Ok so it would appear I have ALOT of catching up to do. I´m sure that to do the job well, I should probably spend until tomorrow morning sat at this computer desk, but I´m sorry... I just really don´t fancy it. So, I will write a few shorter blogs from a few of the destinations I visited after leaving Peru. I am about 3 week or so behind with the updates so I have backtracked to the beginning of my trip through Chile and Argentina.

So, according to my faithful diary, It would appear that I was picked up on Sat 22nd May from my host family, and taken to Cusco Airport. My flight was at 8am, and I was probably a little too keen and panicky about missing my flight so I turned up there at about 4.30 only to find it didn´t actually open until 5. So, the mean security guard made me wait outside in the freezing cold with lots of scary dogs and a really weird German man who was extremely drunk. Of course, he was on my flight to Lima... typical. So the flight to Lima was fine, and then I had a 10 hour transit, before my flight out to Santiago later that evening. I arrived in Lima, with no idea how I planned on filling this amount of time. I even tried to check my bag in early, but this was not allowed. Lima airport is a way out of the city, and I had already explored the highlights at the beginning of my travels so I was not too fussed about returning. I have to say, a reason for this reluctance maybe that possibly every morning whilst living in Urubamba... Cat and I would wake up to hear about the numerous horrific murders and shootings that had taken place the previous day/night in Lima. It was always very pleasant to listen to over breakfast. Anyway, I tried ot get a room at the airport hotel but they were fully booked, so I ended up checking into the hotel spa.. for 10 hours. In this space of time, I managed to waste money on a pedicure, massage, facial and made very good use of the Spa and Jacuzzi facilities. All in all, I have definitely had worse days. So following this pampering session, I boarded my flight to Santiago which was only 4 hours or so. There was a pretty good movie with Clive Owen on, so this passed the time. This did not distract me, however, from the awful turbulence that we were experiencing. I was sandwiched between a 60 year old French man who enjoyed the sound of his own voice a little too much, and a Peruvian man. I suspect they were both scared and amused by me, as I nearly burst into tears anytime the plane dropped a little bit or shuddered. I actually called the air stewardess to check everything was ok, not that they would actually have told me if the wing was falling off or anything!

Anyway, I survived! I had organised a transfer from the airport as I was landing at 2am on the Sunday. This all went smoothly, and I had a good conversation with the taxi man (he spent most of the time slagging off the Peruvians actually which was rather mean...there is a long history there). So I arrived at my hotel and was literally dying to sleep after a severe lack of the previous days. I made it as far as my room, only to discover that my coded padlock had just decided to cease to function which was lovely. So I had to beg the man at reception to find some plyers to cut it open. It was surprisingly easy to do and I was off.

I met my group that I was to be travelling with over the next 12 days or so that Sunday evening. Then on the Monday we travelled to Vina del Mar and Valparaiso, seaside resort towns about 2 hours or so out of Santiago. They were lovely towns, and an extremely popular holiday destination amongst wealthy Argentines and Chileans in the summer months. Unfortunately for us, it was winter, but it was still a lovely day out. We also sampled some amazing seafood, with extremely generous portions! I would definitely recommend the Seafood soup! It was at this point, I started my hateful relationship with the Chilean Peso. It is just totally ridiculous, and messes with your mind. 1 Pound = 794 Pesos. The denominations are massive also, so you end up carrying hundreds and thousands around with you, and every time you make a transaction you fool yourself into thinking that you have spent a fortune!

I had a little wander of Santiago the following day, but actually spent most of my time in Starbucks. It was a miserable day, and if I am honest, I wasn´t totally blown away by Santiago as a city. I experienced my first taste of Dulce de Leche in the form of a Frappicino and it was awesome! We soon set off then for our next destination... the town of Pucon, famous for being home to the Villarica Volcano. This bus journey was 11 hours. Thankfully, Pucon was a lovely location, and we had a great little hostel. The hostel was akin to a ski chalet, and the whole group were sharing one little chalet which was great for getting to know eachother a bit better etc. Pucon is an activity haven, so we had the option of climbing the Volcano, white water rafting, zip wiring, etc. I decided to go for the climb and rafting. The rafting was great, and we managed not to fall out. It was absolutely freezing however and my teeth were chattering most of the way! Due to bad weather we were unable to climb in the end despite waking at 6 most mornings and contemplating the thought of putting on all the gear! It was too cloudy apparently, however, and hence dangerous. From the sounds of it, the climb basically involves the equivalent of side stepping up a mountain (for 6 hours)... and without the skiing option of sliding down afterwards. So maybe it is best that I didn´t go! We went mountain biking instead, and enjoyed the stunning scenery. The scenery was seriously fantastic and I can´t wait to upload the photos when I can. We stayed in Pucon for 3/4 days or so, and then we went to Puerto Vallas. This involved a 7 hour bus ride, and we arrived to witness stunning lakes and waterfalls. We had a good wander of Puerto Vallas, and ate in a few good restaurants here. After a few days here we headed on another 7 hour ride to Bariloche and crossed the border into Argentina. At the border they actually offloaded ALL our bags and were going to hand check them all (there was one security guard) but he decided after a few that he was satisfied. We were very glad about this fact as it had delayed the journey enough.

Bariloche then is in Argentina. It is famous worldwide for the amazing chocolate it produces, and for being a great ski resort. It was not ski season, so I did not take part in this, instead I did indulge in ALOT of chocolate. I am not going to lie, even if it had been ski season, I would have probably opted for the chocolate. It was in Bariloche that I sampled my first Argentine steak and I am never going back. One word HEAVEN. I just cannot explain how good the meat is here. It was extremely cold in Bariloche, reaching little over 0´C. I am still unsure how I have managed only with a thin fleece for my entire trip. This may explain the flu I have recently been struck down with actually. Anyway, the clothes here are ugly and I didn´t want to invest in a huge jacket I couldn´t fit in my suitcase. I am saving space for floral maxi dresses in Brazil!

So I am waning at this point and I have nearly brought you up to date. I have covered my time in Chile anyway, and I arrived in Buenos Aires about a week ago following a 24 hour bus ride. We upgraded to a Cama bus, which was pretty much luxury with reclining seats and I managed to get a good sleep on this trip. We did break down halfway though for a few hours. Oh and during this time, the drivers kindly rooted through our rucksacks and stole thing. Other than that my experiences in Argentina so far have been great. I will write a separate blog for Buenos Aires at a later date as this amazing place deserves one in it´s own right. I will just say, however, that I am having a fantastic time here. It is a great Cosmopolitan City, with a fantastic vibe to it. I have been very lucky to have met lovely people to travel with here, and the hostel is a gem. Looking forward to the start of the World Cup tomorrow! Argentina is the perfect place to spend it, tensions are running very high. I have also found some Americans to watch the match with on Saturday...