An Encouraging Series of Experiences

In the week between Puquelehue and Casa Amarilla (where we are now), we met some of the nicest people. First we went to Parque Laguna de Laja, where we were the only ones at the campground and the manager Lily was so pleased to show us around and get to know us. When we got out of the mountains five days later, she offered us food and showers and use of the washing machine all for free. And she kept saying, in Spanish of course, "Oh no, thank YOU for sharing lunch with ME."

Then we stayed at a cheap hotel in Los Angeles de Chile, and the proprietress seemed initially suspicious of me, but I think she was just puzzeled by my terrible Spanish. By the next moring she was telling me that she has a tall, blonde daughter who studies English and wants to marry a white man. She asked why we were not staying another night and I had to convince her that it was only because we were going straight on to Puerto Montt, and not that we were in any way unhappy with her hotel.

Then, also in Los Angeles, I had an extensive, poorly-prepared post office project to pursue and the lady at the counter was so patient and accomodating. At first she painstakingly double-checked each charachter of each address with me on account of my terrible handwriting, but eventully she passed the keyboard over the counter and let me type in the addresses. I thanked her profusely and promised to tell my friends and family about her.

Of course, I didn't have to cohabitate with any of these women, but it was still an encouraging series of experiences considering my record up to and including, and hopefully concluding with Puquelehue.