Gringo Chileno

  • Cruz of the Cerro

    Got an extreme closeup of the cross on Manquehuito this morning. Failed at a pullup. The tall building on the right is the Costanera Center, the tallest building in South America.

    Gringo Chileno

  • Torres del Paine

    I finally got the chance to visit Patagonia and hike the W trail at Torres del Paine National Park. 4 days, 53 miles, 10,600 ft elevation gained. The entire thing was surreal. An incredible, beautiful life-changing experience. Nice work on this one, Chile. Day one We started at the welcome center and walked to the…

    Gringo Chileno

  • Disappearing Cerros

    One of the most incredible things about Santiago is the amount of hiking you can do within a short drive. The locals call them cerros, which means hills, but those of us from altitude-impaired places would certainly call them mountains. Check out this lovely view from Cerro Alvarado, showing off the bright green only available…

    Gringo Chileno

  • Oil change

    I guess this qualifies as the prettiest highway oil change I’ve had.

    Gringo Chileno

  • Skiing

    Skiing is a lot different in Chile than the US. It’s only 15 miles (25km) to the slopes from the Santiago suburb of Lo Barnechea. But it takes an hour and a half to get there, if you don’t hit traffic, or as they say here, taco. Yes, taco in Chile means traffic as often…

    Gringo Chileno

  • Wintertime

    Winter in Santiago is not the winter I’m used to. First, it’s August. Which is hard for a northern-hemispherian to wrap their head around. Then, it’s chilly, but it’s not really cold. Temps only get down to 40-45 (4-7 C), so the only snow you’re seeing is up in the mountains. It rains a lot…

    Gringo Chileno

  • Muuuu

    This week I went on a hike in the northeast corner of Lo Barnechea. We had to start out going through some new suburb construction, and found some interested characters watching us. I love how both hikers and cows refuse to let the new fences stop our movement into the wilderness.

    Gringo Chileno

  • SNOW

    We’re firmly into fall now (Southern hemisphere!). It rained all day yesterday, which means the mountains are gorgeous today. Here’s a view from Santiago. I looked up and then had to reverse-cross the crosswalk to get a better shot. And here’s one on my drive home to Lo Barn.

    Gringo Chileno

  • Entrancing, Tempting Valparaíso

    There’s just something about Valparaíso. It pulsates, vibrates, captivates. A stroll around the narrow streets and steep hills makes you reconsider your place. Even the nerds at UNESCO agree. A common refrain from Chileans around Santiago is that it’s dangerous, but I find that a lazy description. Sure, there’s crime, like most cities. But just…

    Gringo Chileno