Our trip to the south was fantastic. We saw a whole different side of Chile. We flew to Puerto Montt but stayed in the nearby town of Puerto Varas. The town sits on Lake Llanquihue, which is at the base of Volcan Osorno. While in Puerto Varas, we hiked to waterfalls, took a boat tour of Lago Todos Los Santos and spent a day in the nearby town of Frutillar (which means to strawberry). The whole area has a ton of German influence. It was very interesting to see the mix of Chilean and German culture and architecture. As you can see from the pictures, the houses and churches all look very German. (All my pictures are to the right of this page in slideshow format. You can click on it to make the images larger.)
After Puerto Varas, we bused over to the Island of Chiloé. We stayed two nights in Castro. We spent a full day hiking through the national park. The trails winded through thick forest and then down to a huge strip of empty beach. There were cows and horses grazing everywhere, and we also saw a fluffy mouse. At the end of the last trail that led to the beach, we made lunch (turkey, cheese, peanut butter, crackers and apple) on a log while we watched the waves.
I have a funny story about our hike that I have to tell everyone. I apologize if you don’t find it funny, but we thought it was hilarious. Along the first trail we hiked, there were several large signs indicating an Artenesia (arts, jewelry, etc.). Girls being girls, of course we wanted to check it out. We trekked a good 20 minutes out of the way to the so called “Artenesia” and at the end of the path found a small house with a wood shed in the front yard. We assumed we were lost or that it had closed for the rainy season. But no, an adorable one toothed elderly woman came outside to greet us. Grinning from ear to ear, she led us to the “Artenesia” (aka the shed). Jessica could barely fit inside; she is 5’7. Aside from the tools, buckets, firewood, and animal food the woman had approximately 6 items on display. A few wood carved utensils, a beanie, and two ear warmers. We couldn’t leave without buying something. So, we bought a wooden spoon and an ear warmer. To top it off, after we paid, she invited us to come inside for bread!!! Ahh…I love the south of Chile!!!
The weather was amazing the entire week up until Friday when we had planned to take a trip out to see the penguins. The penguin tours take off out of Ancud, but because of rain and wind, the port was closed. Although we didn’t get to see penguins, we did see seals and sea lions from the ferry.
The whole week was a big breath of fresh air. The landscape was beautiful as were the people. We spoke a lot of Spanish and spent most of our time outside. Two very important things to do while in Chile…right!
Also, before our trip, Jessica and I went to an activity hosted by the President of my host Rotary Club of Playa Ancha. We had an “once” (snacks before dinner usually around 6). We ate sandwiches, drank tea, talked about Chilean and U.S. culture and service opportunities. We will be working with one of my club’s members to set up volunteer positions at a public school in Playa Ancha. Unfortunately, I called him today to set up a meeting and it turns out he was in a car accident while we were away, so it might be a week or two before we can visit the school.
This week classes are supposed to start picking up in work load. The weight room and excise classes are open to students starting Monday. I need to work off some of the pan blanco I stuffed myself with while traveling J I will be sure to blog in a few weeks…I have some grammar homework to get to…I miss you all, and please write me!!!
After Puerto Varas, we bused over to the Island of Chiloé. We stayed two nights in Castro. We spent a full day hiking through the national park. The trails winded through thick forest and then down to a huge strip of empty beach. There were cows and horses grazing everywhere, and we also saw a fluffy mouse. At the end of the last trail that led to the beach, we made lunch (turkey, cheese, peanut butter, crackers and apple) on a log while we watched the waves.
I have a funny story about our hike that I have to tell everyone. I apologize if you don’t find it funny, but we thought it was hilarious. Along the first trail we hiked, there were several large signs indicating an Artenesia (arts, jewelry, etc.). Girls being girls, of course we wanted to check it out. We trekked a good 20 minutes out of the way to the so called “Artenesia” and at the end of the path found a small house with a wood shed in the front yard. We assumed we were lost or that it had closed for the rainy season. But no, an adorable one toothed elderly woman came outside to greet us. Grinning from ear to ear, she led us to the “Artenesia” (aka the shed). Jessica could barely fit inside; she is 5’7. Aside from the tools, buckets, firewood, and animal food the woman had approximately 6 items on display. A few wood carved utensils, a beanie, and two ear warmers. We couldn’t leave without buying something. So, we bought a wooden spoon and an ear warmer. To top it off, after we paid, she invited us to come inside for bread!!! Ahh…I love the south of Chile!!!
The weather was amazing the entire week up until Friday when we had planned to take a trip out to see the penguins. The penguin tours take off out of Ancud, but because of rain and wind, the port was closed. Although we didn’t get to see penguins, we did see seals and sea lions from the ferry.
The whole week was a big breath of fresh air. The landscape was beautiful as were the people. We spoke a lot of Spanish and spent most of our time outside. Two very important things to do while in Chile…right!
Also, before our trip, Jessica and I went to an activity hosted by the President of my host Rotary Club of Playa Ancha. We had an “once” (snacks before dinner usually around 6). We ate sandwiches, drank tea, talked about Chilean and U.S. culture and service opportunities. We will be working with one of my club’s members to set up volunteer positions at a public school in Playa Ancha. Unfortunately, I called him today to set up a meeting and it turns out he was in a car accident while we were away, so it might be a week or two before we can visit the school.
This week classes are supposed to start picking up in work load. The weight room and excise classes are open to students starting Monday. I need to work off some of the pan blanco I stuffed myself with while traveling J I will be sure to blog in a few weeks…I have some grammar homework to get to…I miss you all, and please write me!!!
It is so great to see you getting settled into Rotary Scholar life. I met with Richard Williams today, and of course we talked about you and your great work in Chile. Please e-mail me, when you get a chance -- fulford@clunet.edu
ReplyDeleteLynda
Blog is looking great. Good job on the slide show. I am glad that you are taking advantage of the outdoors. A wooden spoon huh?
ReplyDelete