Santiago, Chile

The final chapter in my South American odyssey took me back to Chile, this time to Santiago, the nation's capital. Like many major urban areas around the world Santiago is quite unspectacular at times with numerous unattractive high rise buildings being a dominant feature. The city is more modern than other South American capitals and there are significantly fewer old buildings on show for the eager architecture loving tourist than there is in Buenos Aires and even Lima. Of course there are some nice old buildings and churches but there is nothing that makes your jaw drop in amazement. In addition the central plaza is quite drab with ancient buildings and ugly modern apartment blocks making an unfortunate mixture.

However what Santiago has got is an absolutely stunning setting, beaten possibly only by the marvellous city of Rio de Janeiro in this particular category. The Cerro San Cristobal, a reasonably high hill situated in the heart of the city centre, provides an incredible panoramic view of the entire metropolis from above and its surroundings. I was completely blown away by how stunning Santiago looks from afar with the monstrous Andes Mountains towering above and almost completely surrounding this huge endless city. There is no doubt that I was extremely fortunate in that my viewing pleasure was enhanced by a beautiful clear sunny day, something which can be a rarity at times in the capital of Chile, a place that unfortunately quite often suffers from smog problems. Everybody talks about the incredible backdrop that makes Rio de Janeiro so beautiful but after visiting Santiago I cant help but admit that the view from above here is almost as amazing and quite underrated and rarely mentioned by fellow travellers.

Santiago also provided me with an opportunity to taste the strangest alcoholic drink imaginable. The name of this beverage is Fanchop and I was introduced to this bizarre drink by a local woman who insisted that it was very popular in her country. The ingredients of this? Beer (of any variety) mixed with Fanta Orange in equal measurements. Strange I hear you say? I am in full agreement but there is no denying how delicious it is. Not a cost effective method of boozing though if in a bar or nightclub!

So after ten weeks my adventure around the magnificent continent of South America comes to an end. I have seen and experienced so much, from the buzzing large cities of Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires to the wildlife of Puerto Madryn, the vineyards of Mendoza, the outdoor adventures of Bariloche and the Inca Trail hike. Incredible scenery was witnessed at the glaciers of Patagonia, the overwhelmingly enormous Iguassu Falls and the glistening lagoons and vast salt flats of Bolivia. Cusco and Machu Picchu provided no shortage of fascinating history and the gorgeous towns of Paraty, Colonia and Valparaiso epitomised this continents amazing cultural heritage. Delicious food was gobbled with the Brazilian All You Can Eat BBQ and the Argentine steak deserving particular mention, and who can forget the Caiprinhia and Pisco Sour, beverages with the potential to turn the most staunch pioneer into an alcoholic. The last 10 weeks have provided so many great memories and stories and I have met some great people. A time that will never be forgotten.

One final thing about South America that needs to be mentioned is that the so called "danger" of this continent is grossly over hyped and often it is those who have never been here who are the people that are quick to write of this amazing land mass as being barbaric. I am delighted to say that I have not had a problem at all and almost all people that I have met throughout have been nothing but accommodating and helpful towards this delighted gringo. Obviously one has to use common sense when travelling here and it is imperative to not take any silly risks. However if you are going to go walking on your own to La Boca or to certain parts of Rio de Janeiro then you really deserve to return with absolutely nothing but your shattered dignity! You will of course always hear some horror stories with one English couple describing how their bus from Sao Paulo to Iguassu Falls was hijacked by gunmen who robbed absolutely everything they possessed. This type of thing is extremely rare however and generally speaking you are no more likely to be harmed in big cities here than in places such as Chicago or London, as long as you are sensible. Once you move to the smaller towns crime is practically unheard of. I just hope that by writing this little piece people who may be hesitant about visiting South America will be convinced to get over such unnecessary fears and experience the amazing culture and scenery this place has to offer.

Tonight it is time to fly out to Auckland in New Zealand for three and a half weeks of adventure around both the north and south islands, beginning with a U2 gig on the 26th November. Seeing Bono and the boys certainly ain't the worst way to begin the next chapter on my continuing travels. In the words of my kiwi friends, SWEET AS!