Waiting for the flight home

We are currently in the middle of one of those awkward times when you have to checkout of the hotel and are waiting for the taxi to the airport. Still we have a comfortable seat on the terrace overlooking a small garden in the shade. It is a hot day in Santiago, around 28 degrees so the shade is a necessity. I do have a long sleeved shirt on and the shorts have been ditched though in preparation for a cold Britain! This morning we had a lie in and after breakfast while Marion rearranged the last suitcase I went for a walk in central Santiago.

There was much clearing up taking place after yesterday’s grand prix. Superficially the city looked prosperous, certainly more so than Buenos Aires, however there were a lot of rough sleepers and begging in evidence. There were pleasant park lined streets and I discovered what I thought was the former railway station and the municipal market. Then it was a walk to the main square that still showed evidence of the Pope’s recent visit. It is a very South American sort of place. I was looking for an iced coffee to bring Marion but being Sunday everything was shut at midday.

Santiago is a strange place; I cannot get over the feeling that I am subject to many small scams. For instance last night I asked the hotel receptionists whether businesses accepted US dollars he replied absolutely not. Yet this morning when I was paying for a local phone call on my bill he wanted US dollars and when I suggested that the bill in Chilean Pesos was more he claimed only peso payments are taxed. Odd.

Still enough of that, it has been a great holiday, Marion and I have been thinking as to where was our favourite place.

 So I include a photo of Neko Harbour on this blog that has to be one of the most stunning places I have ever visited. In deference to Marion I publish a photo of a penguin, as the wildlife was her surprising highlight. So many great memories.

There may be no update tomorrow, as we will be travelling, as British Airways do not yet have WIFI I will be unable to update you during the fourteen hour flight. Perhaps I hear sighs of relief out there is cyberspace.