Good news!

I have worked out how to do apostrophes! ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''. Amazing.

This is just like I haven't left, isn't it? Sam, in the rain, moaning, every day. Aha ha ha. Don't worry, when I start having more interesting adventures I probably won't be able to write this so much, mercifully. Also this place I'm staying in has free internet access. And it's very wet out.

No, things have picked up a bit here. Went out for a few brews and my first pisco sour (and steak) with a bloke staying in my hostel last night which was jolly. It's still chucking it down but I did some exploring today. Not blown away by Santiago if I'm honest but I'm sure the weather has a lot to do with that. It's pretty European really with loads of traffic and, for some reason, a lot of dogs. Who seem to be taking a shine to me....maybe I should have had that rabies vacc. Saw the cathedral which is pretty spectacular. It seems to have what looks suspiciously like open confessionals...most alarming. Went to the big market and had a hearty conger eel stew as prescribed by my father. Yum. What else? Oh, you know, I mooched about, saw some more churches and old buildings and that.

Language is a bit of a struggle at this stage, inevitably. It's all a bit like the GCSE listening module: at the bus station, at the market etc. Tomorrow I intend to go into a cafe, overhear a conversation at the table next to me and take notes. You know, I have my phrases ready and spout them out and the bloke answers and I have no idea what he's saying. But I'll get there no doubt.

Going to San Pedro on Friday for a bit of desert fun. Hurrah.