Three small steps on the road to Santiago (3 / 3)
Los Andes is a pretty village perched at 700 meters above sea level on the foothills of the Cordillera, and crossed by a torrent - Aconcagua-. In the surrounding countryside, much land is devoted to the cultivation of grapes and peaches. Here and there, one can also notice some plots dedicated to the almond and olives. To some extent, although this is not noticeable and no-guide does not mention it exceptionally healthy climate of the region also allows marijuana to develop an entirely correct.
But despite some buildings with colonial architecture, beautiful tree-lined streets of plane and a lively Place d'Armes, nothing really remarkable incentive for the traveler to extend his stay here too much. Especially since this region is described as unstable in terms LBS. The reputation of Los Andes in Chile even be one of the cities of more vulnerable to earthquakes. This also requires local architects for their buildings to provide a dedicated network of steel beams designed to increase cohesion.
And this is the home of Villegas, our guest tonight. A family of Calama an engineer, met earlier, we had recommended.
The letter delivered by the engineer of Calama for Mrs. Villegas was also very helpful and although we never saw the content, we won this letter to be received in real friends. For
the first time since the beginning of this trip, we were greeted by a relatively wealthy family. The only father's salary had been purchased this small but comfortable house and a small car. Lada a gray-green.
The three boys in the house, they followed their studies successfully. One of them, even the seniors begin university next year in Santiago. Ms. Villegas
addition, playing, as the saying goes the role of housewife , a sixth person shared the life of this family, "The Grandpa" as everyone called him here. He was the father of Mr. Villegas, a former lieutenant commander in retirement. His main occupation was to listen at full volume it maintained its transistor moreover glued to the ear. It was a little dull because the frequent gunnery exercises he had damaged eardrums. Today, it was imperative not to disturb him because it was the retransmission of an important game. Colo-Colo-the team "fetish" national-was apparently once again demonstrated its superiority to judge by the hysterical comments presenter whose "Gooooooooooal!" reverberated throughout the house.
The head of the family would soon return, and in the meantime, Ms. Villegas evoked the work of her husband to "Minería Andina. A copper mine owned by Codelco's powerful, proprietary consortium, in particular, of the Chuquicamata mine in Calama.
For over ten years Jaime Villegas occupied a position of responsibility in service "maintenance of cartage. Like liked to emphasize his wife, this job was not only well paid, but in addition, as all employees and workers in this sector benefited Jaime significant benefits including the granting of mortgage loans at very advantageous rates was not the slightest.
The door had just opened and already the youngest son would run to his father to drive it bluntly in the living room where we were staying.
Jaime was the epitome of good living: Just the usual introductions completed, it urged us not wait any longer to toast new friendships Belgo-
Chilean! The bottles of Pisco and Coca-open soon and mixed- would soon seal the friendly encounter. Meanwhile, Ms. Villegas had seized the box where she kept her family photos and postcards that she regularly received from parents and friends of expatriates in Europe.
"Look" she said, I've even some of your country! "
It was, for most, views of Brussels. Pictures taken a little outdated in the late sixties, judging by the line of cars or cut clothing from people in these pictures.
At the request of our guests we will try best to comment images, especially those where one could see, in the words of Jaime's younger son, "an incredible place to architecture fairytale."
Suddenly, the hostess arose and, looking somewhat embarrassed, said it was time to think about serious things. Our impromptu visit was somewhat upset the plans of Mrs. Villegas and culinary latter confessed that she had much left to make a meal worthy of the occasion. Despite our protests, it was decided, with authority, that we would travel together to the supermarket.
soon once said ... crammed into the small of Lada Villegas. God thank you, neither the youngest nor the grandfather, the ear still glued to her transistor, had wanted to accompany us. The supermarket
Los Andes, with rare exceptions, like any other large surface: Even prescription products, even soporific music, even commercials, even garish lighting, ... To pass the time, I tried to unsuccessfully to flush out some food a little bit exotic. Only an unfortunate pan filled with lemons Pica distinguished labels and bottles of wine at a pinch could prove that we were Chile. And yet.
is leaving the shop he had to seek local peculiarities. Just after the boxes, there were a dozen children aged eight or nine years, bringing the dust with the logo of the store, which was busy. Some packed up customer purchases and others were proposing to carry packages to cars in exchange for some coins. Outside, other kids still running in all directions, helping motorists to park in their designating slots.
In the crush, a farmer on the blue Work and straw hat was busy pasting posters on the window outside the store in general indifference. It was a small notice, awkwardly calligraphy and photocopied on poor quality paper where you could read a "Grand Rodeo followed by a fiesta huaso be held tomorrow night in the hamlet of Campo de Ahumada" . It was stated that "The atmosphere is warm and free admission. When I asked Jaime where was this village, he replied, with a rather disdainful pout, that this place was not very away from Los Andes, only 30 or 40 kilometers, but the road was in such a state that no more buses only went there. Even the taxis were refusing the race so far.
- In any case, "said Jaime, the finest rodeos are held in Rancagua, south of Santiago, at the end of January. If you're still in the area at that time, I'd be happy to take you there. But Campo de Ahumada, there is the bush, I really do not want to go.
(A Campo de Ahumada)
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