There was an interesting article in the local paper this morning about
corruption.When I was in Ecuador the locals told me (not without some pride) that Ecuador is the second most corrupt country in the world. Apparently (on a scale of 1 to 10 where 10 is the least corrupt) Iceland, Finland and NZ top the league with a score of better than 9.5. South America averages 3.5 (Africa is 2.9). And within S America Colombia scores a bit over 3, Peru 4.5, Uruguay 5.9 and Chile 7.3 It
doesn't mention the rest, but do the sums yourself.

Yes of course I've read the Other Diaries. Not seen the film as it was released in Oz just as I was leaving.

It's very interesting to see how little has changed in the last 50 years - the roads, Chilean hospitality, maté (coca tea). There are places where I *know* I've photographed stuff Che saw. I'm heartened that neither he nor Alberto had any better a relationship with mud than I do. Shame the bike broke down even more often than mine, though.

And, of course, I gather the continent is about to be invaded by film crews following Ewan and Charlie and Jude while they do the bits they missed the last time. With a bit of luck I can stay ahead of them so they can pick me up next time I fall off.