Pura Paz

Easter Weekend in Valdivia.

I don’t have a lot to say about this weekend (and by “this” I actually mean “last” weekend), since the photos speak for themselves…but here’s a brief synopsis. 

My host mom and I traveled to Valdivia for the weekend, to visit with her daughters and granddaughter. Valdivia is a city about an hour southwest of Loncoche, on the coast. It is a beautiful city with a lot to do because it is a college town filled with young and old people alike. My entire host family went to college at the Universidad Austral de Chile (UACh), so they were sure to take me on a tour of their alma mater!

On the first night, we arrived late because our bus was delayed…as always. I went out with Camila, the 24-year-old daughter, and some of her friends. It was fun to socialize with people my age. And I enjoy the music at the bars/clubs in Spanish-speaking countries more than the ones in the US because it is easier to dance to. And people like to dance (not just the girls).

The next day, we went to the beach and ate typical Chilean food at the feria. Most of the weekend, we just walked around town, went to the park, made food without meat because it was Easter, etc. It was relaxing and it was nice to feel like part of a family.  While walking around one afternoon, my host mom sighed “pura paz,” a completely accurate description of the weekend. Pure peace. 

Camila and Susana say that I’m invited back anytime I want to get away for the weekend. I definitely plan to take advantage of this. 

Mi familia chilena (Susana, Ariela, Camila, Camilita/Mani) 

the beach in Niebla 

Awkwardly posing for a photo b/c I'm excited about seeing the Pacific Ocean 

I liked these rocks 

A cool bridge we crossed 

pretty 

a nice scene 

Bright colored houses all over in Niebla...also, it was very foggy this day. 

more fog 

cool graffiti  

humitas*

empanadas de mariscos**

piñones***

At Parque Saval there was an area called "parque de esculturas" that was filled with sculptures. 

A photo representing the personality of my host mom, Ariela. She's so energetic and happy-go-lucky.

Downtown Valdivia. Ariela made me stop in the middle of the road to capture this shot.

colorful buildings downtown 

La Costanera (along one of the major rivers in Valdivia)

one of the numerous markets we explored this weekend

apparently seals just swim up to this place and hang out 

*Humitas: traditional Chilean dish, like a tamale but without meat; many people put sugar on top

**Empanadas de mariscos: very typical Chilean dish; empanadas made with seafood inside; very savory and delicious (my favorite so far)

***Piñones: the fruit from the araucana tree, which are found all over my region (named after the tree...Araucanía); they are very similar to chestnuts and are often roasted and snacked on or used to make a pasty dough