Feliz Navidad 2005!

Merry Christmas 2005
Originally uploaded by camandkristin.

It's hard to believe it's that time of year already! Wishing everyone back home a happy and safe Christmas and New Year- we wish we could be there to share it with you all!

Christmas Day marks the end of our South American journey. We fly to Auckland, NZ, at 11pm on the 25th and say goodbye to this amazing continent. When we first booked our flights down here we knew that we had 3 months to get from Quito, Ecuador, to Santiago, Chile, but had no idea how to do it. Turns out it's quite difficult, really... Over 85 days we have visited 5 countries, taken 23 busses accounting for 184 hours of travel (almost 8 straight days), slept in 34 different hostels, eaten at countless restaurants, and travelled more miles than we care to remember. But it has been a series of unforgettable experiences, and we look forward to the next 9 months... in places where they speak English.

Since we wrote last, we took a lightning quick tour to Argentina- crossing the border into Mendoza, and returning 4 days later. Just long enough to get the passport stamp, eat some steaks, and visit a couple of wineries. For you Amazing Race buffs- we crossed into Argentina via the road through the Andes which they featured in the "Rob and Amber" season. This road winds up the side of a mountain, and passes by Aconcagua, which is the highest peak in the Americas.

We are back in Santiago and today we check into our luxury apartment style hotel where we will celebrate Christmas with our two fellow Canadians, Ryan and Amanda from Halifax. After 3 months of "it's just for one night" hostel rooms, we are looking forward to basking in 3 star glory! We might even go barefoot in the shower...

We are looking forward to meeting up with some of Cam's relatives in NZ who, although we've never met, will be a welcome taste of home!

Once again, Merry Christmas to all!

Love Kristin and Cam.