An extract taken from letters home at the time:
Day 8-9, Valdivia, Chile
Dear Tina,
10 hours later and we’re back to the same place! It’s like Groundhog Day, but without the same level of excitement or cinematic pizazz. A bridge breakdown and torrential rain has kept us in a city we didn’t care much to see, but in adventuring spirit, or stoic acceptance, we have made the most of it - Bill Murray would be most proud!
Our stomachs not quite up to the bare-boned seafood on display at the local market Feria Fluvial (semi-dry mussels and other non-identifiable shellfish strung, albeit decoratively, like edible necklaces aren’t the most appetizing thing at 10am in the morning) we found one Cafe Moro near the town square offering an unbeatable, and close (yes, we’re lazy), deal of 2,500 pesos for a menu del dia. Known here as colaciones, it’s a set menu comprising a couple of different courses, usually a drink, entree, main and dessert. They can be a little hit-and-miss, but the cool, ecclectic vibe of the place alone was enough to secure our vote, (and as I mentioned, the proximity to our persons).
The meal began with a chunky, hearty and fresh-tasting vegetable soup along with an equally full-flavoured and pulpy jugo de pera (pear juice). And despite no current disposition towards seafood, our main of seared salmon in a bed of creamy bechamel sauce, dashed with balsamic vinegar and a local variety of hot sauce swirled artistically to the side, I was, with each soft, straight-from-the-sea bite, pleasantly swept away… Let’s hope the rain tonight takes us to an equally happy place!
Love always, Yas xxx
Day 10, Valdivia, Chile (again)
Dear Tina,
Grrrr. We’re no further away from the bus terminal - and Valdivia - than we were yesterday! Staying in a hostal directly opposite said bus terminal seemed like a wise move when we arrived. “We’re not staying long,” we thought. “We’ll save money on taxis,” we thought. Alas, wrong we did think and each coming and going of each bus each hour has the unpleasant effect of rubbing in how very wrong we were.
Today is more like Final Destination than Grounghog Day - in an attempt to get out of Mendoza (the border crossing was closed for a day, which, at the time, seemed like an absolutely unbearable waste of time) we seem to, with each city jump and stamp in our passport, get ourselved more and more rooted. So our initial saving of one day has in fact cost us three, potentially five more, and a plane ticket of $289 U.S dollars. Or 136,567 pesos if you prefer.
Cranky? Yes, a little. But, Mel and I did have cocktails last night and you know how that helps. Cocktails, we decided last night, our faces bright red and words dribbling, are synonymous with holidays, and have since become a mandatory and daily requirement of our trip. (I know what you’re thinking!)
Much love, Yas xxx
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Your travels shots are amazing…
Dear Yas
Oh no! That totally sucks! Bridges down hey, can’t imagine they’d fix themselves overnight, what’s the deal with that??
I miss you too, I almost wish I was there with you, I have had a most stressful week and really could have done with your help …anyway, hope you’re having fun.
Ps, everyone LOVES your coat, I must admit it’s been a bit cold lately so I’ve been taking it out for a spin a couple of times at night. There was a bit of chocolate on the right sleeve but I think that was from all your baking! Don’t worry, I’ve already washed it out, can’t be seen around town like a little grub now can I. Say hi to Kim and Mel for me. Love you. x T