The End (of part one)

The diary Lucy bought me before we left quotes Proust ''The voyage of discovery is not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes''. I think this has happened but we need time to absorb and understand all the things we have seen and experienced.

Statistics - 8 countries, Antarctica, 2 Continents, 15 islands

Our contribution to global warming. (if you spend enough time on buses you can work this stuff out) but we have paid our offset dues to www.climatecare.org

• Buses - 62 ......408 hours (equivalent of 17 days sitting and sleeping on buses)
• Taxes - 196
• Cars - 2 ......... 20 hours
• Trains - 2 ....... 16 hours
• Boats - 7 ......326 hours
• Planes - 11 .....31 hours

Biggest Regrets

1. That our Spanish is still very basic. I don't think my language confidence overcame the time I went into a shop and asked for a large bottle of water in my best Spanish and the lady got a toilet roll off the shelf
2. That we didn't visit the 'Bible Adventure Park' where you can go on the Creation ride and have Jesus invite you to eat with him at the last supper

Thoughts on South America from our brief experience
1. Nature in all its forms is extreme and marvelous
2. South Americans are laid back. In 6 months we have never heard a cross word, raised voice or seen an aggressive drunk. Makes you realise how stressed people are in England
3. Because they are laid back service is dreadful and often things seem to be done in a totally illogical manner - but if you can relax and let things take their course it always works out in the end
4. Too many dogs
5. Very family orientated and the children and even teenagers seem content and happy
6. The Continent is overcoming the legacy of its evil dictators and there is a feeling of confidence in the future. Interesting that so many SA countries have elected left wing Presidents and several have Presidents from indigenous people
7. Fair bit of crime but not more than you would expect in England if you travelled around for 6 months with all your money, passports and belongings with you
8. You meet some great people

We are now going home for a while to see family and friends before our next trip