The Finale

Location: Santiago, Chile

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santiago,_Chile
Santiago was the final destination on my trip around South America (for now). I was hear for only 2 1/2 days and now I must depart.

We arrived early Sunday Morning, not sleeping well on the bus I took a nap until about 9:00 am at the hotel. Upon awakening the group took a short walk around downtown. Shit it was hot! Had a horrible lunch experience the waiter was awful and the food was worse. At the end Guava smiled at the waiter and said "That was disgusting, thank you", he looked confused but saw her smile, so smiled back. I busted a gut.

In the afternoon I went on my own to see the Cathedral and Christmas Tree; not 'cause I like Christmas, but because I am always amazed to see Christmas decorations in a tropical climate. I enjoyed the street people the culture, the chaos the heat and sucked in as much as I could. In the evening we went for a Peruvian dinner, tried Chiviche, had lots of good wine, Pisco Sour and a nice risotto. Afterward we went out for another farewell night out but being Sunday there wasn't much. We ended up at a dodgy bar, with good music and bad drinks. Ended fairly early, but somehow on the way home we managed to 'bar hop' get a few more drinks and some smoke and had a fun walk home, sorry back to the hotel and continued our pow wow in our room.

Monday the girls and I had a nice breakfast at which I thought I might have drugged myself. I realize that needs an explanation. I went to put sweetener in my coffee and when I open the packet and poured the contents in what fell out of the little bag was not powdered sugar but sugar in pill form. I just looked up at the girls and said, 'I think I just roofied myself ' jokes of unwillingly masturbating of course followed. I digress, in the afternoon we headed to the Concha y Toro vineyards for a wine tour. Some of us were there to learn about vineyards, and some of us were there solely for the wine... I fell into the later group. That being said the tour was good but it was almost too hot to be outside again.

Once we got back I decided I was going to treat myself to Gelato. We bid farewell to Dwende (bye bye Peruvian guy) and went to Estrada to find ice cream. I ate a huge ice cream and when I was done I went in for Guava's left overs. I ate so much I couldn't have dinner, but I still went to check out the new group of travelers and to say goodbye to the old ones. This was it, the end was near. I was sad to go, but excited to get home.

This morning we went for another healthy breakfast, walk and said goodbye, this time to me. I have to admit I was a bit emotional. I think Guava cried, bless her, but that didn't break me, it was more when the city was passing me by through the window of a cab. I had such a wonderful trip, met some wonderful people, had a ton of fun and so many laughs. I couldn't have asked for a better trip.

I would like to send a shout out to my new found friends Guava and Sponge Bob. Honestly they are a big part of what made my trip so good. Guava has so much passion and emotion it is contagious. I was lucky enough not to catch it (kidding) but appreciated how open and honest she was about her feelings, something I've never been. Sponge is a strong, fun, independent, brilliant women. I could always count on her to make me laugh or smile when the rest of the group was gossiping or judging. Thank you both, I heart you.

Crazy (me) Guava (Ria) and Sponge Bob (Jen)