Argentina to Chile

We had to be at the bus station at 7.30 for our 8 o clock bus across the border to Chile. It was a long process boarding as each bag had to have a sticker and part of our tickets torn off and matched up with the sticker numbers. There was a harassed young British couple who hadn't booked but really didn't want to wait for the next bus at 16.30. The bus operator told them to wait to see if there were any no shows. At 8 they sold them tickets and loaded their bags. As we reversed out the backpackers whose seats the Brits had taken turned up - too late. Most likely they had gone to the centre of town where the bus station used to be and is still shown on maps. Also there are no signs from town to the new location - I suspect this is a regular occurrence.

It was a long old journey and the first part was very quiet as most people slept. We got to the Argentinean side of the border crossing at 12.50. We had to queue up to have our passports stamped. There was a very large sign about the Malvinas - that's the last time we will see this, thank goodness.

A mile down the road and it was all out again. First to have our passports stamped to enter Chile then to have our hand luggage screened and give in our customs forms. The Chileans are very hot on their prohibition of fresh food and plants. Meanwhile all of our stowed luggage was investigated by two sniffer dogs. The dogs indicated an issue with several bags including Martin's. He had to take it in for extra screening. Possibly the dog smelt the washing powder as we had been very good about not bringing any food. One chap had to empty his bag. He had cigars which had set the dogs off but was allowed to keep them. I wanted to take photos but wasn't allowed to. Finally at 13.30 we got back on for the last 30 minutes of the journey.

We are in Puerto Natales which is more of a working town than a touristy spot although it is the gateway to the Torres Del Paine National Park. I don't feel small! From the look of it so far the Chileans are a small race.

Our B&B is super. The owner works in timber and has made a lot of furniture etc for the rooms. He also bakes bread so I am looking forward to breakfast.