When you think of living abroad, you might imagine living in a fantasy. The truth is, that’s often not the case … and that’s a fact I’ve struggled with in the past months. But — I am happy.
One of my favorite things about Santiago is the creative art plastered on dozens of walls around the city. While some pieces provide reliable landmarks, other works change often — making strolls down the same streets a new experience every time. For each beautiful mural, there is unfortunately double the vandalism. But, I think the contrast speaks as a reflection of a city that is currently polarized by opinions on human rights and political discontents as it strives to leave its marred past behind in exchange for a brighter future.
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.
The rain let up a bit, but the clouds were more stubborn and we were lucky to steal quick looks at the picturesque Volcán Osorno that the city boasts in the pages of guidebooks and on the fronts of postcards. We spent the days exploring the city, climbing to the top of a park hill or patiently waiting by the water’s edge to catch a better view of the volcanoes. One morning, we sipped hot tea at a lakefront café and watched the clouds as they parted; first, slightly to show Osorno’s tippy-top, then more to expose almost its entirety before closing in on it again until the volcano disappeared completely … all in 20 minutes time.
