Into the Latin Quarter (by Joe)

Santiago may not be one of the world´s greatest cities (rather grey, low-rise, sprawling and polluted to be honest - see top), but it nevertheles feels great to be in Latin America, and to begin the final quarter of our trip.

We both like the feel of being in Spanish culture very much. Laura speaks the language fluently, I am enjoying learning it, and we both love the temperaments of the people, which seem to be served double-strong south of the equator.

Chile is one of the more developed countries in South America, and we´ve enjoyed the cosmopolitan cafe culture and buzz of early evening shopping in central Santiago. Walking around the city centre we´ve come across terrific food markets, big Spanish colonial architecture (see left) and games of chess played in public squares (see right/ below).

But we´re not staying here long: before it gets too cold we´re off south to Patagonia for big nature, hiking, and to meet up with our friends, Rick and Tasha, who will be joining us for a week. It´ll be a taste of home: we´re looking forward to that very much.

Joe