Santiago was an interesting City. With about 5 million inhabitants and a multicultural mix of people. Ranging from spectacular exhibits of pre Columbian art to Spanish styled churches and German cafes and a really, really big flag, it seems to have it all just like most big cities. And in the center it is all within walking distance.
Flying south and seeing snow covered volcanoes (part of the ring of fire of the Pacific Rim) brings home the point that I was no longer in Kansas so to speak, but at the start of my southern adventure. Even Though it was a modern day adventure complete with intermittent WiFi and mobile coverage.
Arriving in Punta Arenas and then starting the long drive to the Lass Torres Hotel in the Las Torres National Park at times gave me the impression of being in the Australian Outback. Vast and slightly undulating plains covered in greenish brownish tussocky grass and occasional clumps of small stunted bushes. Even the sheep and the occasional rhea fitted the scene. The snowcapped peaks in the distance gave it away that, yes, I was actually in Chilean Patagonia.
Regards
Walter