Hello Maitencillo (aka beach)

After surviving our delightful midnight trip accross the Andes; although admittely Stu was nearly relieved of his rucksack by a "helpful" stranger in the bus station and queuing for customs at the border when you´re asleep is no fun; we found our way to a little slice of paradise on the Chillian coast. Now this paradise is chilly until 4pm when the pacific ocean mists burn off and everybody rushes to the beach to sun bake. Oh and the water is, well see below for Kaz´s toe test reaction! But all in all its not bad. Enjoying a little home cooked food in our cabana, which is seafood all the way as the local fishermans market is well stocked. This has been a welcome change from the meat and cheese fest of Argentina, though our quest for non-mouldy veg continues.

We´re both enjoying falling asleep to the sounds of the sea in lieu of the gentle "put-put" of a two stroke taxi without a silencer or a street vender selling ice-creams (we think) at 2am.

In another inspired contribution to the local handicraft market we splashed out on some finest 100% polyester beach towels, cute no?!

Pure class!

Heading to Santiago on Thursday, to hit the fast lane again and get our fix of diesel fumes: ahhh.

Keep you posted

Love Kaz and Estuardo

Meal of the week: Fresh mussels, chez Stu

Bargin of the week: Gotta be those "mascots" (pets above).

Sight of the week: A close call between the "is he or isn´t he?" naked man, waddling up the street with only a panza cerveca (beer gut) to keep him decent (yep he was, bwoar) or the running doggy porno action in the streets 24-7. Get a room mutts!

Gaff of the week: Kaz´s ordered more of a cocktail than she wanted when asking for a Pina Colada in her finest spanish... See "pene" in spanish for more details.