Lake Atitlan, Panajachel, Guatemala

Thursday, July 25, 2019

Hola from Chile and Peru

My youngest son and I are traveling in South America this summer. We are one month into our trip, the first week spent in Coquimbo/La Serena, Chile to see the eclipse. This eclipse had a very narrow view for totality. You basically had to go to South America to experience it. Not that either of us are eclipse chasers, but as long as we had plans to go why not arrange things to see that?

We saw it from the beach, which was incredible and this photo doesn't do it justice. They never do. You've got to have some kind of special camera to really photograph totality. But with this shot we can appreciate how dark it is, like the sun has set, yet it's still quite far above the horizon. 

We only stayed in this area for a week, as it was quite expensive. Every day I walked for hours on the beach. It was cold, since it's winter now in Chile, but not too bad in the afternoon with the sun shining. I loved those beach walks, especially the pelicans! I admire how they're so relaxed and companionable, but when it's time to eat they go after it with a vengeance, dive-bombing straight into the water. I never tired of watching them.
We bussed from La Serena north to the Chile/Peru border, stopping here and there along the way. It took about a week until we finally crossed the border and headed to Irequipa, Peru, where we decided to stay for a month.

I love it in Arequipa. The weather is fantastic, sunny and in the low to mid-seventies every day. The prices for lodging and food are quite reasonable, even cheap, especially compared to Chile. I've checked out a few places for long-term rentals for maybe next year when I'd like to come back and stay for six months. I could totally live here for $500 to $800 a month, including food and incidentals. So I just might do that.

Here's my son buying two hand-knit alpaca sweaters for just $10 each. Both he and the vendor were very happy with their transaction. He's wearing one of them, isn't it beautiful? And so soft! I haven't found one yet, but I'm keeping my eyes open. Today I bought a hat. Everyone here wears hats because of the intensity of the sun.

I'm posting photos regularly on my Instagram @travelingnonny if you want to see more of my travels through Chile and Peru!

17 comments:

  1. A perfect way to honor your time with your late husband and your sons' father, living and experiencing latin America. May this summer bring much light into all your hearts. <3

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  2. Mirka, It's been a very healing experience. The kids and I went back to Guatemala over Bruce's birthday, but everything was still too raw to post about that trip.

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  3. It sounds like a fabulous trip, and it's neat that you can share it with your son. I haven't been up to date on what's been happening with you, and I'm really sorry to hear about your husband. I hope this trip helps with the healing process. I'm sending lots of positive thoughts your way. (At least THEY can experience South America...) Take care.

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    1. Thank you, Susan. I pretty much went dark on the blog for a year or two, even before he got sick. But blogging is something I just really enjoy so can't ever quit for good.

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  4. Love this. Wonder how I got unsubscribed

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    1. I don't know but you're here now! *hugs* Click on the follow in the sidebar or you can count on Facebook. I will always link to a new post from there.

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  5. I am sorry to hear of your loss, but am so pleased for you that you are having this time with your son. Wishing you healing and peace.

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  6. What a wonderful adventure you are having and what a very strong woman you are.

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    1. It has been wonderful but I don't feel very strong lol.

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  7. Sounds like quite a trip you're having. I was lucky enough to see a near total eclipse a few years back in the UK. It's quite spooky the way everything darkens and gets cold so suddenly.

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  8. Adventures, indeed.

    I am sorry for the loss of your husband. Heal, be gentle with yourself.

    $500-800 a month. I'd do it.

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    1. Thanks, Susan. The place I'd like to live is only $225 a month, so very tempting. There's a Spanish school right up the street where I could take lessons and improve my language skills. No beach though lol.

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  9. Dear Karen, I'm so happy for you that you are treating yourself to this trip and discovering that you might want to spend more time there. This is such a lovely way for your mind and heart and spirit to renew itself. Peace.

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  10. Hi Karen - this sounds a wonderful way to spend time, while life sorts itself out ... the $225 - sounds good value and you could perhaps travel to the beach with the spare $ ... and help others learn American English, while you learn your Spanish. Good luck to you and Forrest - while you travel lightly together ... cheers Hilary

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