Kathryn >> Returning to the mechanic in the morning, we were told that Azulita would be out of action for 4 more days - until Saturday. Packing our bags with a few things we caught an 11.30 bus, which didn't depart until well after 12 for an hour long trip to Caldera; a small coastal town. We then found our way to our first 'hostal'. Hostal accommodation is alot like a bed and breakfast, large rooms with en suites in a house of about 10 rooms. Wandering the streets of Caldera, we met the many many street dogs, James briefly befriending a grey hound before some pizza and bed. The food, it must be noted, is in all, unremarkable. Even when we do manage to appropriately interpret the menu! Every meal seems to be served with bread and an awesome salsa of tomato, herbs and onion. Beyond that, most meals have been edible, but generally unremarkable. Chicken with rice, pizza, burgers and hot dogs (James has has 2 now, both drowning in condiments, but really generally unexciting) Despite this uninspired menu, there are thousands of small retailers offering you the same thing over and over!
While the Chileans may be holding back on revealing their gastronomical creativity, they have certainly made up for it with the exteriors of their houses! Walking the streets, each house although generally uniform in shape and size, is painted any fantastic colour that takes their fancy!