So I haven't written in a while because I wanted to include two trips I recently took.

A few weekends ago I went up North to Pucon about 3hrs by bus to visit some more rural areas of Chile. We saw the Volcano Villarrica, which was hermoso! (beautiful) We got to sit in some natural host springs (termas) and take a LONG 7hr hike up and down in the mountains. It was beautiful, but strenuous. My least favorite part of the trip was realizing that I was walking on a frozen lake after I was half way across. :)

The hot springs (termas)

Volcán Villarrica

Took this picture right before realizing I was on the frozen lake.

The following weekend I took the opportunity to travel to Argentina. Why not right? I spent the weekend in Bariloche, which is located on a lake nestled among the Andes Mountains. The city is well known for its chocolate (of which I ate a good portion). I also went to the Cathedral (Catedral) and heard the choir practicing. It reminded me so much of being in Swizterland in John Calvin's church listening to the organ. It was incredible. We decided to return Sunday for mass. Unfortunately the choir did not sing though. I also went in the teleférico (cable car) and got an absolutely breathtaking view of the lake and the mountains. One of the most "productive" parts of the trip was getting my passport stamped for Argentina. :)

Couldn't figure out how to turn this. This is the Cathedral. It looked so old and European.

Inside

Chocolate!!!!

I have found this sort of "tree sock" thing to be very common in Latin America

Evidence I was there :)

View of the Andes Mountains and the lake.

Suffice it to say, I'm really having a tough time down here. :) I shall have another blog very soon.