Volcan Osorno (I got to the snow)Well just recently I went on a little trip to 3/4 of the way down south of Chile. To give you and idea Valparaiso is right in the middle and i went a quarter of the way down and that is 18 hours on bus.... so i flew!
I ended up going solo because me and my roomates all decided to do different things. I wanted to go to Buenos Aires with Jay (Brother) and Borja, Marta and others wanted to go to Bueanos Aires then. It couldnt have worked out better and I had an amazing time solo.
First I went to Chiloe. It is the second largest island in Souther America. This part of Chile is totally different then the rest. The atmosphere is way more laid back, it is green everywhere and people (i thought) tend to be nicer. I went to a beautiful little town called Castro. There is a lot of history on this Island and it shows everywhere from the old old churches to the boats in the harbour. It is a large fishing community. I had fresh salmon almost every night. It was amazing. Apperently Chile is one of the largest exporters of Salmon in the world. They are right behind Norway. So that part of the trip was great. I also went on a hike on a National Park in Chiloe that was medioker actually.
Next I took a ferry off the Island and stayed at a beautiful little town called Puerto Varas. It reminded me of a little Banff. It is right around a lot of Mountains and Volcanos and it is sooo amazing. I stayed at a cool little French owned hostal and from there I went to the Park everyday and did trekks. I also went white water rafting. It was a lot of fun. I also went in Peru and this was so much better. The rapids were high level 3 to 4 (it goes to 5 and the absolute highest is 6 (experts). So it was good. I think I am ready for level 4. I am going to try and go in Canada because apparently we have amazing rapids that i have never checked out. I met some great people... guy from Ecuador (Alex), Irish couple (Mick and Terra) and a Chilean couple. It is sure easy to meet people when solo. Oh I almost forgot. I hiked up a Volcano called Volcan Osorno. It was so amazing. I was the only one on the mountain and it was breathtaking. Very peaceful experience for me (it is the picture at the top, i got to the snow).
So now I am back in Valpo doing the school thing. I have received some marks back and I am doing very well actually. I was super nervous for a test that I had where I had to read and case study and write it in spanish but I was right around the class average. My other classes I think I am above class average. Good stuff. I think I just might receive my degree! haha.
Some bad news, my buddy Borja got robbed last night. He was walking with a friend and a couple guys held knives up to his throat and chest and they took his camera. The worst part is is that he doesnt have a lot of money to begin with, and just recently his old camera broke so he splurged and bought a new one and one week later... gone. Its a mighty shame. I feel bad for him.
My next trip is to the end of the world. As of now Borja and I are only going. Marta is thinking about it. We are going to a place called Punta Arenas and doing a trekk in what is considered one of the nicest national parks in latin america. I cant wait. If i had more time i think i would take a plane and go to Antartica because its close but I just cant do it. Ah well. Southern tip of Chile is good enough.
So I am home December 6th (48 days) and I think it will fly by. Jay is coming around the end of November, I think the 23rd after a hike at Machu Picchu on the Inca Trail. He is going to check out Valparaiso after because the art seen is amazing here and then we are checking out Buenas Aires Argentina for 4 or 5 days then coming home.
I am nervous to be grown up but excited to get back and see that girl of mine Lauren, i miss her like crazy. It was also be nice to see the family of course. So see you soon and stay posted amigos.
I ended up going solo because me and my roomates all decided to do different things. I wanted to go to Buenos Aires with Jay (Brother) and Borja, Marta and others wanted to go to Bueanos Aires then. It couldnt have worked out better and I had an amazing time solo.
First I went to Chiloe. It is the second largest island in Souther America. This part of Chile is totally different then the rest. The atmosphere is way more laid back, it is green everywhere and people (i thought) tend to be nicer. I went to a beautiful little town called Castro. There is a lot of history on this Island and it shows everywhere from the old old churches to the boats in the harbour. It is a large fishing community. I had fresh salmon almost every night. It was amazing. Apperently Chile is one of the largest exporters of Salmon in the world. They are right behind Norway. So that part of the trip was great. I also went on a hike on a National Park in Chiloe that was medioker actually.
Next I took a ferry off the Island and stayed at a beautiful little town called Puerto Varas. It reminded me of a little Banff. It is right around a lot of Mountains and Volcanos and it is sooo amazing. I stayed at a cool little French owned hostal and from there I went to the Park everyday and did trekks. I also went white water rafting. It was a lot of fun. I also went in Peru and this was so much better. The rapids were high level 3 to 4 (it goes to 5 and the absolute highest is 6 (experts). So it was good. I think I am ready for level 4. I am going to try and go in Canada because apparently we have amazing rapids that i have never checked out. I met some great people... guy from Ecuador (Alex), Irish couple (Mick and Terra) and a Chilean couple. It is sure easy to meet people when solo. Oh I almost forgot. I hiked up a Volcano called Volcan Osorno. It was so amazing. I was the only one on the mountain and it was breathtaking. Very peaceful experience for me (it is the picture at the top, i got to the snow).
So now I am back in Valpo doing the school thing. I have received some marks back and I am doing very well actually. I was super nervous for a test that I had where I had to read and case study and write it in spanish but I was right around the class average. My other classes I think I am above class average. Good stuff. I think I just might receive my degree! haha.
Some bad news, my buddy Borja got robbed last night. He was walking with a friend and a couple guys held knives up to his throat and chest and they took his camera. The worst part is is that he doesnt have a lot of money to begin with, and just recently his old camera broke so he splurged and bought a new one and one week later... gone. Its a mighty shame. I feel bad for him.
My next trip is to the end of the world. As of now Borja and I are only going. Marta is thinking about it. We are going to a place called Punta Arenas and doing a trekk in what is considered one of the nicest national parks in latin america. I cant wait. If i had more time i think i would take a plane and go to Antartica because its close but I just cant do it. Ah well. Southern tip of Chile is good enough.
So I am home December 6th (48 days) and I think it will fly by. Jay is coming around the end of November, I think the 23rd after a hike at Machu Picchu on the Inca Trail. He is going to check out Valparaiso after because the art seen is amazing here and then we are checking out Buenas Aires Argentina for 4 or 5 days then coming home.
I am nervous to be grown up but excited to get back and see that girl of mine Lauren, i miss her like crazy. It was also be nice to see the family of course. So see you soon and stay posted amigos.
2 comments:
Hey Matt!
So I visted your blog hehe. Sounds like you are having quite the trip, glad to hear things are going so well. Sorry to hear about your friends robbery, that is too bad. you stay safe thougb, maybe not wear your camera around your neck... EEKKS... well stay safe. And keep those grades up hehe.. i sound like a mom. Miss ya enjoy your self. Love chals
Hi baby...I just spent some time reading your blog and it really sunk in that you are having the most amazing trip. You are meeting so many people and experiencing it all. Im happy for you. I hope you are having the time of your life on your trek right now. Im sad that I cannot get ahold of you...but i guess i can go through a few days without hearing your voice. haha. I sure love you. You are such a great writer what a perfect way to document your adventures :)
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