Day 69 – Tele, Chixas
Location: Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales, Chile
Date: Saturday, December 18, 2010
Turns out Patagonia looks a lot like Texas. We’re talking wide open plains, cattle, and the occasional ranch. Even the vegetation looks the same, what with scrub brush and the distant rolling hills. And there are miles and miles of it stretching nearly to Torres del Paine.
The similarities are striking, even down to the flag. You ever seen the Chilean flag? It’s one quarter band of blue away from morphing into the Texas standard.
The bus journey from Punto Arenas to Puerto Natales took about three hours. Arguably, I could have tacked this trip onto yesterday’s but I was in no rush to stack bus trips.
You know. I wanted to spread the joy of the bus ride over as many days as possible. To savor it, one might say. Mmmmm. . .bus rides. I can’t wait to get this “W” trek over with so I can get to the next one.
I Put It in My Mouth – Sometimes Feature on Food Told Mostly in Pictures
Location: Afrogonia Restaurant in Puerto Natales
Afrogonia Restaurant is that odd restaurant that you often find in remote places like Puerto Natales. What, for god’s sake is an east African and Chilean fusion restaurant doing in the middle of nowhere? It’s doing interesting work, that’s what. Swahili dishes meld with local tastes for something you probably won’t find anywhere else. Well worth a visit so long as you can spare the change.
The Overpacker 
I swear my parents were on that bus with you. They were there the same time you were.
You should check the date. How awesome would it be if I’d actually run into them?