Missed connections strike again

So my plan for today had been to catch a bus to the mountain town of Putre. The lady at the tourist office told me it left at 7. I get up early, I'm there shortly before 7. Bus has been gone for a while.

Qué?

Turns out it left at 6:30. Arrgh. I am not spending another day in Arica. It's nice, but I feel like I've explored it well enough, thanks.

So I grab a cab to the airport. A few too many dollars later (not to mention sitting in the airport for a few hours) I'm on a plane bound for Santiago. I get to sit next to two older Aussie ladies, the first native English I've heard in almost 4 days. We trade reading material -- one Asimov's SF mag for a murder mystery set in Baxter Park Maine. It's a page turner -- three hour flight, 3/4 finished.

My consolation is that when a similar thing (missed bus) happened to me in Spain, I didn't have any really good alternatives lined up. I must be learning something.

I'm staying near the University of Chile in a small area known as Paris-Londres. It was developed in the 19th century as a sort of "Paris, small streets" area. Very pretty on the outside. The interior decor of this hotel is more cheap-70s wood panel, though. One place that was booked full had a really nice old-hotel look to it. I may try to stay there on my way back...

Time for dinner! Hasta luego!

  

When one isn't feeling well

The best thing I've found to do when not feeling well is to check into a better hotel. It takes the sting out of being sick. I decided I was unwell enough that I delayed going to Putre (up in the Andes from Arica) an extra day.

The traveler's malady struck again, this time with enough force to convince me it was time for the Serious Medication (i.e. antibiotics). I've also been having cold symptoms, which may or may not be related. The antibiotics seem to have had a fairly good effect on the tummy rumblings, but I'm still running sweaty and coughing. Maybe a return to altitude will help.

Arica is a nice place, but there's not much to do, even if I'm spending most of my time in the room.

There's some sort of traditional dance/music festival in Putre this weekend -- I may try to hang around for it.

Hasta luego!