So much enthusiasm for the next leg of the journey - not even in the air yet - it's a gift!
LOCATION: Santiago
Really, this is us homeward bound. Starteded the adventure in Santiago 39 days ago with wads of paper, loads of uncertainty and heaps of enthusiasm. Closing the journey out now with a few relaxing days here to catch our breath and reflect on the adventures we have experienced.
Another pack and go morning with preparations made a little shorter because breakfast is not on the to do list. Grateful that the hotel staff carry our luggage down the two flights of stairs and on time in the lobby for @Perina to materialise to escort us to the airport.
It was a 20 minute drive at 7 am through the relatively deserted streets of Cusco to the extremely small airport. An unusual setup here and to be honest @ Perina handled everything. We were just a tagalog. The only job we had was to sign a form that was attached to our bags that indicated they were damaged. First time we had experienced this - there was a gloved staff member who ran his hands over every surface and listed the pre existing damage to the luggage which was then compiled on a form for you to sign.
No big line up for security here. Each gate has a dedicated security line. We were ushered into a short queue, bid farewell to @Perina and Peru and guzzled gatorade in preparation for our last priority boarding.
My form continued. Barely on board, I was asleep and totally missed the dramatic takeoff and fly over of the Andes on departure from the lofty heights of Cusco.
A short 2 hours 40 minutes delivered us to our re entry to Chile and we were prepared for all questions, including the length of stay and exact address of our stay - we had rehearsed. Had a little flurry of activity as we tried to complete our SAG customs declaration at the last minute. Not that anyone asked for them and @Lloyd somehow avoided the dog sniff test to gain access with a secret stash of opened Pringles.
Met right at the gate by @Lisette after waiting nearly 20 minutes for the luggage carousel to fire up and know that we did get an energetic, upbeat commentary on our 30 minute run in to Lastarria, our third accommodation stop in Santiago. This is closer to downtown and is an artsy, food and entertainment hub ensuring we have plenty of NON eating decisions to make over the next few days.
Have to say we feel very welcome here. @Lisette and the reception staff very upbeat and enthusiastic- our energy levels weren't quite on the same scale. Happy that we could check in straight away and very pleased with size and comfort of our new home.
We unpacked - sorted the clothing options for the next few days and regrouped to take a few steps outside. What a riot. Wall to wall markets and restaurants alive with people on a Friday evening. A rotating schedule of buskers on the corner - drums, guitars, musicians. Didn't venture too far, in fact, opted to retreat back into the hotel and join the crowd in the bar for dinner and drinks with a backdrop of a guitarist/singer. We are eternally optimistic that we can eat and not run. Definitely, feeling better here at just 700 metres above sea level. But like any sufferer of tummy issues, we can identify all exits, the fastest route to the lift and have a plan of attack for reaching the banos.
Short and sweet today - we have covered the 2 900 kms from Cusco to Santiago - only got another 11 822 to go to get us home to Brisbane.
PS Bad night followed our brave food attempts. Had to call in creative bin solutions to deal with multiple choice exit options. If it weren't so funny, it could be sad.
Can you believe this?
🌆 Weird & Quirky Facts About Santiago from Co-Pilot
- Earthquake-Proof City: Santiago has been rebuilt multiple times due to earthquakes, which explains why its architecture is a patchwork of colonial, modern, and experimental styles.
- Black Market for Shoes: In the 1980s, during Pinochet’s dictatorship, Santiago became infamous for underground shoe trading—locals would swap footwear in hidden markets.
- Street Dogs with VIP Status: Santiago’s stray dogs are so beloved that some even wear reflective vests and “guard” pedestrians at crosswalks.
- Smog Blanket: Santiago’s bowl-like geography traps pollution, creating a surreal “smog ceiling” that locals joke is their unofficial weather forecast.
Survival Barometer
Steps 7 141
Weather - 6 in Cusco 19 (a little cooler than we thought) in Santiago
Health - hanging in there - optimistic tummies will improve
For Jesse: lots of entertainers right outside our hotel - these were "dancing drummers" - wild music and absolutely crazy spinning circles! Man and woman in blue are the drummers - have them on their backs
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