Chile

Feb 9, 2016

pluses so far

in mid-70s every day

lots of gorgeous women (European and European/indigenous mix are standouts), butts range from larger latina size to tight and firm

people are friendly, helpful, smiling, flirtatious, happy, talkative  (even ones wanting to pick your pocket!)

markets full of the sweetest fruits (strawberries, cherries and nectarines are superb)

lots of people using the metro, walking, biking, rollerblading.....folks more fit than back home

super efficient crosswalk lights and polite driver etiquette make it easy and safe for walking

 

minuses

American Airlines lost our luggage.  Received a day and half after landing.

Airbnb apartment pics really distorted what truly exists.  50% accurate

Put a few more videos up on Youtube, and will trying uploading some every few days.

Feb. 14, 2016

Saw your friend's pics.  Interesting.  We are actually in Northern Patagonia right now, in the city of Puerto Varas.  Tomorrow we are heading down to Chiloe Island for a couple of nights.  En route, we pass the town of Ancud.  An hour from there, it's the only place in the world where two species of penguins nest together.  Your friend's photos, based on the research I've done, come from another spot in Chile, maybe in Southern Patagonia, or maybe Easter Island or a place north of Santiago.  Unfortunately for us, due to a tight schedule, we have had to sacrifice a few things.  The penguins are not on our to-do list, but hope we don't live to regret it.  We have a nice city walking tour of the historic town Castro tomorrow, and then an all-day hike in a nat'l park.  After that, our focus is going to be on trying to make sure we don't miss our bus and ferry ride back to where we are now, so we can catch our flight to Buenos Aires.  We have eight nights there.  Feeling a  bit overwhelmed at the moment, but a day or two by the apartment pool in Palermo ought to help us relax.

Ideally, to truly cover two or three areas of Chile in a quality fashion, you need 3-4 weeks.  A good six weeks would allow you to check off the entire country.  Of course, enthusiasts and real travelers would say 3-4 months are needed!  But who has that kind of time?!?!?  One thing is for sure, however:  Chile, from the desert in the north to the central wine region to Patagonia in the south, has a lot of everything.  A very blessed country!  Mountains, glaciers, lakes, volcanoes, islands, beaches, deserts and penguins!!!

Take care.

Allen

Feb. 15, 2006

Weather in Puerto Varas was not the best. Volcanos were not visible. Today we're down on Chiloe Island, and the sun is out. Doing a 3 hour city tour in a couple of hours, and then tomorrow we are doing an all-day trek in a national park. Due to a tight (or tightened) schedule, we are having to miss the penguins! lol But officially, the last few days we have been in Patagonia. It's just that Southern Patagonia gets the most press.

Feb. 16, 2006

We're staying in a palafito (stilt house) on Chiloe Island in Northern Patagonia (Chile). Our back deck is out over the water and small tour boats cruise slowly up and down throughout day while we sip wine, soak up the sun and hang dry clothes! 

Today we hiked Punta Pirulil (the mountain/peninsula in photo 3, background) - virtually the entire length shown in the photo, out and back. That's the Pacific Ocean, btw. Punta Pirulil is significant in these parts because a native tribe once believed that after you die it is where your soul goes to be transported from this world to the next. The pier or bridge (photos 4 and 5) is a representation of this legend. Luckily for me it was not my time yet!

Although we did not see any penguins, certain family might enjoy knowing we caught a glimpse of some sunbathing sea lions. Unluckily for the sea lions, they eventually become dinner for the Orcas. 

Adios!

Allen

Feb 22, 2016

btw, have had a few MJ experiences in South America. In Santiago, someone was selling some MJ artwork. And on our last night in Puerto Montt in Chile, in the lobby where we were drinking our complimentary Pisco Sours, a Jam remix was played, and was followed by Don't Stop Till You Get Enough.