Pucon- Day 1

Jason was able to take a week of vacation while we are here.  On Monday we drove 9 hours south and a bit east, towards Argentina. If you think the tolls in Chicago are bad, the tolls here would rival that expense. It results in excellent roads...well the Interstate roads anyway.  We are finding most rural roads, regardless of how well traveled are not paved.  More on that later.  The drive took us through the rolling foothills; passed fields of wheat, huge orchards of a variety of fruits, grape vines, and variety of other crops; grazing cattle; forests being logged, and small family homesteads.  It was beautiful.

 I should have taken pictures of the truck loads of produce. It become a game to figure out what was in each truck.  Truck loads of logs, onions, carrots,and potatoes seemed to make up the majority of produce.  I should have also taken pictures of the road side stands of produce.  Hmm. Jason may have a job on his way to work.  Empandas, quesos (cheese), and other Chilean foods were sold out of homes...everyone trying to earn money however they can.
We finally arrived in Pucon.  Pucon is a town known for it's adventure/thrill seeking International tourists and vacation destination of local Chileans.  Extreme canopy tours, kayaking, white water rafting, hiking, mountain biking, thermal pools, etc. were all options.  We hardly qualified as thrill seeking tourists, but we did many things to make memories for the girls. 

This happened to be one of the only cloudless days. Morning and evenings were cool, but afternoon temps were mid-80's...

Volcan Villarica in the background.

In a bay of Lago Villarica

We weren't prepared to swim, but why not enjoy the cold mountain lake. Maddy was enthralled with finding volcanic rocks everywhere. 

Chillaxin'

So when your pants keep getting wet from the waves, why not just sit down and play in the sand...

Pucon.  People got around by bike, trolley, and foot...cars when necessary.



Bouquets of dandelions and vibrant hydrangeas.

We even found Mickey Mouse and the Disney Store.

Culturally, life is shifted at least 2 hours back.  It is rare to eat supper before 8pm on any night of the week, regardless of being on vacation or work schedules.  Meals take between 60-90minutes minimum.  I don't think we got back to the hotel before 11pm any night of our stay and the noise of the town could be heard late into the night/early into the morning. The town didn't wake up until at least 9am, with stores and restaurants opening no earlier than 10.  Breakfast is not a major meal for the Chileans due to the late nature of the start of their day.