Things Went South

            This past weekend in the interest of exploring what I learned is only the beginning of Southern Chile, we ventured to Puerto Varas. I also recently learned that Groupon has expanded internationally. Juan discovered a Groupon for a cabin in Puerto Varas a couple months ago and arranged for the four of us to get away for a few days. 

            Only having one class on Friday mornings, it did not take much convincing to ask for permission to miss class so we could leave promptly at 10:00am. In light of previous posts, one may venture to guess that we did not actually leave until 12:30 pm. The rainy four-hour drive was incredibly picturesque and while I dozed for a bit of it, appreciated the scenery. The town of Puerto Varas is similar to Pucon. It has rustic charm nestled on the coast of Lake Llanquihue. We stopped for Barros Luca and coffees before the secluded 6 km drive to Campo Kutral, our home for the weekend. In my opinion, we had the best cabin with an incredible view of the lake. That afternoon we walked on the beach, collected volcanic rocks, visited the cascades, and waited unsuccessfully for the three volcanoes to poke through the clouds. 

            On Saturday morning we ate breakfast and set off for Petrohue. A forty minute drive around the lake and we found ourselves in a touristy After a 1,500 peso fee, we entered the Parque Nacional Vincente Perez Rosales and explored the Saltos de Rio Petrohue. The saltos are walkways over the rocks and mountains with breathtaking views of the foamy, turquoise river. Despite inappropriate footwear, it was perfect.  We detoured 3 km to Laguna Verde. A seemingly dirty pond of milky sea-green water a result of microalgaes makes la laguna famous. Saturday evening we indulged in wine, conversation and asado while watching the sunset back at the cabin. 

            Sunday morning after packing up our things we traveled the short distance to the famous Puerto Montt. After walking past the typical tourist vendors (which I been finding myself more immune to lately), Naval Station, and ferry; we arrived at the Mercado. The smell brought my mind immediately to Cape Cod or less candidly, the Sendik’s Fish Market. Rows and rows of salmon vendors, various mussels, clams, and other foreign sea creatures filled the space overlooking the ocean. Juan and Tatiana selected some whole salmons and we watched as toothless, rough-handed men expertly sliced and segmented the fish. Also purchased we about 5 kg each of mussels and oysters. Lunch was had at a quaint restaurant with pretty views of the coast while we had seafood consommé and fresh fried fish. A stroll on the boardwalk of the city completed our trip before we headed back for Galvarino. 

Mama Tatiana

Raincoat= best item I brought

Ignore the inappropriate footwear, per usual.

Monday evening for once we spoiled ourselves with the delicious mariscos accompanied by a sangria-type beverage that I would be interested in recreating stateside. I have hit the 6 weeks until departure date which I know will fly by but vow to continue to make the most of each day. I am in the process of preparing students for a Spelling Bee, planning English Day, choreographing a Britney Spears song and writing futuristic alien stories for a literature exposition in Temuco. This week I received the most lovable gifts and notes from my Wisconsin Club friends and my family. I have been feeling very fortunate to have the support and thoughts being sent from home.