One experience, one question, one realization.
I have just had the unfortunate opportunity to experience first hand, albeit in a more symbolic and pacific way, what it must feel like to be any person living in Palestine. I was there. Sitting on the rocks on the shore of Lake Villarica, in the shadow of a puffing, fuming white cone, the Volcan Villarica, I was quietly reading while eating plums in the sun and wind. From behind me came the gutteral sounds of a middle-eastern language. As the group of 5 or so approached I saw skull-caps and could see that they were of European extraction - Israelis. One sat next to me, actually touching me, and the rest sat all around me. The seemed to be laughing at me, as if it were a big joke. They asked me if I spoke english and I answered yes and where were they from... they laughed at me and continued shouting in Hebrew (or is it Yiddish... excuse my ignorance on the matter). I was not included in their conversations, nor were they conducted in a language I could understand. My space was invaded (by no means do I believe I owned that space but it is a matter of courtesy and observation I believe). They succeeded. I felt extremely uncomfortable in my own spot, my little home, unwelcome and invaded. So I got up and left the middle of a circle of Israelis empty.
On the street I met a waiter who had just arrived in Pucón from Barcelona. He spoke english, french, catalan, spanish, portuguese, and italian... Great man. We chatted, he and I and a native Puconian about all sorts of things, from the state of the Chilean military, the the suffocation of the people by tourists, to the obligatory architectural standards in Pucon (the buildings are all swiss/german style cozy stone and wood buildings - no boxy ugly messes), to the magnetic poles and the state of volcanoes and glaciers in Chile (the Puconian was a geologist of sorts). After at least 20 minutes of conversation the Puconian man asked where in Spain I was from!!! (thats just a little bit of blowing my own horn!!!)
I have decided this day, after going up to a glacial lake on a rented (and less than fully functional) mountain bike, and after strolling the streets and watching the tourists, that this is NOT, despite its self proclaimed status, an adrenaline junkie´s paradise. I´m sure it could be, I have no doubt. But 99% of the people who come here are monied european/north american tourists who want to feel like they are "adrenaline junkies" in a controlled environment. This would be better toted as the "pseudo-adventure-package-tour" capital of south america! Every tour agency, and there are literally hundreds in this town of barely 16,000, offers ziplining, climbing the volcano, rafting and horseback riding. The mountain biking, (I hate to be snobby and turn my nose up but...) was really a stroll on a narrow dirt road - a road. Though the scenery was beautiful from a technical standpoint I was left still hungry, or thirsty, so to speak - but this was "mountain biking". So thats my Eureka moment!
until next time
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