does a circle have an end?

Hi family and friends

Our South American circle tour is coming to an end. As per the diagram above, we have been so very lucky to have experienced many sights from Beunos Aires in Argentina, Rio in Brazil, The Amazon, Machu Pichu, LIma and Cusco in Peru, La Paz in Bolivia, Santiago and Bariloche in Chile and all surrounding areas.

We've seen many birds, waterways, caught paranna, tasted local flavours, strolled through markets, sighted kombi vans, smiled at little children and babies, greeted, acknowledged and tipped waiters, avoided 'code yellow' street merchants, paced many footpaths, climbed staircases of stony steps and hopped across puddles. We have gazed at the events of time and absorbed the ambiance of historical churches.

We've drunk aqua con gas and aqua sin gas (water with and without bubbles), made friends with 8 tour guides and other fellow travellers, packed and unpacked our suitcases which are beginning to bulge in places, purchased trinkets and momentos for loved ones back home and most of all, been absorbed with the many cultures, customs and way of life for people in these countries where borders are over the fence or a line across the pathway.

Best of all, we have spent time with each other where the golden rule is no sulking, being brave, happy and ready for the next adventure for each day's activities.

Thank you Peregrine for a great adventure. Now we head to Antarctic for scientific lectures, landings in zodiac boats to capture the wonderful world of ice and great southern oceans.

a really bad photo of a photo but can you feel our excitement

Hi guys

the original photo is great but the quality of this one isnt the best. Its 1am in the morning and I'm a tad tired but I thought I would share this photo of Ross and I going up a chairlift in Bariloche earlier today (or yesterday).

Gee you're all going to be bored at our slide night.

Good night for now.xxxxx

a sample of pics

Bariloche, Argentina - the Patagonia Area

Hello again followers

We have spent the last day and a half in this beautiful part of the world where the Andes protect the valleys, welcome the Condor birds in search of a good home, and allow tranquil lakes to reside in the valleys.

Yesterday we spent the day travelling from Peurto Varras to Bariloche and the only way to be transported was by: Bus to Boat, Boat to Bus, Bus to Boat, Boat to Bus which was very well arranged and organised but it took all day on three different boats and included one four wheel drive bus as we motored up and over a mountain.

Our destination brought us to the town of Bariloche which looked like a place out of The Sound of Music. Very much a german theme with alpine homes, timberwork and fresh green gardens.

In winter, the district becomes a hive of activity with skiers. In summer, more tranquil activiites like trout fishing, golfing and chocolate making.

Our stay is a short one, where we bed down the night in a comfortable hotel and today we had the "Last Supper" lunch with our companions as our South America circle tour draws to a close. We return tonight to Beunos Aires to re-pack our bags for our Antarctic Adventure.

Southern Chile = a place like home

Hello to all

We have arrived and visited Peurto Montt and are staying in a nearby town named Peurto Varras which resides by a beautiful lake. The small city with its homes and gardens reminds me of home with hydrangeas, lupins, daisies and ferns. The location is about 42 degrees south, aligning with Hobart and the weather patterns.

In the distance, we see rising from the horizon hills and jagged pointed mountains. Some of which are active and some, nonactive...volcanos. We decide in the afternoon to visit one and take the chairlift to part way up the mountain where the snow greets up (and also craters!).

We feel game and come down the mountain by a steel wire flying fox, individually tied by harnesses and carabiners. I am a tad scared to start with after getting the gear on and chicken out at the last minute. I tell my South American guide, I need to walk down or catch the chairlift. Behind me, my husband gives me some orders, do it for Soft Rock, go Jenno. With that in mind, I tell myself I can do it and I overcome the sense of fear and go with it. One hand on the ropes, and one hand on the manual brake. I go flying through the air about 10 foot above the ground. And, guess what, I start enjoying the experience.

This, I believe, is one of the first times in my life that I have broken the fear barrier. Ross was great support to help me realise this.

Pisco Sour is the drink in Chile

Hi people

We have had a brief taste (and drink) of Santiago, Chile with a city tour on a glorious 28 degrees day with not a cloud in the sky, only a little haze of polution. We are shown the monumental sites, a beautiful church, residence of the President etc and head in the afternoon to a vineyard: Castella del Diablo.

The evening before we enjoy the company of our two Queensland friends and dine at an alfresco restaurant and are entertained by street musicians, who at the end of their song, pass around to collect the tips of diners.

We end up (the girls) dancing in the street to celebrate Australia Day back home. The pisco sours (national drink) make us feel young again.

Money is interesting - dinner cost the four of us $74,000 pesos which is the equivalent to $144.00 US.

Must go and catch a plane to Peurto Montt.

For now........