Day 10: The cyclist's rest

July 7, 2017

I left Santiago around 6:30 am; I don't like big cities! I prefer small towns! I reached the wonderful sea after 20 km. I followed the south coast; it was magnificent! I stopped for a quick private swim!

The waves are rough, so I don't stay in the water too long. And bam! A flat tire! I've realized I often have problems when I stop near the sea because there are cacti, thorns, and other things that threaten the rubber in my tires! No big deal! I've become a socialist expert.

I am lucky enough to see the place I would like to visit during my last days!

I meet three friendly young men with whom I discuss marital relationships. I learn new words and expressions.

I finally arrived at the Sierra el Mar hotel after 64 km. I was supposed to meet some friends from Gatineau, but I arrived two days too late. It's an all-inclusive hotel, and I met a lot of Quebecers. It felt good to speak a little French. I met Pierre and Martine, and by an incredible coincidence, I learned that it was Martine's birthday the day before, just like mine! I met Catherine and Sergio, who told me about his device for converting a regular bike into an electric one—a solution developed in Montreal. Serge the adventurer, Line and Marie-Josée, and a whole host of other people were also there. The site is beautiful.