Life without a fridge

We are now about 180 kilometres (110 miles) north of Santiago de Chile, on the coast. We have been leisurely driving down along the coast, enjoying spectacular sceneries: the desert first, gradually giving way to a few bushes and scrubs; orchards; cliffs; beaches with volcanic rocks scattered around; and the Pacific ocean. This area is scarcely populated, I love these somehow inhospitable sceneries: rocks, waves and wind. It is like we are reaching the end of the world (we are in a way…). I had the same feeling at the Cape of Good Hope, in South Africa. Yesterday, we camped next to a seven kilometres long sandy beach under eucalyptus trees (fabulous scent). The view was gorgeous but the ocean is too cold for a dip. There are a few people sunbathing; it is the beginning of summer season here. But still too cold for me, I am wearing a windbreaker to fend off the chilling gushes of wind, so sunbathing is a distant priority.

The area closer to Santiago is more populated, with beautiful houses perched on the rocks, overlooking the sandy beaches. I guess many people from Santiago spend their weekends there. This is where we stay tonight, in a campground, again under eucalyptus trees, but no view on the sea this time.

Our fridge is in a moody mood. Since we left Peru, it does not function properly. We suspect it is because the electrical network is now on 50 hertz whereas our camper works on 60 hertz. Or maybe it lacks gas; or it might just be have been damaged by some power surge. Would it not be easier if all countries could be on the same electrical system, with the same plugs, voltage and hertz? We decided to switch it off completely and live without it. This needs some kind of planning (or not planning actually): we cannot keep food long, so we buy it on daily basis; we also buy ice to keep it cold. Who wants to drink a warm Pisco Sour (or a warm glass of white wine for that matter)!!! This works quite well, actually and our rear batteries last longer, no need to charge them everyday anymore. I am now wondering why we needed that fridge in the first place! Actually, all things considered, we do not need much. Hot showers and… Internet; this is all we need really!