Shortly after arriving at our hostel in San Agustin, and after filling the bike with fuel from the much needed gas station, we were told about the local football match that was about to kick off.

With nothing else to do that evening, we wandered down to the "stadium".
In a natural rock bowl the "crowd" ( a few hundred, but this was probably most of the town) was gathering. Cars and motorbikes were parked right next to the perimeter fence for a really close feel.

As it was such a big local event, there was a TV camera and radio commentary stations set up. One commentary "box" was up the rock wall.

With us still not knowing who was who, the match got underway. The team in white were the better and we assumed San Agustin side, as the team in blue were told to change their shirts 3 times before the game started due to colour clashes for the TV. We were just surprised they had 3 entire sets of kit with them.

As the temperature dropped, as in to 25 degrees instead of pushing 35, the game heated up. There were penalties (3), sendings off (2) and some scuffles.

When goals were scored rockets were set off, car horns blared and engines reved.

After a very tense second half the home side came through in the last minutes to win 3 - 2 (their goalie had been sent off). The (single) police officer in attendance had to escort the very vocal opposition goalie off the pitch at the end, before he got himself into further trouble.

Great entertainment for 10 Pesos (£1.50/$2)

We have also found a way to lighten our load.

In the searing heat as we headed north I noticed that the bus and truck drivers were being more friendly, waving at us and flashing their lights. How nice.

Later at a fuel stop I noticed the bag containing Jean's waterproofs were over the rear indicator and went to move them.

It was the left rear indicator. The one over the exhaust. Which was of course just under the plastic top box, with the spare fuel in. Things may have got little warmer had a full flame erupted.

There was not a lot left of her waterproof overjacket and pants. Or her Cath Kidston bag (Jean - sob!).

Cath Kidston bag ! No wonder we have no space. I need to check what other things she has ferreted away.

Oh well, more room for the pillion. And another shopping trip needed.

Some picture Links

Chile - http://tinyurl.com/sam2-chile

Argentina - http://tinyurl.com/samii-arg