So San Pedro de Atacama is close to the driest desert in the world. Not a place to arrive with no cash of any kind and a bank card that's playing silly buggers.
Managed to make it to my excellent hostel, recommended by two Chilean guys I'd met after the Bolivian jungle tour in Rurrenabaque. Easy to remember - The House of the Rising Sun!!.
So after talking to a guy who made it all sound easy (yes, my male vanity came into play), I hired a bike and set off to have a look around. Armed with 600ml of water, I set out for a 2-3 hour trip. The first place I went was called the tambo de catarpe and it was utterly amazing. Had to take the opportunity to do some yoga :)
So I then set off to the dunes near the valle de la luna, the other side of a tunnel, hoping to then be able to return the next day to do some sand boarding. The terrain looked roughly like what you can see here. Obviously these are not my photos as my camera was out of action.
After failing to see the dunes, I got to this passage way through to the next valley.
The valley of death... There was a sign saying that it was 10km to the next emergency phone but no discernible end to the trail. As I was turning to leave I saw a car speeding across the middle of nothingness in the distance, but thought.... no way. It may look ok now but what if I get lost etc.
So I tried to get back to the tunnel. And failed to find it. So I went back to the passageway above, and then tried again. And failed again. I'm big enough to admit I was shouting for help by this stage, but I didn't completely panic. The people below obviously weren't as inept as me.
So with about 20ml of water left, I took the only option left, went back to the passage way AGAIN and set off into the valley of death. Sweet...
Long story short, I made it to the highway which aforementioned highway and got to the top of the first very long hill expecting to see San Pedro in the next valley. It wasn't. So 5 hours into the ride and a bit tired to say the least, I flagged down a vehicle to ask how far was left and it was a small truck with a dog on the open back. They told me it was far and offered me a lift I vey gratefully accepted.
Needless to say, I took a day off the next day. Then went to Santiago to see Viviana who I'd met in Mexico City in October, 2010!!! First, I spent a day chilling in the centre while Viviana was at work. The plaza de armas was really nice...
And then it was off to the smaller houses and quiet streets of Providencia.
Was great to spend time cycling around her neighbourhood and hanging out with her lovely friends. I did a nice little outing to the Fine arts museum (bellas artes) but it was closed, so all in all it was a really untouristy week.
So it was then time to say a huge thank you to Viviana and head to Valparaíso, to see them for the first time since Christmas 2010 in Oaxaca.
Lots of love to you all,
Steve
xxx
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