Rukawe Backpackers Santiago

... way down is when the drama started. We reached the point where we previously had to have one foot either side of the peak / ridge…..deciding that it would not be a good idea to try and cross it again the guide tied a rope through the hole in the T junction of his ice axe and then hammered it into the ice, getting the other guide to stand on it and act as a counter weight. He then ran the rope out, about 50m of rope, along the steep face we had to descend anchoring himself ...

... and near to where both Gilda and Pepe grew up. The setting was fabulous, with the Andes in view and other mountains either side, plus the weather was superb.<br><br>There was plenty of very good food, drink and chatting, plus a tour round the farm. Pepe even lent me one of his typical Chilean sombreros - as you can see in my profile pic.<br><br>Another great day, thanks for inviting me guys!<br><br>Santiago<br>Despite its reputation for smog and pollution, I ...

... so that if a car wrecks there the victim can say "Yes, I got a concussion and a broken rib from that nasty tumble off the Katie King curve." Maybe the people for whom the curves are named were in fact victims of that curve. I shouldn't joke about it, though, because the road really is steep and narrow. Near the top every vehicle has to stop and put chains on the tires, even the big Lipigas truck. I have never before ...

... was saying "antenna" as the cup holder looked like one of those set top tv aerials? So I´m off to a fine start with the plane neighbour for the flight - he thinks I´m humourless and thick. God I felt stupid but couldn´t be bothered trying to explain myself. I redeemed myself when dinner was served by plunging my fork into a piece of fruit and sending it flying onto his tray. **** it - I ain´t bothered.<br><br>Date Linin´<br><br>So back across the ...

... lived there! Perhaps they are now the inhabitants of the small tent city ensconced under a bridge in Centro? Then we were taken to Barrio Brasil to see what El Golf used to look like. It turned out to be the area where my hostel was. Plenty of lovely old buildings only 2 or 3 storeys high and painted brightly. Much nicer to walk around in. Cobbled streets. Mawww. We had lunch at a cafe that was showing the Champions League socccer final between Man ...

... Qantas club pass to use - so we made use of the open bar and cheese platter in Auckland - very nice! Anyway, we're off to get some dinner now - and then back to bed ready for our early morning flight to Lima and then Cusco.  We are officially on holidays!!

... seem to carry a spare satchel of napisan for their p**fectly starched clothes, wear strictly gold jewelry and don sunglasses big enough to cov** the wrinkles on the surrounding region of their chin. "Are they sunnies or are you coming home from your bee-keeping job love?" I snuck up behind one Madame and begun to buzz in h** ear....by h** reaction, I think I could guess how she made h** first million; she almost had me squeezed into a box before I ...

... to men, these ladies seem to love to give everyone a good view of their large fuel tanks. Even if they were pregnant it wouldn't be an excuse. - Rubbish - it is weverywhere and it smells, learn to use bins, period. - Stray dogs (many on roofs in Arequipa, Peru) - I have never seen so many stray dogs wandering the streets, it is like a real world version of Lady and the Tramp. And don't get me started on the mess they make. - Beetle cars - you can find loads of these on ...

We missed the luxury of Casa (now renamed Palacio) Gonzalo and were safely reinstalled back in the heavenly apartment by 5pm. Quick trip to the local supermarket, where we caused a bit of a commotion as a bottle of red wine dropped through a bag onto Phill´s foot..... Although we are surrounded by good restaurants, we are luxuriating in being able to cook in a proper home, so it´s reineta (some sort of Chilean fish) and quinoa for us ...

... near us. These 2 lads came over to get it and then started talking to us. One of the guys name was "Ariel" liek the little mermaid. He lifted his sunglasses up, looked at Fiona and said maybe you could be my Princess Fiona. We shuddered. Packed up our stuff soon after and went to get the bus back to civilisation. Spent the next few days in Santiago just chilling. Everything was pretty much closed because of Independance Day. Even Starbucks! We did however, manage to get a 2 ...