I hear what you're saying, but I beg to disagree

I've not been online that much these past few days. Partly because I'm backpacking in 'style'. Which doesn't mean I always get to hostels with WIFI. 

But the style is that my back pack is being lugged by my gorgeous new pony. Introducing Isabella, my shiny brand new Chilean Honda CG125.

Yes, I hear what you are saying, "Jewlz, are bloody crazy buying a motorcycle in Chile". Sometimes, the crazy option is the only sensible one to take. Renting a motorcycle would have cost double, and well, being so little and light, she's the perfect companion. We can go anywhere!

Already she's just on 5 days old and we are pushing 2,000 km together. I've finally found a hostel with WIFI so I can update you all on my antics.

Day 1: Antofagasta - Chanaral (via TalTal)

We managed a dust storm, heavy fog, rain and found a gorgeous little beach.

If I had a tent and a hot man to keep me warm, we would have slept here for the night. By far my favourite beach thus far, and no, I'm not telling you where it is - I'm gonna come back one day with said tent and hot man!!! haha

Instead we had to push on to Chanaral, braving rain.

Day 2:  Chanaral - Copiapo

The sun came out, but don't be fooled that it means warm. Next to the coast you have the Andes. So, it's more than likely you'll actually have quite cold temperatures, and an inversion layer here and there. My jumper didn't make it more than 40 minutes on the back of my pack!

Along the way, there's a gorgeous little town Caldera with a cute church.

And also nearby, a beautiful little beach where Isabella and I had a little tumble. Blasted dogs chased us and I wasn't looking where I was going. Luckily, it was sand. AND we got a beautiful photo at the end...

Day 3: Copiapo - San Jose (the mine) - Chanaral
We had to head back to Antofogasta for the first service and more registration papers. So, an early morning start with the guy from my hotel, Peter, got me to San Jose to visit the mine with the 33 trapped miners. You can only get there if you have relatives or work there. Hence Peter's offer to take me to visit when I expressed my interest in the local's point of view.

The hole in the ground is the entrance to the mine, and the tower at the top is directly above the miners...

Along the way, we found the route for the Dakar race. Here's my impersonation of Annie Seel (pretend there's a motorcycle there please!):

I'll upload the days up until now ASAP. Now, I've gotta go get ready for dinner!

Hasta Leugo mes amigos!