says because of the number of accidents and mortalities. They have been replaced with modern white and green bendy buses. They still compete for trade, but it is not as manic.

We had lunch on the street, near to the Hotel Torremeyor where we stayed on honeymoon. Quite a few beggars approached us, which we don’t recall from last time. On the streets they are selling tinsel, Santa hats and other Xmas stuff, and the shops are decorated with Xmas trees and snowflakes. An odd juxtaposition in the sweltering heat.

At the end of each street you can see the Andes, and snow covered peaks. They just dominate everything.

We are staying in at ApartHotel LaFayette on Avenida 11 Septiembre in the heart of the business sector.




It has a kitchen-diner, bedroom, balcony and the smallest bath you’ll ever see. No swinging cats in there. (See picture)

In the evening we went to El Heurto, which is the best vegetarian restaurant in Chile and only two minutes away. We went there in 2002 when we were on honeymoon.

This is the view from our balcony, looking out to Cerro San Christobal.