US Summertime Visit - Coast to Coast

We spent one final day in Santiago eagerly anticipating our upcoming trip to the States, catching up with friends and enjoying a bit of sunshine and warmth. We slept in on Thursday and packed our bag in no hurry to check out. We set out on foot on the streets of rainy Santiago in search of a Chilean flag badge for Jacques' collection. We were staying in the Provedencia area this time instead of the Bellavista area; and liked it much better but it was slightly less touristy. We ended up walking quite a way back to the Bellavista area where we finally found the badge and also got our excercise and worked up an appetite for the final meal of empanadas. Back at the hostel, we enjoyed the home-baked empanadas with a bottle of white wine before heading to the airport on the Metro.

We were giddy with excitement on the Metro and definitely looked like tourists with Jacques' multiple pony tails and my blonde hair. Somewhere along the way, someone must have noticed this and somehow my wallet walked away with them because when we got to the bus station, it was GONE! We aren't completely sure what or where went wrong, but regardless it was history. Luckily, they only got a few pesos (but what we needed for the bus to the airport, my driver's license and one credit card. We remained calm and found an ATM for more cash to get to the airport. Once at the airport, we checked in and made a call to cancel the credit card. All we could do at that point was wait for the flight and enjoy our last beer and sandwich in South America, sitting outside on the sidewalk with tiny plastic cups. Time to leave South America.... It was a great trip, but we were ready for the States.

The flight was quick and we landed in HOTLANTA at 6:30am. After clearing customs (Jacques' first time in 6 years) and picking up our bags, we took MARTA (the subway) to Midtown where our good friend, Jenn, picked us up. It was wonderful to see her and she was in the same shape we were - tired and a bit hungover. She won an amazing award the night before for best event and we were still consoling our lost wallet situation with our own bottle of pisco sour on the flight to Atlanta. No better place to head than Waffle House to feel better and catch up! The southern food, coffee and English were such a refreshing change and a perfect way to start our day. After filling our bellies, we headed back to her house and quickly made our way to the pool for a little sunshine. Our friend, Scott (the reason we got to South America with his kindness of buddy pass tickets), came and met us at the pool. So great to see everyone!

A short while later, we were showered and ready for another Atlanta "must do" - the Sweetwater Brewery. We were one of the first in line as the brewery opens at 5:30pm for 2 hours and nearly 6 pints (tastings) of Sweetwater. Jenn met us there with a friend, as well as an old co-worker and friend of Jacques', Mark. We had an amzing summertime Friday evening sampling various Sweetwater beers with a band and good friends to mix. After leaving the brewery, we headed back to Jenn's apartment for a braai of steak and salad. What a perfect Atlanta summer night!



On Saturday morning, we woke up to cloudy skies but it made way for a sunny day at the pool. Katrina, Andrew and Carson met us for swimming and catching up at the pool before we had another braai of hotdogs and chips. After a long day of soaking up the sun, we set out on the longest day of the year (June 21st) for a night in the Highlands. First, we met up with friends at El Azteca and then continued the fun at Neighbors. So many friends and so much fun - thank you to all for coming out! We had an amazing time and kept it going till about 3am when we finally caught a taxi back to Jenn's place to get ready for our early morning flight to LA. The early morning ended with the fear that we had lost our camera and all our pictures (AGAIN)! After much panic and searching around, we found it hidden safely away in a backpack. One too many Sweetwater's for J!













Jenn dropped us at the airport early morning and we dragged our way through check in and security to board our flight to San Francisco after our all nighter. We slept a bit to SFO and then caught a flight to LA where Adam and Cara picked us up for a Sunday braai at Nic and Brian's in LA. LA was experiencing a warm front, so more warm and humid weather for us. Catching up with our LA family was so quick but so much fun! We can't believe a month flew by already. It was great to see the cuzis and hamsters and also take care of some of our US business. Before we realized, it was time to head back to the airport and off to New Zealand for more adventures!