Warming up again!

Hurra! It is warm again! I am back to summer temperatures! :-)

First stop was lovely Valparaiso - a magical place with an unusual system of funiculars (sort of elevators), lots of cobblestone alleyways, colorful houses and graffiti everywhere! I can really understand why it is an UNESCO World Heritage Center!

Loved the seafood!

Next stop - beach life at Vina del Mar:

And my final stop was in Santiago de Chile. Even though many are of a different opinion, I actually liked Santiago more than Buenos Aires. It might not be as pretty, but it is much more relaxed and has a great restaurant and bar scene.

My last steak in South America - sniff!

Well, that was South America main land. Now I am off to Rapa Nui for four days before I fly to Tahiti where I will meet James again! Hurray! :-)

Going up North again!

After only one day/night in Puerto Williams (wished I could have stayed longer...) I am already on my way up North - with quite an usual mean of transport. When I saw the boat for the first time I considered for one moment taking the bus instead... But I dont regret using it! It actually is a ferry and it only goes once a week from Puerto Williams to Punta Arenas and the main use is to transport king crab. It has been in use for 22 years and will be replaced by a new one in the next season. What a shame as this one really has a lot of charme!

My "home" for next 40 hours (ferry on right side):

My sleeping/living/dining room:

Stunning views:

 

 

Unfortunately the weather was quite bad and we arrived much delayed at around midnight in Punta Arenas. So I thought "no risk no fun" and asked the crew whether I could stay another night on board (even though everyone else left the boat) and the staff was so cool and allowed me to do so. They even offered me proper cabine - all for myself - and the captain invited me for breakfast the next morning. Great experience!

Because of the delay I only had one day in Punta Arenas, but apart from some stunning views, an amazing cementary and lots of wind it does not offer much anyway.

Back in time...

After a fabulous time in Argentina and Antarctica I am back in Chile -  Puerto Williams to be more accurate. This is the very most southern place in the world were people live... and its "different"... but I like it a lot! Crossing over from Ushuaia to Puerto Williams feels as if I have used a time machine. It seems as if time has stand still here. Lovely place, feels special...

Dinner with the people at the hostel and lovely host Cecila who invited us all to a king crab feast!