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We packed, filed a flight plan and took off for the
short flight to Santiago. The weather was good. We had to get special permission to fly to Santiago from the CAA in Chile.
As we approached Santiago the Andes loomed high above
us. The entire range had snow on the peaks. South America's highest peak, Aconcagua, at 22,831 ft asl is near to Santiago - a majestic peak sticking into the sky on it's own. We have started to use the transponder
on my trike and it helps ATC direct us and keep an eye on our exact position.
We followed the ATC's instructions exactly and
landed at a beautiful little but very busy airfield. What a great setting for an airfield – in the immediate background are the foothills of the Andes.
The Swiss Ambassador was there to meet us. We had
lunch together and afterwards were given some hangar space by the club president and the test instructor.
We caught a taxi to the centre and booked into a youth hostel.
At 8 pm we went to the Swiss ambassadors residence
for dinner. We had great food and great wine. The house was huge and the whole residence magnificent. Later in the evening we went to a jazz club with a jazz enthusiast we had met at the dinner. The music was really
great. Back at the youth hostel by 5:30 am. I think the taxi driver went around the block about 10 times.
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