Chile is under a state of emergency A 30 pesos (4 cent) rise in the price of a Metro (Subway) ticket has unleashed a level of anger few outside observers predicted. People have rioted, train stations burned, a state of emergency imposed and there have even been deaths. This is tragic, but perhaps not entirely surprising. Chile is Latin America’s success story. From … [Read more...]
Chile in February – Summer in the South
Just to clarify - that is the Chilean flag, not Texan! February is high summer in Chile. Our planet’s longest, thinnest country is incredible. The entire west is defined by the Pacific Ocean and its chilly Humbolt current. Almost the entire east (often barely 200 km’s away) is framed by the Andes. Indeed it would seem Chile’s sole purpose is to prevent Argentina from … [Read more...]
A Pisco Sour Recipe
During the Xmas holiday season, we enjoyed a Peruvian / Chilean cocktail - Pisco Sour. Pisco is a brandy or distilled wine that can have from 30-60% alcohol. It is very strong on its own and is the national drink of both Peru and Chile - two sister countries with an unfortunate history of troubled border disputes. I love both countries and the entire region. … [Read more...]
Boom, Boom, Pow – Chile is Alive
“Why study plate tectonics, when you can simply live in Chile!” —My own quote … should be famous :) Once again a Chilean volcano has let free the mantle’s fury. This round of ash and lava is letting loose near the resort town of Puerto Varas on the edge of Chilean Patagonia. The current aggressor is the Calbuco volcano - fortunately located on the far side of llanquihue Lake, … [Read more...]
LAN – Let´s Annul your Number
Chile's economic success is lauded around the world and its (private) national airline has reaped the benefits of good management, a stable economy and easier access to foreign markets. Indeed South America is taking off and none too soon. Poor terrestrial infrastructure, huge distances and massive elevation changes makes flying a natural form of transportation – if not a … [Read more...]