Chile

I am reminded of Guincho Beach in Portugal as we make our way up the long sandy beach, packed with 'weekenders' and holidaymakers alike, basking in the summer sunshine and rare stillness that has taken over this quaint little fishing town in the midst of its festive season. Indeed as we stroll through its streets that evening, we are overcome by the amount of people just milling around, watching the world go by, chatting away and seemingly oblivious to the intrigued stare of the outsiders: us. Curiously, few people seem to be in the bars and restaurants, keeping instead to the hustle and bustle of the streets.

It is only then that I realise that it is most likely due to the lack of disposable income available to go out, have a nice meal and a few drinks that this is the case. It doesn't seem to bother them though, as socializing is the important part, whether it be over

a drink, over a meal or standing about in the streets, in their eyes there is little difference and the latter doesn't cost anything. However, I have to say that I feel as though they are missing out on the whole eating out experience, as night after night we are spoilt with the incredible quality of the food and wine that Chile has to offer. The seafood is everything it was made out to be, and more: shrimps, mussels, crab, lobster, sea urchins and the list goes on. And the wine: let's just say we didn't manage to taste everything that was available, but we tried pretty damn hard!

As we walk further down the main street, we are reminded of missing friends. A beer advert covering a wall to the side of a supermarket pictures a windsurfer, and the

number on the sail is none other than US 12, Scott Carvill! Usually with us on these trips, we laugh at the thought of his presence despite his decision not to come, and the wisecrack he would have come up with if it had been another of us on the wall. Still, he should be happy that it was at least an advert for a beer!

As we leave Pichilemu to make our way down south, I take a mental picture of the quaint little town, its small, lively streets, welcoming inhabitants and great waves along with its beautiful sunsets and clear starry nights, clearer than any I have seen before. Chile really has been a magical experience.