Merry Christmas, Joyeux Noël or Feliz Navidad!!
Our whirlwind, 2 month circumnavigation of South America has reached its conclusion!
The final part of our adventure included a couple of days in both Santiago and Lima, before embarking on the long flight back to France where we spent a night in Nice before returning to Aurelie’s parents in Mazan just in time for Christmas.
We arrived into Santiago, the capital city of Chile after a 733km overnight bus ride from Pucon. We were immediately impressed by Santiago. Given it is a city of over 5 million people, it was extremely clean and the variety of architecture, colour and tradition gave it very much a European flavour. The only downside was the cold blast that swept across Chile upon our arrival in Santiago. The temperature literally dropped from a comfortable 29 degrees one day, to a wet and cold 11 or 12 degrees the following day. We were advised that they hadn’t seen anything like this in Chile in over 25 years…lucky us!!!
Saint Lucia square in the heart of Santiago
All around South American we were consistently advised that the best
wine in South America comes from Chile. We therefore took the opportunity to
visit Concha y Toro, a vineyard which produces Chile’s most globally recognised
wine, Casillero del diablo. We also paid a visit to the ‘red devil’s cellar’ to
learn about the legend that is - Casillero del diablo.
Shane searching for the devil in the Casillero del Diablo
It was a great day where we couldn't help but leaving without a couple of carefully chosen souvenirs, not before sampling them first of course!
Soaking up the beauty of the vineyards of Concha y Toro
Last but not least was a flight back to Lima, Peru, where our South American adventure started 2 months earlier. After exploring Lima's historic centre when we were first in Lima,
this time we decided to stay in Miraflores, an area which epitomises the modernisation and development of Lima. It is situated along the coast, with high rise apartments and construction occurring on seemingly every street and around every corner. Fortunately, some significant cultural sites such as the Huaca Pucllana, an ancient pyramid immersed right in the heart of Miraflores, have been retained.
The ancient ruins of Huaca Pucllana - Lima's version of the pyramids
After a day at the beach, and a superb Peruvian cusine that included Cerviche, it was time to pick up our backpacks for the final time in South America and head back to France.
Due to flight delays as a result of the hectic Christmas period, our stay in Nice was short, but it certainly put on a show and welcomed us back to France in fine style! Nice is a beautiful city and we will certainly spend more time there once the European summer arrives next year!
Spectacular greeting upon our arrival in Nice...welcome home!!
After not really feeling the Christmas spirit in South America, things quickly changed as soon as we arrived at Aurelie’s parents. We hadn’t spent a Christmas in France for six years, and we were both looking forward to it!
Christmas decorations lit up the house, the warmth of the fire, the emotion of being surrounded by family and the joy that the festive season brings provided a stark and welcoming contrast to the isolation of South America. Aurelie’s mother had even gone to the effort of creating her own Christmas nativity scene!!
Le crèche de Noël - Our very own Christmas nativity scene
The much anticipated Christmas dinner certainly did not disappoint! French Champagne (not sparkling wine!) flowed freely, and the combination of french delicacies included in each of the five courses was something to behold.
The magic of Christmas in France...and these were only the appetizers!!
After two months on the road, it’s great to remove the packs from our backs and settle into a comfortable bed without the thought that we will be packing up in a couple of days and on the move again!
For the next couple of weeks we will remain in the South of France, exploring the local area, enjoying the local delicacies and catching up with family until we depart on the 13th January where 3 ½ months in Africa awaits.
Aussie touch added to the French Xmas cuisine...more 'Rum' next time s'il vous plait!!
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!
Bring on 2013......!!!
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