ah, Chiloé.....

Hola todos!
Last weekend was perhaps one of the most beautifuly unique weekends I have spent here and maybe ever. The island of Chiloè is situated in the South of Chile, off the coast near Puerto Montt. It has its own very unique culture and a lot of folklore, mystery and other legends. Apart from the fact that it is shrouded in mystery, it is also INCREDIBLY BEAUTIFUL.
We left early in the morning on Friday to get down there.My study abroad program rules, and only the people who were here last semester went on this trip. There were 6 of us students (one couldn´t go) and two chapperones who are totally rad. So, from the get-go we were chatting, laughing, joking and having a wonderful time. This did not stop throughout the entire weekend, and we all just had SO much fun with eachother. So becides laugh a lot, here´s what we did...
Friday: Arrived in Puerto Montt early in the morning, and took a ferry over to the island. We were on two modes of transport at the same time, and it was a little trippy. We were in our van, on a boat! How silly. But it was really neat, and nice to chill for a bit on the water. Then, we got to the Island of Chiloè and drove off the ferry to Ancud, a town on the coast there. In Ancud we went to a historical museum, and then did some more tours around the cool old churches that are there and in surrounding towns. Then, in the afternoon we went to Castro to eat a delicious lunch (which became the norm)at our hostel. Then we just hung out, went to walk around Castro and got a much deserved sleep. (After another delicious meal of seafood and white wine)
Saturday: Such a beautiful day... We woke up and saw the houses that are built on stilts right in the bay of Chiloé (picutres are coming), and then drove some more to the place where we would spend one of the most lovely afternoon´s and evenings´ever. It was the house of our chaperone Alejandro´s friends who lives there and works as a fisherman. Where he lives looks like he lives on a lake, but within a few hours the sea´s tide goes down to reveal the land underneath. Sidenote: Really cool to watch the transformation.: Then, as we waited for lunch to be prepaired, we took out his sea kayaks and kayaked around in the calm, ocean water. It was a beautiful day, and Peter and I decided it was apt for swimming. So, we stripped down and swam in the cold cold water. It was awesome. Then, we all headed back to eat this traditional meal of seafood, potatoes and other meats called Curanto. BUT, I am not giving this ANY justice. This meal was absolutley incredible. Here´s how it was done:
First, we had a nice big fire with these grapefruit-sized stones in it. After a few hours (yes, it took forever!) we took out the wood so only the stones remained, and then poured all ofthe fresh seafood over them to cook along with the other ingredients, chicken, pork and potatoes. All fresh and without any seasoning or anything... THEN, we covered the elements with HUGE leafs from the forest, and put bread on top of them to cook as well. THEN we covered the bread with the grassy part of earth dug up from the yard. At the end, it looked like a big pile of sod with steam coming out of it. Then, we waited. And drank wine. And shared stories. And played the guitar. and sat in bliss. Then, it was ready and time to unveil what would be one of (if not THE) best meals I have ever eaten. Although there were about 10 of us, we hardly made a dent in this food. There was so much of it! but, damn, was it good.
After we finished and hung out more, we eventually went back to our hostel. Well, the others did. I went with Peter and Alejandro to the local school gymnasium to watch their rendition of Jesus Christ Superstar. yea.
Then, we went back, ate MORE seafood, drank MORE wine, and eventually went out to a bar. The night ended in the morning; after one real bar and one speak-easy-style Heavy Metal bar (complete wiht gargoyles and passed-out dude on the floor).
Sunday: In the morning, we went to visit the first Modern Art museum in Chile! It was really cool, and I "choreographed" an improvisational piece representing the ledgends of the Island. Then, we slowly made our way back, and eventually got on a plane to come back to Valpo. We didn´t arrive till about 2 AM on Monday morning, and due to my not-so-riggorous school schedule, I was able to sleep all day and not miss any classes.
Wow, so.... Back now, and am planning on staying in one place for a while. Also:::::Today I went to a place that does FREE MODERN DANCE WORKSHOPS!!!!!!!!! There is an audition on the 27, and I am super stoked to DANCE! wohoooooooooooo!
So, thats the news. Now off to an asado,and a hat party! :) Happy April!
chau chau!