DAY 9 - DAY 11.
Los Angeles (Chile) to El Campo (The Farm - Chile)

It was a case of getting up this morning and rushing, as I usually do. Jess actually woke me up and got me going, which was a good thing, or I would have missed my bus to Gorbea. As we were driving to the bus terminal, some Brazilian music was playing and it was a very emotional time, due to the music. It was quickly changed. The drive over was a quick one and it seemed a little strange. This small country town flashing by, with daily activities continuing as per normal as my life was beginning to slow down. At the bus terminal I said my goodbyes and said to Jess that she now needs to come to Australia, as I have been to her house twice now. She said that I was welcome at her place anytime. I was sad to say goodbye, but know for every goodbye, there is a hello coming soon.

Chile has a very good bus transportation network, being that it is the shape of a pencil. People travel large distances by bus, unless you can afford to fly. Some buses are better than others, but all are of a high standard, as I find that people take more care of other people's property and know that they would like to find it the way they left it, so to speak. Here is a photo of the bus that I caught for the 3.5hrs trip from LA to Temuco and then onto Gorbea. Gorbea is the home town of my friend's (Paul) Mum. We stopped at various little towns along the way where 4 or 5 would get off and the same number would get back on. The same happened at the main stop in Temuco (Which is next to the Crematorium), however more got off than those who got on. So our numbers dwindled the further south we went. During the trip "Papi" (Paul's Dad) called me on my loan mobile. I confirmed that I would be arriving in Gorbea at 2pm. I think there was a bit of confusion on the phone, but it was alright.

The bus arrived 10mins early and there was a guy I recognised from my previous visits. He was wearing a "MANTAHUE" cap. Mantahue is the local indian name for the area. We discussed about Paul's dad and then I realised where the confusion was, we was sending this guy to meet me, in case he was going to be late or I was going to be early. Not long after Papi arrived in the 4x4 Ute and we were all on our way to the farm, another 40mins along access roads for the logging tracks, as people grow trees for the paper mill as a source of cash income. We chatted most of the way, talking about how cold it was, how it was good to see him wearing his Aussie Scarf and hat. Just general chit chat. It was good to see the farm again and notice the little changes that have been made to help with the running of the place. It is still a pictures place and a place that I find very relaxing, even though last time I was driven mad by fleas. I think the dog was the problem, but he is no longer there.

On arrival, it was the start of the feasting season. I think that since being at the farm, I have put back on all the weight that I had lost over the last few months. I don't think that I stopped eating or if I did, it was to sleep. Anyway it is a peaceful place and a place to just chat with the neighbours, drink a cuppa and watch the trees grow and the sun go down. BEAUTIFUL!!!!!! Well, that is basically what I did on the first day at the farm. Not much. I did play with the little boy Diego, who is the son of the house girl. He would be about 4 and she would be in her mid 20’s, if not younger, as a guess. She is the daughter of the guy who met me at the bus terminal in Gorbea. She is a single mum, which is common in the more remote parts of Chile, who lives in the house above the kitchen with her son and works from the moment she gets up to the moment she goes to bed.

The next day, 19th of June, was Papi’s birthday. I didn’t ask how old he was, but it is somewhere in the sixties. Being a Tuesday (I think), it was just like any other day. Got up, had breakfast and tried to stay warm. The sun did shine, which was good, so I took a few photos of the place, like this one here. Don’t you just love the rolling foothills of the Andes with all the trees and the little farm house with the smoke coming out of the chimney. Some of the locals came over to visit, the guy from the bus stop and one of the old farm hands from years ago. They basically do a bit of work for the old man, who pays them with either smokes or bottles of the local brew, Chicha. It’s basically an alcoholic apple cider, without the bubbles. I tell you what, it isn’t a Strongbow. The professionally made stuff is really good, but this stuff is just not so sweat tasting coloured water. However the local guys love it. Fact: A lot of the locals are from German decent and the German they still speak here is from the 1900’s. I think someone from Germany once came to study them. Well that’s the story I’ve been told.

Once the guys herd it was Papi’s birthday, then they had to stay and help him celebrate it with the roast meal and a few glasses of Chicha. I stayed with the Coke. Wow, was this meal fantastic. I ate way too much again, but thought that I would walk it off later. I never did, as I couldn’t move once it was finished. Can I just say that the caramel cake they make here is just fantastic. I hope the photo does justice. Not much else happened other than a million phone calls to Papi from family and friends wishing him a Happy Birthday. It was a very tranquil time in the country. I even had conversations with Diego and I think enjoyed having the company too.

On the 20th of June, Paul’s birthday, we had to leave early, so we could drive to Temuco, so 80km up the road. Now my flight wasn’t until 11, but it took us 45mins to get to the main road and then another 15 to Gorbea. From there we could get onto the main Highway and drive the 40km to Temuco. Plus the rain had been bucketing down all night and the roads may have had issues. It was a quiet drive to Temuco, but I think Papi was surprised when I asked for clarification of the issue they were discussing on the radio. It was the same as last time, Peru wanting the most northern region of Chile, which Chile won in a war against Peru and Bolivia about 100 years ago. It was controlled by Spain after the 3 countries gained independence, but they pulled out without indicating who was in control. I think that they are arguing over it because think that is where one of the worlds largest copper mine is. Run by BHP, I think... At the airport Papi and I shared more stories and generally discussed Alex’s (his other son’s) wedding, the one I am in South America (Brazil) for. It was great to spend the time with him again and he too had thought that communication would be difficult, but in the end it wasn’t too bad.

The flight up was great! I don’t know what it is like for you, when you fly, but I never get to sit next to someone I want to talk too, unless I already know them. Well, this girl wanted to talk to me, which was great, as it helped pass the time. I found out that she was from Brazil and that she would be on the same flight to São Paulo on the Friday. I think that I had just made a friend. One thing I have noticed about South American people, they are very easy to become friendly with and they are very open to conversations. I think that it was made easier that she spoke Portuguese, English and Spanish. Sorry people, only a photo of the plane I travelled in. I love planes...