If Benjamin Franklin were alive today, his Poor Richard would be wagging his finger at me. I was a late bird. I had missed a tasty worm to do some freelance writing that would have been a fun gig, but…
Churches, Oysters and the Sea
The remainder of our time on Quinchao was spent exploring the architecture, the countryside and the fruits of the sea. It was a time that could have gone on forever without feeling any degree of dissatisfaction. The gentle slow pace,…
Invitation to a Curanto
One of the joys of traveling around Chile is all of the wonderful families we have come to know. While our adventures are always fascinating and thrilling, it is all of the special friends we have been blessed with that…
Achao, Where Everywhere Was a Song and a Celebration
On the heels of the earthquake in the north, and the massive fire that ravaged the hillsides of Valporaiso, it seemed a bit shallow to write about the frolics and pleasures of the summer’s travels. However, with the passage of…
The Drive to Chiloe
Our journey to Quinchao proved to be as fascinating as the destination itself. We passed through so many communities and regions that merited their own exploration that they will remain in our thoughts for future travels. One community that was…
Going With the Rhythms of Summer
Many times the best vacations are the ones that begin without definite plans. When one of our favorite destinations was booked for most of February, we were at a loss of what to do with the month that lay ahead.…
Camping Along the Banks of Huequecura
While summer was in full swing, the heat had turned me into a lazy writer. Our corner office was bathed in strong, debilitating sunlight for most of the day, and it was impossible to stay focused on anything for long.…
Beware the Last Available Cabaña
Looks can be deceiving. From the outside, the cabaña that was to be our family home for the week of Chile’s Independence celebrations appeared relatively nice. Although it didn’t exude the charms of its sister cabañas, it was the last…
Chilean Fossils, Living and Extinct
There is a tree that grows in Chile, which emits the most offensive olfactory, gut-wretchedly putrid aroma that it assaults even the hardiest of breathing pedestrians. After five years of seasonal contact, I have finally committed to the quest of…
Waiting for Nature to Calm
At the beginning of the week, we awoke to ominous, black clouds, winds that whipped the tops of pines and palms like blades of grass, and rain that pelted the windows with such force that they bounced back out to…