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All good adventures come to an end. In our case, it was a two hour flight back to Santiago. We are scheduled to land at the same time as President Putin. We are also to stay in a different hotel as the Russian delegation are taking over the Plaza San Francisco. In the event, we also travel in the same coach as them but are staying in the Bonaparte hotel in Providencia.

 

First off the plane, so I helped Paula round up the group! The fantastic blossom of the Jacaranda tree had all our attention.
Signs of the protest march that had been held in opposition to Mr Bush junior were apparent from the coach. The Rio Mapocho cuts through central Santiago in its short journey to the Pacific.

[Mapuche is the word for the original inhabitants of Chile.]

Many lovely parks and mini arboreta line the river banks.

No, not mountains, cumulous clouds over the modern part of the city.

jean (and I) enjoying the late spring sunshine. I couldn't get used to the sun being in the north, though!

Our last few hours were spent exploring the fine shops of Providencia.

Nothing old fashioned about Chilean architecture.

Walking in this upmarket area of the city was a delight, broad tree lined avenues and luxury apartments. I could live here!
Party time, and it's Pisco Sours in yet another nice restaurant setting for our farewell dinner. and that was 'it'. A great evening with a great group of people from all walks of life.

Martin did acquire a reputation for gathering small animals!

Not the peacock though, that was resident.

Later, we had a whistle stop tour of Santiago by night, courtesy of Jeans friend Lorna and her husband who chauffeured.

If its 11 am, its time to head for the airport and, eventually, home.

Nice hotel, I could stay there again.

Chile is an amazingly diverse, successful and hospitable country. It was an expensive trip, but one which provided many memories.

Thanks to Bales, Paula, George, Patricia and all our travel mates!

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