Chile

After a few months exploring the east coast of South America in Rio, Buenos Aires, and Uruguay -- we wine'd and dined (mostly wine'd) our way west to visit my cousins, Matt and Jennifer, who live and teach in Santiago Chile.
Jennifer was carrying a future cousin, which made her an excellent designated driver. We arrived on Saint Patricks Day - just in time for us Duffy cousins to celebrate being "Irish" with someone who's actually Irish (Suzanne).
We stayed for one week -- by day, Jennifer and Matt worked while Suzanne and I relaxed extremely hard in their beautiful back yard, drinking tea, reading, and picking walnuts and peppers from their garden. We also took day-trips to explore Santiago - and visit Pablo Neruda's wacky fun house.
The nights were filled with jam sessions, pool parties, live music, and even a bowling outing with Matt's work friends.
Jennifer was carrying a future cousin, which made her an excellent designated driver. We arrived on Saint Patricks Day - just in time for us Duffy cousins to celebrate being "Irish" with someone who's actually Irish (Suzanne).
We stayed for one week -- by day, Jennifer and Matt worked while Suzanne and I relaxed extremely hard in their beautiful back yard, drinking tea, reading, and picking walnuts and peppers from their garden. We also took day-trips to explore Santiago - and visit Pablo Neruda's wacky fun house.
The nights were filled with jam sessions, pool parties, live music, and even a bowling outing with Matt's work friends.
The Route:
- Santiago: cousinly bonding
- Valparaiso: a reviving coastal city, known for its bohemian culture, brightly colored houses, and beautiful seaside views
- San Pedro de Atacama: desert town in northern Chile -- amazing landscapes, star-gazing, and floating salt lakes
Photo Album of Chile:
A few weeks after our visit to Santiago, Jennifer and Matt brought into this world gorgeous little baby Makaila! I like to think the late-night jam sessions with Matt helped Makaila develop in the womb. Jennifer isn't so sure :)