As it turned out, we had better weather during our first day of hiking at Torres del Paine National Park. We were so fortunate to have seen the granite peaks of Torres d’Agostini, Torres Central, and Torres Monizino in clear view, because it is rare they aren’t shrouded by clouds. In fact, it is so rare that our next local guide, Ariel, couldn’t believe it!  When Bruce told him we had seen the towers, Ariel asked, “Are you sure?” He thought Bruce was joking.

These were the towers on the right, the highest topping out at 8,200 feet above sea level:

(For all photos, especially panoramas, click on the image for a full screen view.)

It had to happen at some point. We finally had a not-so-fabulous day of weather. Although it was cold and windy, which is typical for the region, the only rain we had was just a few sprinkles here and there. It was perfectly fine with me. After all, it is what we expected and hand prepared for when we packed for this trip. I finally got to use my Hot Hands!

During our first hike, we saw breathtaking scenery, a hint of a rainbow, and heard an avalanche. After enjoying a delicious boxed lunch that included the most amazing fudgy brownie topped with a layer of ganache (WOW!), we did another hike and saw Grey Glacier off in the distance.

By the time we returned to Rio Serrano Hotel & Spa, the dark clouds had given way to a beautiful blue sky dotted with puffy white clouds. The scene looked like those landscape paintings you see displayed at a Sunday art show in the park. We couldn’t have had a more beautiful evening to enjoy during our dinner.

In my next post, we will be heading back into Argentina. Throughout our travels in Chile, Andrea and our local guides kept the bus rides interesting by informing us of recent history, current life challenges, and the culture of this beautiful country.  The following tidbits landed in my notebook:

During the period of 1973 – 1990, the country was under a dictatorship ruled by Augusto Pinochet.  He ruled with an iron fist and committed many civil rights crimes while he was in power.  Sound familiar?  What transpired in Chile was similar to Argentina.  (Officially) 3,000 people were taken and never found.  Meanwhile, the “Chicago Boys” returned to Chile after studying economics under Milton Freeman and worked their way into high-ranking government positions.  They established a free-market economy and constitution that remains today.  According to the transitional provisions of the 1980 constitution, a referendum was scheduled for 1988 to vote on a new eight-year presidential term for Pinochet.  Thankfully, he lost the vote, and the government has been a democracy since 1990.  Like many other countries, however, the country is extremely politically divided, as I described in a previous post.  Attempts were made by both the left and right to change the constitution, however, they failed each time to win enough votes.  About 65% of the 1980 constitution has been reformed, though.

Here on some brief facts on some hot button issues in Chile:

• Public healthcare is good quality; however, it takes a long time to get treatment, and some people have died waiting.  Private healthcare is very expensive.
• 10% of personal income is taken for retirement.
• Gay marriage was allowed one year ago.
• Abortion is allowed in cases where the health of the mother or unborn is at risk and rape.
• Gun ownership is not common due to the paperwork required to prove mental fitness.
• Central Chile is very progressive and not religious, whereas in southern Chile, the church is very influential.

Overall, Chile is very stable politically and economically compared to other South American countries.

I always find it interesting to compare the country I am visiting to what we are experiencing in the United States and reflect on how Americans respond to what we feel are “crises.”  Traveling, in my opinion, is an excellent way to gain perspective.  211% annual inflation in Argentina and 3% in the United States… Americans should be thankful; it could always be worse.

Next up: ARGENTINA & CHILE #15: ENJOYING EL CALAFATE