Chilean Welcome

Arriving alone in Santiago, I was accosted by an aggressive taxi driver, wanting to know where I needed to go. "I don't know. Someone is meeting me." I hoped. Seeing that my cell phone wasn't working, he still hoped for a fare. Who is meeting you? "I don't know." What is the number? "I don't know." Both of us frustrated, he gave up. Twenty minutes later I spotted Rosanna, timidly holding up a Gypsy Drifter trading card. My relieve and joy were evident as I hugged her - I was no longer alone in a foreign country with no direction.

We practiced our limited communication on the 1 1/2 ride to Los Andes, where I met up with the rest of the group. Dominic, David, two guys from San Fransisco, and the five 'Brits.' I joined the adventure.

We had a tether scheduled in a local park later that evening. It was extremely windy, but the excited crowd inspired us to at least attempt an inflation. Eager kids gathered around to see the strange balloon. I aborted the inflation, but the crowd still seemed enthralled and pressed closer. I looked back after a futile attempt to prevent kids & dogs from walking over the balloon, only to discover 3 or 4 small children IN the basket, exploring. I was now a part of the "rock star" balloon tour - a "piloto" of globos aerostaticos. I kissed babies and posed for fotos.

We packed it in around 10:30. We were instructed to return to our hotel, pack our things and then go to a party at Gino's house. We didn't know who Gino was and were not really eager for partying at 10:30PM, but what the heck. The thirteen of us piled in the small van with Rosanna at the wheel and headed into the county. As we drove up the road to Gino's, our van was met by our host and a group on horseback in traditional Chilean garb, carrying torches and waving a huge Chilean flag. We were escorted onto the property amid Chilean shouts and chants. It was unbelievable. Still on horseback, our host gave us a brief history of Chile and welcomed us to his country and home. Traditional drinks were served in the courtyard with a toast to the 'piloto' guests.

We eventually drifted inside to enjoy a fabulous meal that had been prepared in the clay ovens in the courtyard outside. Roasted pork, ensalada, and wonderful Chilean wine. Gino gave us a tour of his 200 year old home, the grounds, and his museum with artifacts and paintings depicting the history of Chile, the Incas, and the Aztecs. He gave several of us special bottles of wine as gifts. At 1:30 AM we finally bid him buenos noches and headed to our hotel. I have never experienced anything like it.

I will add pictures as soon as I get that figured out with my new camera. No problemo.