Farewell Chile

Perhaps due to its vicinity to Argentina.... when ordering a meal with meat in Patagonian Chile, you can expect a generous serve. Here is an example of lamb we had for lunch on our final full day in Chile (shut your eyes vegetarians). 



It was cooked in a way we’ve seen a bit round here: grilled. 

As indicated, we really met the Patagonian weather in Torres Del Paine. Very intimately. It changes every ten minutes however it has a few common aspects. It is almost always windy. If it is fine, it is stunning, clear and warm. If it is raining, it will do so in bursts. 

We have observed the wind as follows:

• Picking up dust to sand blast the paint from the car and the skin from our faces.
• Driving rain into our faces till it stings 
• Blowing us up the hill till I, for example, could literally lean back into it and have it cushion me.
• Sharp gusts which succeeded in blowing Samuel off his feet, so that he ended up falling on some rocks and getting an abrasion on his ankle.
• Wuthering plants so they grow smaller, contorted and huddled against the hillside. 
• Forming waves on the lakes and rivers, tossing up swirls of vapour, visible from afar. 
• Bending your spirit, slamming, crushing, grinding, pushing, forcing itself upon you. 

And a few more random observations about Chile:

I realise I felt quite safe in Patagonian Chile, Samuel often runs off and I am not concerned about leaving him places for a few minutes like I would at home. I also feel fine trailing behind Eric as he strides through town  streets/ along mountain trails etc. 

Chileans seem to love scents and artificially scent every hotel, shop, building, hosteria, and even some camping ground buildings! 

We have bid  a fond farewell to Chile to move on into Argentina.... see the next post for more.