We finished our last day on the farm a week ago, and all I can say is ¨WOW.¨ I would have to say this is at the top of my list for ¨Great Experiences¨ that Justin and I have had together. Of all the hundreds of farms listed on WWOOFing, we were lucky enough to be placed with a wonderful family that views life in such an amazing way. Their happiness and love for one another has been very contagious. Their positivity and smiles brought so much joy to us every day and it was an honor to help with the tasks around their house. The time we worked on the farm and lived with the family will be a memory we will never forget.

After we left the farm, we spent a few days inside due to the massive rain clouds that hovered over Villarica. It poured and poured for 3 days. After the rain clouds parted (or so we thought they were going to) we headed to Huerquehue National Park just outside of Pucon. Our orginial plan was to do a two day trek, but when we arrived the park ranger informed us that that trek was closed due to flooding and snow. So instead, we were able to do a nice day hike to a few lagoons and lakes. The rain clouds were still hovering, so we weren´t able to see the volcanoes that surrounded the park, but we did have a glimpse of the magical/fantasy like forest and lakes that awaited us at the end of the hike.

We camped that night in the park (the park rangers thought we were crazy to be doing this because of the rain, so one of the very nice rangers let us put our tent up in his barn to stay dry) and left the next day for Pucon.

That night we took another grueling 12 hour night bus to Santiago. From Santiago we took a two hour bus to a place called Valparaiso. This city is situated on a hill overlooking the Pacific. It is splashed with so many colorful graffiti murals and is considered an artist´s dream to live here. We took two days to just walk the streets to look at the murals and colors that occupy every nook and cranny of the streets and buildings. The artwork ranged from beetle cars hanging by giant clothes pins to creepy dolls stapled to the outside of a yellow house. It is quite fascinating.

Tomorrow, we venture on to Peru. I am very excited to see a Peruvian friend I worked with in Telluride in 2006. It will be nice to reconnect with her and have lunch and visit. From Lima, we are heading to Arequipa to visit Cañon de Colca to do a five day backpacking trip throughout the canyon. After the canyon, we will head to Cuzco to meet Pat!! She is joining us to see Machu Picchu and the other sights around Cuzco.

The internet connection is very slow, therefore, we are unable to upload pictures.....again. Sorry!

Thanks for following!

Justin y Anna