Brian's travel adventures: The Journey Begins

Day 1 - The Journey Begins

Melbourne, Sydney, Auckland, Santiago

Thursday, 22 August 2013

We were up and on the go at "stupid o'clock" this morning and at Tullamarine by 345am. Nothing really opened up until 4am. I must say that Terry was extremely helpful at the check in counter and got us all sorted. There were some strange happenings with boarding passes but we were all good to go in the long run. Terry, you're the best.

A short flight to Sydney saw us arrive ahead of schedule and we were off to the International Terminal to go through customs. I must say the airport was very busy. People everywhere, heading off to all sorts of interesting places I am sure. Not really a lot of time in the airport. Just enough to have a quick look around the "cheap" duty free. Interestingly, the 8gb SD camera card in the airport was the same price as the 32gb card I bought in JB HiFi! Rip off!!!

2 hours and 40 minutes to New Zealand. I could my self nodding off during the emergency instructions from the cabin crew. Next thing I know, we've been in the air for half an hour and its time to eat once again.

Auckland Airport. Nice to be in transit. Stretch of the legs. Seems a bit silly that you have to go through security yet again. We're just getting off the plane and back on!!! Back on the plane and off to Chile. Eleven - twelve hours will not be fun, but it must be done!

Arrived in Santiago at about noon local time. That made it about 2am in the morning Melbourne time, so we had been up and about for just over 24 hours. A nice shower was in order which made me feel almost human. Mariana, our guide picked us up. We also met Roberto, our local guide for this part of the journey.

Mariana took us for a walk, we were able to exchange for some local currency and we went and had a look at Parque de las Esculturas (Sculptures in the Park). We could see the Gran Torre Santiago (Grand Santiago Tower). Stopped for a coffee and chat, then back to the hotel. Heading off for dinner about 730pm, then a good night's sleep! We have a late start tomorrow, leaving the hotel around 830.

On a side note, Ian and Bernie Davey. My retired business manager, Ian and Bernie Davies. For those who know my Ian and Bernie - what a coincidence!!!!!

	Melbourne Tullamarine [Map]		Tullamarine check-in [Map]
	LAN airlines [Map]		Map of South America [Map]
	Gran Torre Santiago [Map]		Gran Torre Santiago [Map]
	Gran Torre Santiago [Map]		Parque de las Esculturas [Map]
	Parque de las Esculturas [Map]		Parque de las Esculturas [Map]
	Parque de las Esculturas [Map]		Parque de las Esculturas [Map]
	Parque de las Esculturas [Map]		Mariana, Ian, Bernie [Map]
	Lesley, Jan, Ray, Wayne, Glenis [Map]		Brian, Mariana [Map]
	Gazza, Carolyn, Belinda [Map]