Let us first be as simple and well as Nature ourselves, dispel the clouds which hang over our brows, and take up a little life into our pores. – Henry David Thoreau Some regions in Chile are so special that…
Paradise Lost
When a light is turned on, a faucet opened, a burner lit, little thought is given to all that has been sacrificed to make such daily conveniences possible. The quest to provide human comforts has often precipitated the degradation, the…
He Played Real Good For Free
I was standing on a noisy corner I was waiting for the walking green Across the street he stood And he played real good He was playin’ real good for free… _ Joni Mitchell, He Played Real Good For Free…
Simple Pleasures Replace Mindless Wanderings
While the sun blanketed the late afternoon in warmth, we drove to Hualqui, to visit with a friend, and. to pick up an order placed with a woman who makes mouthwatering tortilla and fresh cheese. The tortilla, more correctly known…
Running Happily in Life´s Marathon
Before turning 40, my friend Michele gave me a list of things that every woman should do before reaching that mark. While never coming close to fulfilling the “to do´s,” it provided an opportunity to take a close look at…
Last Night´s Quake Serves as a Reminder
We had spent most of the afternoon in the hills of Pingueral, looking at potential sites to build a small home. Oft and on, we had contemplated a small place in Pingueral proper, but were concerned by the possibility of…
Appreciating Life at Lago Lleu Lleu
During the third week of February, we made our annual pilgrimage to Lago Lleu Lleu to rejoice in life and appreciation of being protected during the 8.8 earthquake. Although two years have passed, our experiences are still ever present in…
On the Road to Sanity and Insane Fun
To make the most of the remaining weeks of summer recess, we headed out on the road to rediscover our sanity and regain zest for life. The first part of our revitalization was to be devoted to sun, fun and…
Put your hands into the earth and you´ll be energized
Put your hands into the earth and you´ll be energized. For several days after returning from a month-long trek that lead from the winding Chilean coastline and beaches to the mountainous borders near Argentina, to national volcanic park preserves, outdoor…
Finding Family Acceptance as Your Mate´s Expat Mate
After landing in Chile, I explored many sites to help with my transition from fast-paced executive to slow-paced expat. While many were very helpful, there was one aspect that just didn´t seem to be well covered. What should one do…