Chile- October 2010

This October, my mom and I ventured to Chile for a long weekend for our dear friend Pachy's wedding. Since we were there with a purpose and for a short time, we didn't travel around the country, but we did get to experience the lovely Valle Colchagua. Pachy's town and site of the fesitivities, Lolol, is in the Valle Colchagua which is located a few hours south of Santiago. Her town was very close to the recent earthquake's epicenter, so unfortunately there was still a fair amount of destruction.

The region is absolutely beautiful though- a valley of rolling hills at the base of the Andes. At one point we actually were looking at both the Pacific Ocean and the Andes. Also, if you're a wino, you've probably had some Chilean wine from the Colchagua region- it's great!

We stayed in Santa Cruz, which is the 'big city' near Lolol. We stayed at a very cute B&B, Hostal Colchagua, that seemed to host mainly Chileans but we also saw some Europeans apparently trekking off the beaten path.


Breakfast was great, but my one complaint is that they only had instant coffee! Although apparently this is a Chilean phenomenon, so the hostal can't be blamed.

Every morning the owners would make breakfast in this antique stove and oven, which we thought was very cool.

We also went to a great restaurant in Santa Cruz, Alma Campesina, although to tell the truth, we didn't eat a bad thing in Chile. You can't go wrong with fresh local beef and red wine.


Ceviche- one of my favorites.


But, back to the reason for the trip: Pachy and Maxi's wedding! What a beautiful couple.


While we were there, we also got to tour one of Pachy's family member's farms and witness charcoal making and sheep-shearing. I think I've had my fill of sheep-shearing.

Charcoal-making, Chilean style

Sheep-shearing

You also cannot exaggerate Chilean hospitality- Here are some pictures of the day after the wedding feast held by Pachy's aunt, whose house, of course, had a vineyard attached.

And to cap off a great trip, here's that gorgeous Chilean scenery..can't beat the Andes and the Pacific!



Also Maxi bought us salt at some salt-flats