Translation from Dutch into English with GOOGLE TRANSLATE

Introduction

Chile is an elongated country with beautiful nature. Torres del Paine is a very area, where it blows, but where nevertheless beautiful walks can be. The other parks are ideal for hiking and other activities such as climbing active volcanoes. The capital, Santiago de Chile is old European public, with beautiful buildings. The hotels and restaurants are very Western, you do not really feel like in South America. When it comes to eating and drinking can against a few good fish dinner, accompanied by a delicious Chilean white wine.


Saturday & Sunday 11 & 12 October

Patrick us at 13:00 to put the station in Den Bosch. From there we taken the train to Schiphol, where we were obviously too early. We think not so bad, the luggage on a cart and a beer is always available. Quiet checked in and after customs still a small loaf. Piet took coffee, but I was already on the beer so from that moment I had a head start. I was curious how long it would take, it will be after the night flight which I do not sleep and Piet can be converted back in a large backlog. When we arrived in Madrid we but went straight to the gate, the airport is very nasty. Actually, our airport but then a small one. Here you have a subway like something to another terminal, Schiphol, you can still amount to anything. At the gate, we'll have another beer done, even though you were at the airport, prices were more Spanish than Dutch. The long flight lasted 13 hours, but it seemed to Pierre to 26. There was something with the climate, and our place looked like the plane is an icehouse while in other places too warm. When we arrived in Santiago was our tour leader, Judith waiting for us. She looks a bit like Evelyn from Ecuador, and if they continue to inform as it all comes good. They showed us where we could pins and / or change to what is right and told a good amount per person would be the first day. Delicious someone you the outset what the ropes. We first pins but equally, it was actually For the first time we went on vacation with not all the cash and pocket money while ATMs were there were doing, but we went there. By bus we Imperio Suites went to our hotel, it's like new and looks fine. Because we were early we could not hold the briefing in the breakfast room, there Guests even had breakfast. But then on the roof, it was cool, but we had Finally windproof jackets purchased. The second half of the meeting could be inside, and we were therefore identical with coffee and tea. We were immediately with the way of making coffee: instant coffee almost anywhere and choco drink. During the briefing we had to give up even a couple tours, of course with the corresponding payment. With just the eyes, we realized that a expensive vacation would be for all things that are offered are fun to do or see. After the payment of the first part of the tips were we have the key to our room and we could go freshen up and walk. First we walked the wrong way, but then once we had arrived by We go to all the sights. The cathedral on the Plaza des Armas is impressive and the square itself surrounded by beautiful buildings and full of life. Artists, artists and people strolling Always fun! We have eaten outside on a terrace, and while waiting grandma but here we call that have withstood the trip well. When the sun disappeared behind the buildings was pretty chilly, and we are fast, but again gone, it is clearly only the beginning of spring. Along the walk we saw a singer, just with its own sound system on a square. Music is obviously important, there was just the audience danced. What we saw was that way also quite a few beggars in the streets, sat and layers. By subway, we went back to the train station. When we arrived there was a presentation of folk dances. There was a stage built and dances from all parts of the country were performed. It was nice to see but difficult to film because there were so many people and I certainly was not prioritized. It was also the first time I had a video camera with me, that made it even easier, routine there was not. After our hike we shopped at the supermarket down the street from the hotel. Beer, wine, and stuff for lunch during the bus trip the next days. The beer we drank on the roof terrace, the hotel had no bar. Soon a chat with fellow travelers with part of the group had dinner. The sun was lovely, the wind cold. Then we went a bath, still have a made wine, and for ten hours sleep. At a quarter to four, there was a child pounding on the door, so we were awake. Piet then no more sleep, but fortunately he had been six hours to sit.


Monday, October 13

We were good wake up on time, had a leisurely shower and the rest of the stuff packing. After breakfast we were fine with two buses to the bus station where we make our first public bus from this trip would take. As we were about to wait, we heard that the previous day's passport was stolen from a traveling companion, just out of her pouch. The bus was going to twelve hours before we would reach Pucón, so we went only good for sitting. Along the way we stopped at five minutes Talca, then We have a portion of our lunch, but once stuck in the bus eaten. The pâté and The ham tasted fine, if you have somewhere to set it is often too bad, and that was the case here. The whole day is spent in the bus, with an occasional stop for five minutes while we did not stray far from the bus were. But all in all it went pretty fast beyond: some reading, some neighborhoods, little sleep and before you know it the day over and you are in the destination. When we reached were seen Pucón We are the volcano that we would climb tomorrow. CAN I STILL BACK was my first thought. It seemed a very long distance with only snow and ice, we see it tomorrow .. After our arrival at the hotel we École luggage in the room and we immediately thrown went down for the welcome information. It's a small room and the hotel is very noisy, but it looks more fine. We have all our private shower and that's not all rooms in this hotel so. After the information are We like the stuff going to fit for the trip to Villa Rica tomorrow. It took equally effective, but at some point we were all with shoes, pants, spikes and other necessities. After the match we shopped and we eat in the restaurant of the hotel, we did not feel like making more anything else to look. The food was fine, only the salmon was salty, but maybe that's strange because we are more accustomed to sweet salmon. After dinner we went into the small bar where we sit here have spoken with an American who already had one week. Then we have kids here a mail sent from the (free for guests) Internet PC, we bottle of wine drunk and we went to the room for us to prepare for the tough trip the next day.


Tuesday, October 14

SHIT, not have made it to the top!

The day we started with a breakfast that was not very smooth. Hard-boiled eggs They do not know, but they are also not here to report or questions or what we wanted. When I finally did ask where it was (we were the first and were given last meal) were the scrambled eggs. There was no further wrong with that. With minivans we went to the beginning of our walk. Unfortunately, our van was back, there was not enough petrol. When we were back at the station threw he is six liters in, probably just enough for return of this day. Finally arrived we all decided the first part (up) with the ski lift go. Are we so but for the first time in our lives in a ski lift. I'm not say that the last will be last but you never know. With the help We jumped off the ski lift and we were at the start of our walk. Marian: Soon it was already time again, I walked back to Thomas, one of the guides. My pace is also in the snow is not very high. Fortunately, since in such walks taken into account: there were four guides him, so the group with a confidence could fall apart and everyone in his or her own pace could walk. Then after a while we joined the rest of the group we were instructed how We had to use the pick, just when walking and in case of emergency. Then the rest of the group's path, while Thomas and I took some rest, because we were only just arrived. The first play was still in a fairly pace, but was already very heavy by the snow, but also by the tension of walking on a steep slope, we could not straight up, but had zigzagging up. The weather was beautiful, the sun was shining and there Few clouds. It was so hot that in only a thermal T-shirt could walk. At the next stop where we decided to hit the block again a fellow of the climb with us to stay the pace of the group was too high for her. The three of us so we went on, we stopped as much as needed. But it was getting heavier and it was good we had our pick for balance and support. The fatigue was also increasingly come into play, the steps were getting smaller and more frequent stops. It was a great ride, with beautiful views. When the group behind a hill disappeared, we had three minutes walk to get there too, so we were quite a bit further. We felt that we were a long way until we got there. Thomas urged us, saying: "Look what a beautiful window I am opening for you ". When we arrived we believed indeed our eyes: 1. What a stunning picture, 2. What is smallpox still a final to the top, 3. I never get this, 4. I'm going to try anyway! But it became increasingly difficult and heavier. At 200 meters from the top (distance) we took a longer break to lunch. Not that I was hungry, but rest and drink could not hurt. When we examine twenty minutes I went back ten steps put while I was running asked where I was doing quite well. At that moment the battle to the top pick up and I gave up. That was very, admit that something you can not always painful. Once I had finished that I did not go my buddy said she was glad I said it, she thought it for a while. We decided not the rest of the group to wait before we went down. Thomas called Gonzalo to tell that we were going down down. We took part in the bobsleigh run, with a diaper for. That was fun, a sort of nylon pants that you are in the snow could slide down channels. Unfortunately, the snow is already becoming melt as the middle of the day, so it was not always smooth. But if the went, it was also pretty hard and I had to brake a few times with my pickaxe. That thing is still used for many purposes, I was up and down happy to have him. Mostly we had to walk with our Crampons covered because it was too steep. The descent was a lot less tiring, but if too stiff bobsleigh run was whether we had to make a new path into the slope. Especially that latter was tiring by the tension that that entailed. When we reached bottom were brought into our group, and I finally got a decent picture of Pierre network. Piet: I am with the rest of the group went upstairs. Ultimately, it is good I had borrowed a pair of sunglasses at a time Gonzalo said to me that I had up. When I had finished it later turned out here that I desperately needed him, decent watch was no longer without sunglasses. Along the way I had to really to the bathroom and our guides have a "baãos" dug for me. Luckily I all not much more, as I must, I must. There were people who wanted a picture , but when I said I would not mind at all that they did it anyway not. For us it was getting heavier as we came towards the top, I it was afraid not to pick and looked so at some point but no more to the top. A few people also have their peak just before the climbing irons under bound, because that would go easier. When we were on the top gave altimeter to 2865 meters. Unfortunately we could not see through the crater many sulfur vapor diamond came. Was gliding down, a few time is very hard. Once even so hard that I flew over the head and leaving my cola bottle lost. Sometimes it was also down heavily, but it was at least a lot easier than up. Together: The total group we went down, we were a long way. The it was getting heavier by the snow was melting a bit. Which ensured that we fell far above our ankles. We were therefore both staggering of fatigue, Piet did not even have the power to lift his pickaxe, he just dragged him along the ground. I got one of the guides are still walking sticks. That was close or in balance, but unfortunately not in the snow pockets. Especially the last half hour seemed no end to it. Deadly tired we arrived at the vans. Back at the club, we could again Hicking clothes and we are on the benches geploft up like we never could come. Luckily we got a beer, then everything will be very soon as well: after work is over good rest and drink. Back at the hotel I have promised photo Ronald mailed, we mailed the children that we survived had a little something to eat together in the restaurant and we are Time to bed. It was a very successful, pioneering days: Piet top removed, I just do not but went to the hole!


Tuesday, October 14

SHIT, not have made it to the top!

The day we started with a breakfast that was not very smooth. Hard-boiled eggs They do not know, but they are also not here to report or questions or what we wanted. When I finally did ask where it was (we were the first and were given last meal) were the scrambled eggs. There was no further wrong with that. With minivans we went to the beginning of our walk. Unfortunately, our van was back, there was not enough petrol. When we were back at the station threw he is six liters in, probably just enough for return of this day. Finally arrived we all decided the first part (up) with the ski lift go. Are we so but for the first time in our lives in a ski lift. I'm not say that the last will be last but you never know. With the help We jumped off the ski lift and we were at the start of our walk. Marian: Soon it was already time again, I walked back to Thomas, one of the guides. My pace is also in the snow is not very high. Fortunately, since in such walks taken into account: there were four guides him, so the group with a confidence could fall apart and everyone in his or her own pace could walk. Then after a while we joined the rest of the group we were instructed how We had to use the pick, just when walking and in case of emergency. Then the rest of the group's path, while Thomas and I took some rest, because we were only just arrived. The first play was still in a fairly pace, but was already very heavy by the snow, but also by the tension of walking on a steep slope, we could not straight up, but had zigzagging up. The weather was beautiful, the sun was shining and there Few clouds. It was so hot that in only a thermal T-shirt could walk. At the next stop where we decided to hit the block again a fellow of the climb with us to stay the pace of the group was too high for her. The three of us so we went on, we stopped as much as needed. But it was getting heavier and it was good we had our pick for balance and support. The fatigue was also increasingly come into play, the steps were getting smaller and more frequent stops. It was a great ride, with beautiful views. When the group behind a hill disappeared, we had three minutes walk to get there too, so we were quite a bit further. We felt that we were a long way until we got there. Thomas urged us, saying: "Look what a beautiful window I am opening for you ". When we arrived we believed indeed our eyes: 1. What a stunning picture, 2. What is smallpox still a final to the top, 3. I never get this, 4. I'm going to try anyway! But it became increasingly difficult and heavier. At 200 meters from the top (distance) we took a longer break to lunch. Not that I was hungry, but rest and drink could not hurt. When we examine twenty minutes I went back ten steps put while I was running asked where I was doing quite well. At that moment the battle to the top pick up and I gave up. That was very, admit that something you can not always painful. Once I had finished that I did not go my buddy said she was glad I said it, she thought it for a while. We decided not the rest of the group to wait before we went down. Thomas called Gonzalo to tell that we were going down down. We took part in the bobsleigh run, with a diaper for. That was fun, a sort of nylon pants that you are in the snow could slide down channels. Unfortunately, the snow is already becoming melt as the middle of the day, so it was not always smooth. But if the went, it was also pretty hard and I had to brake a few times with my pickaxe. That thing is still used for many purposes, I was up and down happy to have him. Mostly we had to walk with our Crampons covered because it was too steep. The descent was a lot less tiring, but if too stiff bobsleigh run was whether we had to make a new path into the slope. Especially that latter was tiring by the tension that that entailed. When we reached bottom were brought into our group, and I finally got a decent picture of Pierre network. Piet: I am with the rest of the group went upstairs. Ultimately, it is good I had borrowed a pair of sunglasses at a time Gonzalo said to me that I had up. When I had finished it later turned out here that I desperately needed him, decent watch was no longer without sunglasses. Along the way I had to really to the bathroom and our guides have a "baãos" dug for me. Luckily I all not much more, as I must, I must. There were people who wanted a picture , but when I said I would not mind at all that they did it anyway not. For us it was getting heavier as we came towards the top, I it was afraid not to pick and looked so at some point but no more to the top. A few people also have their peak just before the climbing irons under bound, because that would go easier. When we were on the top gave altimeter to 2865 meters. Unfortunately we could not see through the crater many sulfur vapor diamond came. Was gliding down, a few time is very hard. Once even so hard that I flew over the head and leaving my cola bottle lost. Sometimes it was also down heavily, but it was at least a lot easier than up. Together: The total group we went down, we were a long way. The it was getting heavier by the snow was melting a bit. Which ensured that we fell far above our ankles. We were therefore both staggering of fatigue, Piet did not even have the power to lift his pickaxe, he just dragged him along the ground. I got one of the guides are still walking sticks. That was close or in balance, but unfortunately not in the snow pockets. Especially the last half hour seemed no end to it. Deadly tired we arrived at the vans. Back at the club, we could again Hicking clothes and we are on the benches geploft up like we never could come. Luckily we got a beer, then everything will be very soon as well: after work is over good rest and drink. Back at the hotel I have promised photo Ronald mailed, we mailed the children that we survived had a little something to eat together in the restaurant and we are Time to bed. It was a very successful, pioneering days: Piet top removed, I just do not but went to the hole!


Wednesday, October 29

We went on his way to Chile, Torres del Paine. To limit the time to we left at seven hours. In the Argentine border, we just did the passport and the Visa note to show in Chile were all a bit difficult: all luggage had to bus out the great from the hold and was searched. Fortunately it took but a total an hour. When we had had that we are in a souvenir shop and a restaurant coffee will do, and we looked around for a souvenir. We saw some nice posters for the long list, we would take on the way back. After coffee we went to the refugio. Before we got there we went once stopped, as we saw condors again. This time they came flying, and They sat on the floor. We could so very clearly. If they are running the most comical animals, while in the air are the king. So it is rather a difference where and how you see them. To get to the refugio we had to come from the public bus switch in the van of refugio itself. The cost of the van were higher than those of the public bus, you can only a monopoly. In the refugio we were dealt into six-person rooms. After classification, we first speak to one (or two) beers will do in the "restaurant". The bar was already occupied by a group of Summum. It was also a fellow of the TU / e. That is strange, so far from home to meeting anyone you know. Briefly We are talking, then he went back to his own group. In the restaurant was very little atmosphere, it's like a kibbutz. After the beer was soon quarter to eight, partly because the operation was terribly slow and it was time to at dinner. The soup tasted it, the lasagna was fine, but the dessert had no taste. We have ours away, the portions were so small that a companion still could use some. Judith is going to complain about the portion sizes, and so we were still serving a lasagna. Anyway, the taste Cassillero excellent. Another beer with Judith done and then to bed.


Thursday, October 30

We had a breakfast with bread, jam and scrambled eggs, then our lunch box. We have first walkers once again waved. The beginning was not very good: smallpox again hard wind and some rain. It was hoped that later would be better. We are our things will get (some also took note of a traveling companion) and then with the van the refugio at the entrance of the park started. On the way we did not exclude the moving van to cross the bridge go to the refugio, which was on the way or the case. It is a narrow bridge, so it was wait and see if it all went well, but there was no problem except that the mirrors had to be folded. When we arrived at the lake where we took a catamaran over stabbing had had to We wait a half hour. That was a matter of a refuge for wind, and the time just sit by a little chat. Judith was with us suit. It was unfortunately not to walk again, otherwise we have our well have fun, it was finally a beautiful setting. Aboard the catamaran we had coffee with a biscuit and we could exchange our tickets of a single ticket to a return (for the return journey the next day). When we arrived in the next refugio we got another room designated with the same classification and we went for a drink. The refugio, but the prices are a lot better. It's great, but there are more corners. In one of those corners, we have our but lunchbox opened and we have something to eat. Then we go anyway walk, including the drudges who had walked the entire stretch to catch up. The wind blew terrible in some respects it was not even fun anymore and I almost blew. After about a half hour we saw the walkers, they had just eight hours on done so very quickly. Some of this was devastated, but they had it despite everything saved. Upon entry into the refugio we first have to each other drunk. It was not a happy hour beers and were suddenly a lot expensive, but that did not spoil the fun for us. The young themselves names no one to less (if you do not just have such a walk created). After drinks we had dinner, the restaurant's not very nice but the food is certainly better than the previous refugio. We took a bottle with just another, this time we had only plastic drinking glasses. After dinner we took the whole group to the bar gone, I just took the bottle of wine and I have got real glasses. That drink looks a lot nicer! We got a voucher for a welcome drink, a mildly alcoholic, slightly acidic drink, specialty of Chile. I am the username, but it was not so nice, otherwise I would surely have known.


Friday, October 31

At a quarter to eight we got up. Then freshen up, cleaning and breakfast stuff. This weather was excellent, cheese and sausage, scrambled eggs and cereals. And of course the missing white bread with jam and sweet orange juice is not. After breakfast we had the room, and We sit in the restaurant. Although less was it started to rain not quite suitable for hiking, and we have therefore not done. After a while we got our lunch, which was held the bread with ham and cheese. But when I asked for ham alone was no problem: it became a Another bread for me. Then we have slain the time reading and chatting in nice living room where the stove was burning and where we could see how it is still raining. When we saw the boat arrive, we walked to the jetty to where to connect in the row. It was dry, though still blowing very hard and was not determined sunny. We were just in time on the boat, it started to rain again, but the boat was The warm weather and we were provided with coffee and biscuits. Public transport in this countries is still very well arranged. After the crossing was already waiting for our bus the onward journey. We drove back to the border, rather than the border but for the souvenir shop of the way there. Unfortunately they had the posters we wanted (anymore), so we bought anything. We look ahead or back for something else to take home as a souvenir of this trip. And otherwise retained by the film and photos, not really. We had sixty kilometers by bus, in the meanwhile told Judith about the trips in Ushuaia and Buenos Aires. We decided The boat trip in the Beagle Canal, the beaver pots and tango show to do. The weather did take a lump of money (U.S. $ 396.00), but we hope proudly things to see and do. When we arrived at our hotel in Puerto Los Pinos Natales we first but will change after we had thought of how much money We needed some more. Unfortunately it was raining, so we do not have a lot of town seen. The way we saw a number of children who dressed up for Halloween were. It is of course no comparison with what we have seen in New York, but still it was nice to see. We have again achieved a beer in the supermarket, Los Pinos our hostal was again no bar, but again they had no objection to us with glasses, and they have free internet for guests. When it was dry (Almost saved to the restaurant) we had dinner at La Tranguera. I had the house specialty: a delicious stew with king crab, Piet had steak scalloped potatoes. Of course with a bottle, this time the house wine which was fine. On the way back to the hotel we heard a lot of noise and we had a look at the presentation of rally cars for the race the next day. Very spectacular was it all, half the city was also anticipated. We have met for a beer at the hotel are nice and went back to the room where the stove was burning and the wet clothes were now dry.


Saturday, November 1

I slept until half past seven. We had a nice breakfast and then a little walked out because the sun was shining. We painted the walls a little shot because it was raining very yesterday and we thought it was not well done. It was still very cold but we had expected this and we were dressed. The public bus came to pick us back to the hotel, so it was again well controlled. Therefore we had to wait at the buskantoor course, but that is not as bad with luggage in taxis or walking in that direction should. After several hours of reading and Feather we arrived in Punta Arenas where we had to walk two blocks with our luggage Chapital hotel before we arrived. On the outside it did not seem much, but it had just opened and it showed too: everything is new and even had a shower in each room. We are equal but the town to explore, but it was not quite weather: it rained again. We first went to the cemetery, there are really complete houses (and even houses) as a family tomb. We are after visiting the Cemetery coffee and hot chocolate will do in a chocolate shop. Then We went looking for the restaurant where we were going to eat that evening with group. When it was more or less dry, we are still at the point of view town gone, really nice place. Then again at the supermarket for lunch the next day, it's a nice ritual for this holiday. Back to the room for a soup and a hot shower. I'm stumped with what MTV TV, then we walked to the restaurant. Burned inside the stove and it was warm and dry. Soon came the rest and we could also choose from the map. We both opted for the menu. This proved to be a great choice: a seafood cocktail beforehand, as a main dish and king crab wrap with Grand Marnier ice cream for dessert. To end our time in Chile was not completely wrong, tomorrow back to Argentina for the last leg of the journey and returned at the end there of home.