Viña del Mar -> Olmue

(Sebastian (host/left) & the Surfers: Me, Martine from Norway, and Sarah from Australia)

The weekend in Viña del Mar far exceeded expectations. Sebastian (see above) was a superb host, taking us to all the local hot spots and treating us to a most delicious Chileano maritime BBQ at his friend's house just to the north in Rañaca (pictures of the BBQ below). All of Sebastian's friends were very nice and welcoming and they also spoke a damn near perfect English. Nonetheless, I learned a lot of Spanish throughout the weekend (especially all of the necessary local slang, very important). On Monday (Feb 8th), I hopped a train and bus to Olmue, a quant mountain town just north and inland (east) from Viña del Mar to start work on my first WWOOF farm. We worked a lot in the first week; long hours under the sun harvesting the ever so obscure yet tasty fruit the cuke-asaurus. As I haven't had much time to take pictures of the farm, I'll save the detailed description for later. However, the farm life isn't so bad. We've got a pool, TV, computer, and (now) a bed (I was sleeping in my tent for the first 4-5 days). There's also 24 dogs here! I've attached some pictures below. Most are from Viña del Mar. There's one from Santiago and a couple from Olmue.

(Hanging outside the Presidential Palace, Santiago, Chile - Photo taken by Nona Landers!)


(The 'other' Groovy Uvy aka UVM, Viña del Mar, Chile)


(Sebastian Soto showing off the spread, Rañaca, Chile)


(Tasty fresh mussels... Mmmmm, Rañaca, Chile)


(Sarah and I right down by dah beach! Viña del Mar, Chile)

(Sebastian Soto's door signed by every couch surfer that has ever stayed at his house, Viña del Mar, Chile)

(Leaving my mark, Viña del Mar, Chile)

(The digs in Olmue. In the background is the peak we are going to hike next weekend. Olmue, Chile)

(Martin, pronounced "Marteeeeeeeeeen!" Son of Jessie, our cook. Cutest kid ever? Olmue, Chile)

Santiago -> Viña del Mar

(Mis amigos, Plaza de Armas, Santiago, Chile)


First two nights in Santiago were a blast. Met lots of great people (see above!) in the hostel. On Friday, Pedro (farthest right, from Brazil) and I hopped a bus to Viña del Mar, a beautiful coastal city. I´m currently ´couch surfing´with a guy named Sebastian who has been VERY helpful. He is also hosting two girls from Norway and Australia. The three of them have a lot of experience couch surfing and have quickly convinced me it is an essential tool for cheap travel. You get free housing and access to the knowledge of a local, a great combo.

Making a day trip to Valparaiso, a coastal city just south of Viña, with Pedro today. I´m still asking around trying to find a bar that will be playing the Super Bowl on Sunday, but apparently there are some big (´real´) football games the same day so its unlikely anywhere will be broadcasting futbol americano. On Monday, I´m off to my first farm in Olmue. I´m unsure of what I will have for internet access so this may be the last update for a little bit, but all is very well in South America for now.

Made It! Sunny Santiago

(View from my hostel, Plaza de Armas, Santiago, Chile)

The connection in Toronto aside (flying from Colorado, USA to Santiago, Chile), it was pretty smooth sailing today. Made it in just after noon and, after a $10 cab ride, was to the hostile by 1pm. It was an absolutely gorgeous day in an even more gorgeous part of town. Our hostile, Plaza de Armas, looks over a park by the same name. The park has palm trees, benches, and artists galore. It is a lively place to be. Additionally, it is surrounded in nearly all directions by thriving markets. As the late afternoon rolled in, a massive chess tourney (of which I was too late to join) began.

On the plane, I have the pleasure of meeting a mirror image of myself. A 23 year old CU alumn headed on a solo-backpacking trip with no real itinerary in mind. Needless to say, we had lots to talk about. I would also add that it has been a pleasure getting to meet everyone in the hostile so far: a couple gringos, a couple Brazilian, two locals, and a lady from the UK. Very nice and outgoing bunch!

The sun is just going down now (9:30pm) and I must go experience the busstling night life, but I just wanted to let everyone know I made it and that all is well!

PS - I purchased a new lover! Her name is Henrietta and she has nylon strings (better get them fingers-a-pickin). The guitar cost me $100,000 chilean pesos (or $200 USD).