Skiing and Snowboarding in the Andes Mountains

Yes, you did read that title correctly. And yes, this is my real life. Skiing the Andes was one of those experiences that made me feel so incredibly fortunate to be spending 5 months in this country.

There is a company here in Viña del Mar called Ski Portillo that will be so kind as to take you up to the Portillo ski resort (about a 3 hour drive through some of the wildest switch backs I've come across), give you equipment, a lift ticket, and lessons, if you feel so inclined, for the low, low price of $45,000 CHP (approximately $90 USD). So, one chilly Friday morning we gathered at 5:00 in the morning to head up.

Portillo Ski Resort is, in a word, incredible. Incredible doesn't even begin to do it justice, and I can't list all of the synonyms for incredible because those won't truly serve either. The resort is situated around a beautiful alpine lake that will actually take your breath away...

If you ever need a dose of humility and appreciation for the world's natural wonders, go to the Andes

A Chilean Cumpleaños

That blessed day rolls around but once a year, bringing joy to all--well, mostly me. Yes, I am talking about my birthday, and this year I was lucky enough to celebrate it right here, in Viña del Mar, Chile! It fell on a Sunday right after the epic Isla Negra, Pomaire, Casas del Bosque excursion, which was followed by a night of tearing up the dance floor in Valpo, so I rolled into Sunday morning as one happy camper.

My familia Chilena was wonderful enough to prepare a delicious asado and invite the whole gang over to celebrate. So, with Sihua, Rachel, and all of my wonderful Chilean relatives we partook in much food, drink and merriment--it definitely made my 20th birthday one to remember!!

You may all now admire, and envy, my birthday crown for the day