Happy Monday - Talca, Chile to Auckland, New Zealand

Morning chaps,

Last week we headed north to Santiago, our final stop in South America. We arrived on Tuesday with the plan of relaxing and chilling out ahead of our flight to NZ. And we did just that! We stayed in probably one of the best hostels we've come across on our travels so far. A super clean house called Magic House run by a sweet lovely couple who constantly go out of their way to make your stay comfortable. It was also a great place to meet fellow travellers as we met so many interesting, friendly people during our four night stay.

On the first day we just wandered around the old part of the city, Barrio Belavista...

Rachel at the top of a hill

Its really common to see performers run out in front of cars during a red light to try and get some tips. These guys were a particular favourite! 

The next day we teamed up with a girl from our hostel and went off to find The Museum of Memories and Human Rights, a really well thought out and moving exhibition detailing the terrible years during the Pinochet regime in Chile...

Naturally we could not take pictures inside the museum, so here is the exterior

After these intense two and a half hours, we walked around central Santiago, found a beautiful park, bought some cake from a street vendor and experienced this diverse and beautiful city.

Santiago train station

Historic monument, skyscraper and mountains...what a city!

Street art in the making

After more wandering we headed over to Barrio Belavista for a scrumptious supper and red wine on a roof top, perfect end to the perfectly touristy day...

Well earned platters!

On out last day in wonderful Santiago, we decided to check out the poet Pablo Neruda's house. We must admit that we did not really know much about him, but we now know that he had a great life and an AMAZING house, a rabbit warren of interesting rooms, decorated with objects from his travels and love of the sea. We also bought one of his books of poetry, so we'll let you know how that goes...no pictures allowed inside the house I'm afraid, but the outside was just as interesting...

Artwork he had commissioned 

After our cultured morning we had a picnic in Park Forestal... And some great ice cream, pineapple and ginger!

The next day we killed time until our flight to New Zealand!!!

The weeks highlights:

Best food: Our platter in Barrio Bellavista was just what the doctor ordered, empanadas, steak and some healthy greens, pineapple and ginger ice cream in parque Forestal and a mince and cheese pie in Auckland! Yay to flat whites being back in our lives!!

Love Monday Funday: Once again our quest for a Monday Funday was hindered by the need to travel, but it certainly felt very special indeed to spend our Monday arriving in Auckland and having a long leisurely breakfast with great coffee. Also after three long months, I finally got a hair cut!

Number of hours on a bus: 3

Number of hours on a plane: 13

Number of awesome coffees: 4

Have a great week everyone, tomorrow we pick up our campervan, exciting!

Lisa and Rach xx