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Woke to find power had returned during darkness. Breakfast was therefore easier to prepare. We were packed and waiting for our taxi at 7:30am. He arrived on time and we farewelled hosts Colin and Renata (who provided cheese bread for the road) and were on our way, retracing the steps of Wednesday’s bus journey. The trip was a bit faster this time, most notable for the ritual slowing of all traffic at the many speed cameras en route. The rule it seems is that one is required to slow down at these points (only). It must keep drivers alert though. We had a couple of photo stops, and a short break to buy drinks, before driving through the outskirts of Rio, down industrial Avenida Brasil, and to the airport by 12:30pm. A last glimpse of the Cristo Redentor and the Sugarloaf as we reached the airport. The payment of the taxi by credit card worked fine, and we bid our driver farewell with thanks.
Checked in and went through security to find little choice of places to eat on the airside. Stephen and Clare bought me a sticky chocolate cake to celebrate my birthday. Evidence was duly posted on Facebook. Used the free internet to check on further birthday greetings on Facebook before spending our final Real on coffee and empanadas.
Boarding took some time, but we were airborne on schedule, taking off to the northwest over Guanabara Bay, then turning left at heading via Sao Paolo, Cordoba and Mendoza on the 5 hour flight to Santiago. Read quite a bit of ‘Something Coming Through’ on the way. Nice views of sunlit Andes during the crossing, perhaps a glimpse of Aconcagua, but no GPS trace to confirm.
Landed at 20 to 8, reasonably fast baggage collection, immigration and customs, and of course, the $US117 reciprocity fee, courtesy of a recalcitrant Australian Government. Got some pesos from an autotteller and were soon in a taxi (unofficial, 20,000 pesos) to our apartment at Moneda 611 (No 72). A really special apartment, spacious, almost luxurious. Huge living room with views of the national Library and Cerro Santa Lucia, 2 bathrooms and a kitchen. Bedrooms are big too. Our hosts Miguel and Christian supplied wine, cheese, salami and the requisites for a light breakfast. Celebrated the close of the day with a late happy hour with some of the wine (Christian’s brother’s winery, a 2012 Carmenere), cheese, grapes and apple. Whisky as a nightcap before bed.
Checked in and went through security to find little choice of places to eat on the airside. Stephen and Clare bought me a sticky chocolate cake to celebrate my birthday. Evidence was duly posted on Facebook. Used the free internet to check on further birthday greetings on Facebook before spending our final Real on coffee and empanadas.
Boarding took some time, but we were airborne on schedule, taking off to the northwest over Guanabara Bay, then turning left at heading via Sao Paolo, Cordoba and Mendoza on the 5 hour flight to Santiago. Read quite a bit of ‘Something Coming Through’ on the way. Nice views of sunlit Andes during the crossing, perhaps a glimpse of Aconcagua, but no GPS trace to confirm.
Landed at 20 to 8, reasonably fast baggage collection, immigration and customs, and of course, the $US117 reciprocity fee, courtesy of a recalcitrant Australian Government. Got some pesos from an autotteller and were soon in a taxi (unofficial, 20,000 pesos) to our apartment at Moneda 611 (No 72). A really special apartment, spacious, almost luxurious. Huge living room with views of the national Library and Cerro Santa Lucia, 2 bathrooms and a kitchen. Bedrooms are big too. Our hosts Miguel and Christian supplied wine, cheese, salami and the requisites for a light breakfast. Celebrated the close of the day with a late happy hour with some of the wine (Christian’s brother’s winery, a 2012 Carmenere), cheese, grapes and apple. Whisky as a nightcap before bed.