Two objectives today after the best night's sleep in ages - get some pesos and find an adaptor for my various electronic stuff. Chile has different plug sockets to the countries i have travelled through so far - they have the European style sockets.
I found a small Mall that the porter had mentioned, and I managed to get the pesos, but no joy with the adapter. I jumped back on the bike - which felt great with no luggage strapped to it, much easier to handle. I wasn't convinced however that I had found the right Mall as it seemed too small. So I used Tinks to find other shopping centres and after a few false starts, I arrived in an industrial quarter. It did not look like this would be the right place either as it looked more like industrial units. I gave it a go and walked through the narrow doors to be greeted with an alladin's cave of designer outlets, far larger than Drake's Circus in Plymouth. From the outside, you would never have guessed that the shoppers dream lay through those inconspicuous doors. All of the famous brands could be had in this Labyrinth of consumerism.
However, trying to find an 'Adaptador', seemed nigh on impossible. I tried one last shop before I gave up. I entered and went through with my rehearsed Spanish patter and he stopped me and asked if I spoke English - probably to put himself out of the agony of my butchering of his language. I explained in English and he pulled from behind the counter just what i needed, I pulled out my money and he told me to put it away, as it was a gift from Chile. I was so touched and despite my protestations, he was insistent. In one moment of kindness this young man had made my day. He probably didn't realise that he had, but just imagine what the world would be like if we all had this attitude. I had read that Chileans often do this, as it is considered patriotic and promotes their country, which they all extremely proud of.
I left the Mall buoyant and took a ride along the promenade. The waves were up and the surfers out, but it was far too windy to sit on the beach and gaze at the Pacific. I did stop to look at a sailing ship, that reminded me of Jen's Great Grandfather who lost his life on a voyage to Chile.
I believe this is the Esmeralda an early sailing vessel of the Chilean navy
Further along the shore I stopped to admire the surfers and the few hardy beach goers - I didn't take off my shoes, nor feel the sand between my toes - didn't want to break the habits of a life time.
Less bathers than at Polzeath in midwinter
It was great to have a day of normality; not on the bike, nor dealing with hassles - even if it did include doing a morning of washing dirty clothes. Chile would be more familiar to the European visitor, even the road signage has a European feel. Their President recently said that by 2020 he wanted Chile to be considered a first world country - I think he might just do it.
Tomorrow, back to reality and on the road to San Pedro in the Atacama desert - apparently it is an adventure tourist hotspot, so might try to hire a Mountain Bike and do a bit of biking - should prove interesting as it is high altitude and I'm highly unfit.
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