Valley of the moon

So after our 2am get up we flew to Calama which really is as bad as guidebook says- which is pretty bad. Martyn started off by saying he thought book was being pretty harsh but 10 mins and two blocks in he agreed with the book. Tried for trip to chuquicamata one of the biggest copper mines in the world but it was full so practised my Spanish with directions to bus. Bus found eventually hurrah practiced more Spanish and got two tickets for right bus hurrah again got to San Pedro de Atacama and wondered how come in supposedly cold Patagonia we were warm and in the driest desert in the world we were cold. Then realised we were at 2440m and it was still only 10am ish by lunchtime we were frantically looking for somewhere cool and shady. 4pm saw us leave for tour of valley of the moon and watching the sunset. Bootiful.

We have just discovered that the Paris Dakar rally is due somewhere near here in next two days. Martyn very excited and trying to work out route to see if we can watch. I think they need new sat navs if it's the Paris Dakar and they are over here but never mind. I shall plan my route around the archeological museum just in case we can't find the rally - Martyn will be pleased.
Empanadas for tea yummy more tomorrow methinks.

P.S Happy Birthday Claire!!!
PPS possibly more photos to be uploaded tomorrow as we have another easy day prior to a 4am and then a 6am start for a couple of tours around here.....