A farewell.

Ah, Chile, you have served me well.

Taught me the joys of an empanada.

Shown me that oxygen is optional and that smog can carry its own idea of beauty.

Treated me to a gamit of environmental experiences. Up, down, dry, wet, hot and frick´n freezing - you´ve allowed me to be inappropriately dressed for all kinds of weather.

Chile, I love thee.

But for now, this dream, this partnership if you will, must end. (I was going to say marriage, but apparently that can only occur between a man and a woman... Thank you Mr Howard.) For there is more to learn, more to see and more people to expose to poor fashion sense.

Today, I am in Arica. A town that is famous for a battle around 1880 in which the Chileans absolutely trounced the Peruvians on a big hill called the Morro. Tomorrow I take the train to Tacna in Peru. Where I will remain very quiet about this self same battle and the fact that the Peruvians had their arses handed to them wrapped up with a red bow.

But do not fret, oh ye, the most developed Nation in South America. Do not pine, peoples of the Western Coast. I swear to you I shall return. Not today, maybe not tomorrow, but probably in September.

Chile, I will miss you.

But for now, stay strong, drink more than you should and continue to engage in the most bizarre supermarket payment process that I have ever encountered.

Viva Chile!

Si´po

Rock and Roll

Paddy.