This year was a little different for me over the holidays. With all my direct family members scattered all over the world, I took on the challenge of paying homage to each me them. The first on the list was my brother Mark and his family coming down from West Palm Beach to see me off on Xmas eve. Little Ryan was upset due to the rude awakening from a long car nap. Jonah, on the other hand, was pumped to play Merlin with a Caution Cone on his head. We enjoyed each others company and gift exchange until it was time for me to roll out to the airport. Arriving in Santiago was a relief after the long 8hr flight. Mami scooped me up and we spent a pleasant Xmas day together. Her quickly decorated apartment was most comfortable and awe inspiring.
Story, a friend from college, arrived the following morning as I moved over to Papi's apartment. The city has taken big strides in transportation upgrades, and a new underground freeway traversing the entire city is accessible from across the street. Over the next several days Papi, Story, and I drove through the "Ruta del Vino" in the Colchahua Valley on our way to "las Sierras de Bella Vista" where my family has a pleasant cabin in the Andes moutains. Relaxing there gave pass to Valparaiso where the three of us went for the fantastic world-reknown fireworks display. Great times...
The next leg of the trip involved a 21 hour hike to the Futaleufu river in the Chilean Patagonia. Stopping along the way in Valdivia and Bariloche gave us a clear distinction between Chilean and Argentine cultures.
Futaleufu displayed the ferocity of the world's best white water rivers. Fearing for our lives, a mere 3 days there was enough to humble us of the power of nature. Motasem, another friend from college, and added to the journey on January 1st, had the most intense reality check with a lengthy tumble down nearly 300yards of Class 4 rapids.
On the return to Santiago, we drove straight through the night to catch some city touring before returning home...with luck on our side we ran into a full on Love Parade being held downtown.
1 comment:
i got next
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