Nov 17, 2009 - The political views of my host mother

Slowly i have been realizing that my host mom has completely different views on Chilean history and politics than I do. This past weekend, our group went to this place in Santiago called Villa Grimaldi with our politics and globalization professors. ... Villa Grimaldi was a beautiful place which was transformed into a torture center during the Pinochet dictatorship.Slowly i have been realizing that my host mom has completely different views on Chilean history and politics than I do. This past weekend, our group went to this place in Santiago called Villa Grimaldi with our politics and globalization professors. ... Villa Grimaldi was a beautiful place which was transformed into a torture center during the Pinochet dictatorship....

Nov 17, 2009 - Why Quinn´s host mom is responsible for my weight gain

So, as Ive mentioned before, Chilean hospitality can be a little intense at times.So, as Ive mentioned before, Chilean hospitality can be a little intense at times....

Nov 17, 2009 - Kids in Chile are too cute

This past Friday, our poverty and development class went to the outskirts of Santiago to visit a poor, rural elementary school. ... In Santiago, most of the poverty is outside of the city and not directly in it. ... After about a half hour drive, we arrived at the little school and were greeted by the school´s director.This past Friday, our poverty and development class went to the outskirts of Santiago to visit a poor, rural elementary school. ... In Santiago, most of the poverty is outside of the city and not directly in it. ... After about a half hour drive, we arrived at the little school and were greeted by the school´s director....

Nov 10, 2009 - Chilean universities are really something else...

Being a Chilean in a University here seems to be quite the experience.Being a Chilean in a University here seems to be quite the experience....

Nov 10, 2009 - Family weekend at the beach

This past weekend, I took a trip to my host family´s beach house in Popudo.This past weekend, I took a trip to my host family´s beach house in Popudo....

Nov 8, 2009 - Torres del Paine National Park

After arriving in Puerto Natales we hired camping equipment, then the following day took the bus to Torres del Paine National Park were we completed the trek known as the "W" (because when you look at it on a map the route looks like a "W"!) We spent 5 days completing the trek which meant 4 nights camping in the national park, so on top of completing the 75km plus trek we also had to try and sleep in a freezing tent - and it snowed two of the four nights! Needless to say it was a challenge and we were glad to return to the warm hostel on the 5th day but it was totally worth it as the national park is stunning (as you will see from the photos). ...

Nov 3, 2009 - Weekend Stories

We just want some Non Chilean food!: This past Saturday, my friend Tara and I went on a search to find a Mexican restaurant we've heard good things about.We just want some Non Chilean food!: This past Saturday, my friend Tara and I went on a search to find a Mexican restaurant we've heard good things about....

Nov 3, 2009 - Onwards and downwards

Another long trip today, but nice opportunity to rest my knee and catch up on sleep after Torres del Paine. We arrived in Punta Arenas about 5pmish and wished we´d stayed in the hostel in Torres del Paine. ... Even the lonely Planet guide was struggling to be kind about this place.Another long trip today, but nice opportunity to rest my knee and catch up on sleep after Torres del Paine. We arrived in Punta Arenas about 5pmish and wished we´d stayed in the hostel in Torres del Paine. ... Even the lonely Planet guide was struggling to be kind about this place....

Nov 2, 2009 - Mount Pain

As you may remember, one of my big hikes in America was Half Dome in Yosemite which I christened Mount Doom for obvious reasons.As you may remember, one of my big hikes in America was Half Dome in Yosemite which I christened Mount Doom for obvious reasons....

Nov 2, 2009 - Navimag ferry to Puerto Natales

We spent 4 days / 3 nights sailing down the Patagonian channels from Puerto Montt to Puerto Natales which was absolutely ...

Nov 1, 2009 - Feeling a bit Chile

A move across the border today as we drove into Chile meaning yet another new bus! Although I have to say that this is a great way to see the scenery and definitely preferable to flying in my opinion.A move across the border today as we drove into Chile meaning yet another new bus! Although I have to say that this is a great way to see the scenery and definitely preferable to flying in my opinion....

Oct 30, 2009 - Puerto Montt

We arrived in Puerto Montt early evening and although the weather had been good on the journey down from Pucon it was absolutely pouring with rain when we got there. ... We went and got some dinner and hoped that it would clear up over the next couple of days because the reason we had come to Puerto Montt was to get the ferry through the Patagonian channels to Puerto Natales in Southern Patagonia. ... The next day it continued to rain and I stayed ill in bed - on the bright side I wasn't missing much because there isn't much in Puerto Montt and the weather was so bad. ... Things started looking up by early evening as the rain stopped and I started to feel much better and we were able to go for a walk along the waterfront to get some much needed fresh air! The next morning, and the day we were due to get the ferry (it only goes once a week on a Friday) the sun was finally shining again and I felt better again! We had one last explore of Puerto Montt and found a nice part of the waterfront with a fish market then we boarded the ferry for our trip down Patagonia. ...