Six Sitting in the cold mist of Santiago airport, waiting to assault the next continent of discovery, my perceptions of Australia were based on hope rather than experience. How wonderful to find the reality even better. The last few thousand mines through Central and South America had been hard. From New York to New Orleans, from Mexico to Panama, relentless torrential rain tormented me. Colombia to Chili, and the penetrating cold became my enemy, made worse for having my leather jacket stolen.
Accommodation costs higher than anticipated and camping out unpleasant and dangerous.
All this the traveller takes in his stride, but the feeling of isolation due to my inability as a linguist struck a lasting melancholy note. The British method of speaking in a slow loud voice does not work in eight Spanish speaking countries of my acquaintance. The depression caused by loneliness was overwhelming. The Triumph, being British, did not complain about the temperature or being constantly wet. In fact there have been no complaints from the throbbing beast at all, despite the abuse and low octane petrol.