It was nice to wake up today with nothing to do but plan my excursions – think I needed a day of relaxation.

Breakfast was delicious and after, I took my pen, paper and mobile phone out onto the terrace to begin planning my next few days.

My first success was an exciting balloon trip getting the sights of San Pedro de Atacama from a different perspective. Not something I booked lightly as I was a wee bit fiert but my anxiousness was appreciated by the flight attendant – he said it was good to be a bit nervous – not sure why

It was difficult to book anything else so I decided to wait till I went down town where there were hunners of tour operators.

I hadn’t had my Fuji camera out for such a long time so I decided to take it on an outing.

I walked to the square to photograph the little San Pedro church

Walking down the road I travelled yesterday, there it was, as large as life. Couldn’t help but wonder how beautiful it would be if it was smoking. I love this volcano, it stands so proud.

Now to pick a tour operator to organise another trip. I don’t want my ballon flight to be the only thing in this amazing area of Chile.

I was kind of proud of myself, for once I bargained on the price and got quite a bit off. I’d tell you how much but my husband reads these blog posts. 🤣

Feeling chuffed, I headed back to the protection of the shaded terrace of my hotel for a cool beer. It was stifling hot and I’d stayed out in the intense sun much longer than I had anticipated.

I took this on the road home just because I liked it – maybe the effects of the sun!

On reaching the hotel, I went straight to the bar and had a most delicious cool beer. It was only 5:30pm and Dinner wasn’t till 8:30pm so I had a second 🍻

Actually, when I was sitting, I did a strange thing, I looked up how many earthquakes there had been recently around the area of the Atacama desert – wow – too many!!

Relaxing evening stuffing my face in the hotel restaurant – 2 courses, bloated and ready to burst.

Chile is well known for using edible plants with their culinary skills and this was no exception. Three tremendous flavours: Quinoa, Rica-Rica (slight mint) and Chanar syrup – totally delicious.

Early start tomorrow, pickup at 7am to go to the salt lakes. Alarm set for 6am.

Nite

😘