LÄ PRIMERA ENTRADA

I would like to preface the first post by apologising to our legions of fans (hi mum), who have been waiting patiently for this to kick off. In setting up the blog, Kim and I wanted to keep everyone centrally updated throughout our trip, but it seems we underestimated not only how busy we'd be, but also how quickly we would trade our usual intelligent conversations and witty repartaire for lengthy discussions on topics such as the soles of our feet (which may feature in their own post down the track).

But -hurrah- finally I've dragged myself in from an afternoon siesta on the beach, and will attempt to string a few lines together...

It seems like an eternity ago, but we arrived safely in Santiago, Chile on 15 November. First impressions, nice and hot, lots of parks, lots of couples canoodling in said parks, fusion of modern and traditional architecture, plenty of colour and very clean. Santiago lends itself to a strong European vibe, with lively squares, cosmopolitan hang outs and people enjoying the sunshine... the first of many reasons to like the Chileans.

The locals treated us very well, and although their Spanish is delivered at a million miles a second, they were very helpful and quick with a joke. Although I think the blond hair is working in our favour thus far. Lets wait and see what happens in 6 weeks when the regrowth kicks in...

Nonetheless, I am ploughing on determindly with my Spanish, and Kimmy is picking up some choice words and phrases from hostels and so on. Between us we have decided to embrace the diminitive nature of the language and failing actual knowledge of a Spanish word, the acceptable solution is to add 'o'. Thus creating a series of new favourite words including bizarro, casho and shito.

Our first night was slightly more eventful than planned, with, lets call her 'Seasoned Traveller Number 1' failing to remove her bank card from the machine. An oversight which went unnoticed until some hours later and the card was long gone. In fairness, the litre of beer and jetlag were probably to blame, but regardless it was a good lesson to us both about the importance of keeping bank cards safe... cough, cough... (those of you with the benefit of foresight can probably see where the next blog entry is going).

Things could be worse, we could be like our room mate Neale, the Irish pin cushion, who had no less than 106 insect bites from his bed. Or the over-friendly but extremely green Korean, dubbed Diego as his name was too hard to remember. (Diego, if you're out there... I'm sorry for eating your bread rolls man, I blame the pisco).

Back to life in Santiago... 'local' kiwi boys Justin and Sam very kindly took us out for cocktails and some local cuisine. The food was absolutely sensational, or at least we thought so after a few 'pisco sours' which are the customary Chilean drink containing pisco, syrup, lemon juice and egg white. Very refreshing and easy to drink, but we soon learned (after demonstrating the art of interpretive dance in a renound Salsa club) that one or two piscos is quite enough. Reason number two to like the Chileans... they are hardcore drinkers!

Speaking of the Salsa though... WOW. The natural rythym and ease with which the locals move is incredible and quite entrancing. The simplest of steps look so fun and sexy, Kim and I were total imposters on the dancefloor. Even the token Beyonce dance couldnt save me this time... note to self, get Salsa lessons pronto! Again liking the Chileans for their very, very cool dance moves.

A national strike prevented us from seeing some of the major sights during our 5 days, so we spent a lot of time eating, sleeping off the persistent jetlag and enjoying many glasses of the nations finest vino. It's worth noting that the locals dont stooge when pouring out glasses either... yet another reason to like them!

Both parties agree Santiago and the Chileans alike are 'muy bacan' (very cool) and hop2 to find some more time to spend here before we leave.

Now I promise entry number two will be tomorrow... stay tuned.

xo Kate & Kim