Santiago

Of all the cities I have visited in South America this is the most modern and first world but it lacks the flair and sophistication of those in Argentina.

The city's European colonial history goes back to the 16th century.

Panaramic views of the city can be seen from Santa Lucia.

The city has wide streets and modern infra-structure with a mixed bag of buildings. Several streets in the central business district have been turned into pedestrian malls. Like many big cities smog is a huge problem.

No sitting back to have a chat with friends or relaxing with a newspaper while savouring a coffee. Stainless steel counters and standing room only.

Going home

Bike is all packed up and ready to go. It arrives in Sydney at 7am this Friday ( 17-04-09 ).

I arrive in Sydney at 10am on the following Tuesday. From there I have a short ride home to Hamilton.

Decisions had to be made as to how I was going to get the bike back from Chile to Australia.

Jorge Neira, the guy I met in Irquiqui, put me in contact with a shipping agent in Valparaiso. He also put me contact with a German/Chilean who would accommodate me and help with documents as well as building the crate. The total cost for freighting by sea/container was approximately $1400 USD. Had to wait two months for delivery.

After all the problems with sea freight to USA!!!!!

Qantas freight was a couple of hundred more but delivery was immediate. Decided on the quicker option.

Rode the bike to Santiago airport freight terminal. Located an agent and within a couple of hours the bike was packed and arrangements made. The way to go - no worries about getting crates, delays, etc.

One last crossing of the Andes into Chile.

Mendoza, Argentina is situated on the eastern side of the Andes mountain range. From that city the snow capped mountains can be seen. Mendoza is known as the premier premium wine growing area of Argentina.

Just thinking about crossing the mountain range again to get to Santiago, Chile made me restless.

It turned out the crossing was the tamest and easiest but very beautiful nevertheless.

Having crossed the mountains the wine growing theme continued on the other side of the Andes in Chile. This time looking west the vines can be seen in the foreground.

Che - you know who!!!!!

His name was Ernesto Gauvara Lynch. Che was the name his comrades gave him.

All bikers have to start somewhere and Che started on a motorised bicycle.

Che and I have so much in common. He was a qualified doctor and I went to a doctor once.

He was a Marxist and I am a bit pink or left of centre.

He spent most of his adult life fighting wars and I am always in trouble.

The list goes on and uncanny isn´t it. ( Come on allow me a bit of self delusion. )

How about the old Norton he travelled all through Central and South America on? He did it before most of the roads were sealed but hey where he went so have I been too.



The little museum had his family photos and documents. His certificate to practice medicine, etc.

I thought Fidel Castro´s signature was worth a photo. He signed the visitors book when he visted in 2006. My signature is in there now to.

Motos are king.

Bikes ( motos ) are everywhere but nothing over 150cc. Ok the
occassional 250 if you want to prove something or just enjoy bigger bikes.

They ride like they drive - typical of the all the Latin countries I have been to - fast and furious.

My 1200cc gets a lot interest as you can imagine and here I am King of the Kids.

Mendoza

What a drop dead gorgeous city!

Apparently the city was destroyed by an earthquake last century and the city was designed and rebuilt with wide tree lined avenues.

Wine growing area of Argentina and I am not here by chance. Excellent wine, beef, coffee and bread. The weather so far has been fine and warm. Gone to heaven.

You can see the snow capped mountains in the Andes from the city. Crystal clear water flows through the open channels.

Got another couple of days here - Yee Haaa.

Cordoba

Liked this city a lot - beautiful, beautiful. A mix of old and new that works. Cafe and coffee culture with a touch of European style.