Just landed

Bulli stayed on to explore Peru and Bolivia and I took the sweet business class flight to Brisbane (courtesy of my frequent flyer points). Mum, Dad, Kellie and Kay were waiting for me. For about the first week I was getting heart palpitations as it all started sinking in...

Went to Caxton Street and the rugby Saturday night with Rob M, Shane and Carly. The sight of the little XXXX man above the Caxton reminded me I was home again...

Santiago

To wrap up my leg of our South American travels we had a few nights in Santiago, having bussed across from Mendoza.

We stayed at the huge la Casa Roja and Barrio Brasil. I really liked Santiago, but I can see why people don't want to live there long term - a cloud of smog trapped by the Andes really does hang low over the city.

Transport was great, all the neighbourhoods were distinctive. I enjoyed our morning bike tour the most, great summary of the city and fun and easy way to get around. Horse riding in the hills looking back to Santiago was also a really good day out.

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Mendoza streets

Big wide streets, autumn leaves draping over them, five relaxing squares and a beautiful park...

Hostel Lao wine tasting 101

John the winemaker from Oregon took the time to share with us the beginners guide to wine tasting...

Mendoza vines

Words to come...

Across the Andes

View from the bus - switchbacks aplenty. Happy to have three border crossings behind us...today was a breeze compared to the earlier 14 hour melee

Flight of the Malbecs

Getting to Mendoza is a story for another day, but once we got some sleep after our epic border crossing, we tried the Malbec selection at the Vines of Mendoza...