Santiago and La Serena

We had a good flight to Santiago.  I have never flown so far south before!  We were down to the 65th parallel.

We saw NOTHING for 11 hours.  Having 4 engines on our trusty 747 was reassuring!  Then an hour or so before landing, we saw this - South America!

There were mountains to the right and to the left of us as we flew up the coastline towards Santiago.  The ones out the right (to the east) were snow covered  A spectacular sight.

The pilot had to fly around the mountain before he saw the runway.  He certainly didn't train for that in Longreach.

La Serena airport was small.  There were notices about the upcoming eclipse.  This small town will have its time in the sun (or should I say shadow).

There was a map showing where the good viewing points are.

People have been very friendly and helpful.  Two local ladies helped us with the ATM.  I think they also wanted to give us a lift into town - but years of training have made us cautious.  For once, "I speaka no Spanish" came in useful!

Our hotel is basic - but solid, clean, and everything works.  Wifi is also good - I haven't had to resize the pics to post them, so you may be deluged.  Our Camino Spanish is being brushed off and getting a work-out. Had ensalada mixta con atun (mixed salad with tuna) once again!