Villarrica

   On Saturday, after a night of meeting up with some fellow EOD program kids at the local bar scene (and going home for the first time in colectivos-taxis that are kind of like buses, they follow a specific route, cost a bit more, but are a bit faster and run all night, unlike the buses), a few friends and I made our way out to Villarrica, a little town on Lago Villarrica about an hour and fifteen away by bus. The town really isn't much, but dude, it's beautiful.

 Sometimes moments just really strike you, pricking you awake into a consciousness so present, connecting you with the now in a powerful way. Swinging on the swings, the wind flowing through my hair, all the while staring at an illuminated, snow covered volcano. Swinging, adrenaline pumping through, breathing in the fresh cold air, in that moment, one is beautifully aware. I thought to myself, "Damn, I'm in Chile, swinging and staring at a beautiful volcano. This is real. This is amazing." Moments like that, so full of joy, so present in the there and now are what life is about.

All the dust covered mountains reminded me a lot of Lord of the Rings, I got my geek on and wanted to be wearing a cloak. Makes you wonder why cloaks aren't cool anymore? I'm seriously considering bringing them back. Who cares what people think? They're genius. They keep you warm, keep you covered from the elements, serve as an emergency blanket, pillow. More than that, they give you an enigmatic flare, a little attitude, a little badassery. Also, if you ever are running from someone, they hide your identity (warning: though this logic only works if other people are wearing cloaks, otherwise, you will stand out more). 

Here's the main street in the town and Chilean flag.  The town is tiny, but it rocks a big tourist crowd during the summer.

This is our dog we picked up wandering the town. Little Charlita (She was Charlie first, till we realized she was a girl) followed us everywhere. She even followed us into the Jams and Desserts store. Too cute. 

     It was great to take a little adventure, to speak some English, hang out with some awesome chicks, and pretend to be in Lord of the Rings.