My Hash House Harriers friend, Mark, invited my girlfriends and I to keep him company at his beachfront home while his husband Oke was away on business. With promises of relaxation, tasty refreshments, an incredible view and good company — it was a generous offer we couldn’t refuse.
We spent the afternoon painting 10 bedrooms for the 27 girls who live in a group home in the outskirts of Santiago. They have all been separated from their families due to abuse or economic hardships. I remember the excitement of picking out a new color of paint for my bedroom as a child, and the special sense of belonging and place that my very own color could bring. I hope this fresh layer of bright paint is a start to brighter, happier days for these lovely ladies.
So besides fast rides and long lines, what else was the “biggest” amusement park in Chile not so big on? Consumerism. Read about a day trip to South America’s second-largest amusement park, Fantisilandia.
My dad pointed out every stray dog, many of whom were sporting very stylish winter sweaters — thanks to the concerned Chilean public. He seemed pleasantly surprised that people never exited the elevator without saying goodbye or “chau.” And he laughed when he saw that every restaurant served hot dogs … and mayonnaise. As he noticed all these little things that have become so “regular” in my life, I realized just how much I have learned and adjusted in Santiago.
The trip was an adventure thrill-ride — a time for strengthening the bond with a sure-to-be-lifelong friend, meeting new acquaintances, and learning about cultures, the Spanish language and that I still have no sense of direction. In just 10 days, I tasted Chilean fish and locally brewed beer, watched traditional song and dance performances, churned freshly butchered meat over a fire pit, passed by a family of llamas, saw a natural phenomenon of special waterfalls and climbed an active volcano. Here’s a look at Pucón, the little city that marks both the start and end of a wild chapter.
I knew the four-hour uphill hike in the snow would not be an easy one for me, someone who is admittedly out of shape and not a huge fan of physical activity. Regardless, I wanted to experience the adventure of hiking an active volcano and I knew any hardship would likely be worth it in the end.
This incredible phenomenon was created when Volcán Osorno errupted, sending hot lava racing through the Petrohué River. When the lava hardened, its formations created powerful chute-like waterfalls in an already beautiful landscape.
