Lake crossing, try 2

We spent one day in Bariloche, Argentina and then returned to Chile. Bariloche was filled with chocolate shops, and we sampled some delicious chocolate covered raspberries. The boat trip back through the lakes was overcast but much clearer than the way there, we could barely see the top of the volcano but visibility was much better. We got to identify the alerce tree which only grows in this area and takes 700 years to regenerate. The bamboo was also going to seed, which apparently it only does every 70 years, the last time being 1944 in the area. The route is only travelled via tour, so the customs guys were on the boat with us going to work, and ran in to open the windows and turn on the lights to the building as we were getting off the boat.

We are now on the island of Chiloe, which is kind of like a Newfoundland or PEI. The drive through the countryside is beautiful, with rolling hills and lookout points over the coast. On the west coast of the island we visited an area with penguin colonies. Apparently this penguin colony is unique as it is home to two types of penguins, Magellan and Humboldt. We also ate what we assume is some local delicacy, think a less sticky potato fufu wrapped around a giant rolling pin and roasted over an open fire, like a giant bannock. Then they remove the ´bread´, spread a filling of grilled meat and wrap it up. It was delish!

Chiloe is also known for its Jesuit churches, the oldest of which dates from the 1700´s. They are built out of wood, and one is completely wood down to the nails.

In other news, we saw the Google street view car in Valparaiso!

Rolling hills of Chiloe


Penguins


Inside a Jesuit church