LA!

Exchange students

Baby pines

Candace aka "La Jeffe"

Today we are in Laja

Today we traveled to Laja for our presentation. On the way we stopped to see a very nice waterfall {cascada}.

Another view from the top of the cascada.

After the falls we drove to the top of one of the mountains to have a great view of the valley. I will post some pictures later showing the beauty of this area.

Now some R&R and lunch.

After lunch we went on a tour of a local paper factory. Sorry but I did not take pictures since others had cameras.

I will upload some other pictures of todays activities later.  

Happy Easter

Just a quick note today in order to wish all of our family and friends a Happy Easter.

Candace visited the Chillan Hospital Herminda Martin. She has the opportunity to tour the operating room.

Photos from our day off

Here are a few photos from a walk we took on Friday.

Today we are going over to the coast to the city of Constitution {I think that is accurate.} I will put up more photos when we get back this evening.

April 21st - we are in San Javier

We made the drive from Chillan to San Javier today for 2 days of relaxation before continuing our advanture.

We are staying at the Hotel Colonial Maule. Here is a view of the grouunds.

This afternoon we went to the Balduzzi vineyard for a factory tour as well as a wine tasting.

Next to the Balduzzi vineyard was a church that was heavily damaged during last years earthquake. Here are a few pictures showing the reconstruction.

Later we went to dinner with the San Javier Rotary. We had a great night with a fabulous bunch of people. What a great night.

Friday a day to relax.....

DAY OFF IN SAN JAVIER

First official day off and I think we've all caught up on some much needed sleep. Yesterday we arrived in San Javier and checked into the Hotel Colonial. Afterwards the Rotarians took us to the Balduzzi winery. We had a quick tour of the winery and also got a chance to share some wine with the owner who by the way is also a Rotarian. He invited us into his house for another bottle of wine! :) Later that night we all met for dinner and gave our presentation to the San Javier rotarian club. Great night!

San Javier Rotary Club

Balduzzi winery with Mr. Balduzzi

Colonial Maule

Some recent activities

Here is a quick post, primarily pictures,  to describe some of the recent activities that our group has been involved in. I hope you all enjoy this as much as we have been. Have a great night.

Us at the stadium after a game of soccer.

We all had to take this picture with the ball.

Jim showing his talnet for soccer!

Bob in fornt of the Rotary International Banner!!!

Another day in paradise!

The group at a vineyard
.

Boxes of grapes still in the field  waiting to be pcked up.

Sea lions playing in the sea. 

A view of the beach.

I wish the I could only explain the beauty of the country with words not just pictures. The only thing that I have to say is that the places and the people that I have meet ove rthe last two weeks are amazing! I think that I am finally understanding the meaning of the song - "Si Vas Pars Chile". Thank you to the Arauco Rotary group for sharing this song with my group. The memory of our visit with your club will stay with us forever.  

CHILLAN!

Monday 18April 2011

Beautiful cathedral/cross in Chillan

Jeff teaching his class!

Some of my new pilot buddies

Club Aero Chillan!

Beautiful day in the Thermal Pools outside of Chillan

Yesterday we attended the District Assembly meeting. It was great to catch up with some friends again and meet the amazing people we will spend time with over the next two weeks.

Today, we spent a relaxing and beautiful day hiking and soaking in the thermal pools in the mountainous area outside of Chillan.

Here are a few photos from our day. Too bad there wasn't any snow yet!

















Tomorrow we are meeting with the Mayor of Chillan, touring some sites in the city, and having a meeting/presentation with the 4 clubs in Chillan. I will be giving a presentation on my job as an environmental scientist to a college class, as well as having a "chat" with another group of science students at the university with my host mom. Excited to share some information with them!