"That evening we reached Temuco and found a small guest house near the bus station. The Swiss guy who was feeling tired, said he would turn in. I went out for a meal, and finding what looked a good restaurant, thought I would make up for the disappointment of the previous few days by treating myself to something special. I gave my order and was brought a beer, but before the meal arrived, a waiter turned on a television in the corner of the room and all the staff and customers, many in evening dress, left their tables and brought round their chairs to watch, what was obviously, an important football match. I did not get served until half-time. During my travels through South America I have never ceased to be amazed by how fanatically people in this part of the world take their football.
 
Next morning, much to my delight, I woke to find it had stopped raining. The Swiss guy, who had risen early, was just leaving to go his own way, so I chose to have an easy day by taking a local bus back up the road a few miles to paint the picture of the church above, which I had noted on passing the previous evening. I also had a few hours in the town before finally catching an afternoon bus on to Chillan" - MH