LET THE ADVENTURE BEGIN

Saturday, December 26, 2009

From here on we will be on our own for a while. After sorting out all our belongings, and leaving one suitcase behind, we stuff our things in the car, say goodbey to the Rojas family, buy a large cooler and some groceries and head south, direction Chillan, via Melipilla.

It’s a toss up between the main, toll road or through the mountains. We both agree, that it will be much more scenic and enjoyable through the mountains, although it will take us longer and the road is a bit rough here and there.






We try to stick to the local meal times as much as we can and just before 3:00 pm we stop and I prepare a picnic lunch from the back seat of the car.

We’re gypsies again and stick to the basic necessities only.
I remind Ramiro to take his time and allow us to stop here and  there to enjoy the scenery and take pictures when the opportunity  is there.

One of these opportunities is by a shrine along the road. Made in honour of a person who died here. Offerings in the form of large pop bottles filled with water and packages of corn are left behind, with the belief the spirit of the dead person will fulfil the wishes of the person who placed the gift.









We pass Lago Rapel, what a wonderful site. It’s too hot to stop for too long without any shade but do take a few pictures and watch the people.


We reach San Fernando around 6:00 pm and start looking for a hotel. We are directed to Marcano Hotel. Ramiro checks it out and returns to the car, telling me that I will like it.
Well, I definitely do like it. What a nice place. Roomy, clean and only $50.00 US. What a treat.

We walk along the busy street and find a small Italian Restaurant, where Ramiro orders some pork and rice and I treat myself to a tuna stuffed avocado. To ensure Ramiro gets his veggies, we share. It’s delicious and so cheap.
We have an enjoyable, relaxing evening.