"The journey  up to La Serana involved changing buses at San Felipe, a small industrial town about 100km to the north east. It was a dreary ride through an industrialised area, made worse by grey, overcast sky, and an almost choking atmosphere. I could well understand why my guide book had chose to totally exclude mention of this area. 
 
I had an hour to wait in San Felipe, spending most of the time having a meal in a cafe. While there I got talking to a fellow passenger who was studying English and was keen for some practice. When the bus arrived we sat together and I found him a most engaging person to talk with, making this long journey pass quickly. From San Felipe the road heads back to the coast where the skies cleared and the desert seemed to start. From here, the view of the sea and silver sand beaches, with the odd patch of greenery was quite scenic.
 
 At La Serana I left my companion to continue his journey north, while I walked the mile or so into the town from the impressive new bus station. I soon found a room at a small hotel in the old part of town, then set off to have a quick look at the place before it got dark. LaSerana was quite unique, having been designed and laid out as a new town in the mid 30's, by the then president of Chile who came from the area. My first impression was one of curious fascination, and I felt I would have to spend at least a day to have a good look around. 
 
Next morning after breakfast at a charming restaurant next to my hotel, I set off to see the town and change some money. In Chile the banks don’t change money and it is necessary to find a cambiar, the Spanish word for change. As I was unable to find one in the main street, I asked someone and was directed to the far end of town; it was a change alright - but a garage doing oil changes. As for the town, it did not turn out to be quite as interesting as I had first thought, even so, I had an easy day and was able to find a few things to sketch" - MH