iquique

As soon as the bus pulled out of the station I noted with astonishment that the siesta is very much alive in Chile. The coach was full and I found that I was the only one awake. It was almost as if everyone had been put into a trance. No movies, no bingo... just an endless expanse of barren, jagged desert to look at.

The approach into the coastal city of Iquique is quite incredible. The road weaves down from the heights of the Andes to a narrow strip of flatland bordering the coast. There lies the city. Not only do they have the Andes to their backs but also a huge 600 metre sand dune. I couldn't help speculate on the consequences of a tsunami to the towns folk. But they seem quite well prepared for it with rallying points, escape routes all marked out along the sea front.

Although I felt I was making good progress with my Spanish, I have become somewhat unstuck in Chile. I know they are noted for their use of slang but the accent throws me too. So I am resorting to the old reliable pleading of lingual ignorance. Silly gringo! Another thing that I am surprised about is the chubbiness of the girls. The South American girl is normally a picture of near perfect beauty so it was quite a shock. I put it down to their love of the Chilean snack, the 'completo'. This greasy little thing is just a hot dog lavished with countless condiments. Naturally I wolfed one down pretty soon.

It is a pretty town though with nice colonial features. The Plaza being very impressive. But it is a little shamed by the numerous bars with barely clothed ladies selling their wares to the soldiers garrisoned nearby. Given that my drinking curfew was still in effect I didn't get the opportunity to make any further observations!