On our way to Chile

Have any of you been to Madrid Airport?  It's humongous, I think that is how you spell it.  We got there, checked in and was told that we had to get a train to the other side of the airport. It's all very glass and steel, but in the usual Spanish way, all a bit chaotic, even though it was quiet.  They're not the most organised race. But heyho we made the flight, and it was as comfortable as any flight could be, and we did manage to get some sleep.

13 hours later we arrived at Santiago along with five other flights arriving at exactly the same time.  Needless to say it was a bit of a bun fight, but we got our luggage and fought our way out of the terminal, against a tide of people all coming the other way. Two wheely suitcases are quite useful in such circumstances.. Tee hee.

Our cab drive Monika was brilliant and we were soon weaving through the traffic to Santiago.

Well I'm in love with Chile already, and Santiago is hot, buzzing and beautiful.  We are staying in Providencia, a more residential area than the real centre of the city. We started our time here with a bang, it seems that earlier today there was an explosion at the tube station down the road, some numpties decided to blow out a cash machine with some high explosives, a bit too much it seems.  They blew the lot up and got caught.  And yesterday there was a 4.5 earthquake in the city. Glad we got here today.

Unfortunately some kind person passed on some germs to Rod, probably on the plane, and he now has a cold, and is snivelling and feeling poorly. Those planes are bad for your health.

We've been out walking and got our bearings, but think its an early night for a certain person.  We found out there is a jazz festival starting tomorrow, and if Rod is up for it we are going to do a walking tour of the city.

It was 80 degrees here today.

Looking down the Rio Mapopo towards Santiago city.  Low muddy water coming down from The Andes.