Day: 11 April 2005

I am now in Talca.

The reviews for Talca are not as good as those for Curico, but to me it seems like a better place to stay, for the following reasons:

There is more and better accommodation.
There is more to do.

I like the place.

Tur-bus Hotels
Have been staying in the Tur-Bus hotel despite my nasty earlier experience with the Tur-Bussers (everyone deserves a second chance).

Luxury such as cable TV, breakfast, an en-suite bathroom and being located next to the bus station in preparation for tomorrows departure to Pucon.

Pucon
Billed (in traveller speak) as the San Pedro of the south, complete with a semi-glaciated active volcano which you hike up the side then slide down the frozen glacier.
Also, rafting, kayaking etc.

An activity paradise no less.

Have left Santiago for little known place called Curico, the attracting factor being good guide book review and a national park nearby with geographical weirdness to offer.

Curico
Reach Curico and it seems like a shit place to stay.

Maybe its because it’s Sunday.

Guidebook
Maybe it’s the guidebook.

Guidebook writers get handed research.

When you turn up at places like this expecting a good time, it makes you think.

Real
Anyway, it is shit.

I get the next bus out to Talca.

Here I can hire a car, be myself and feel real.