Southern Summer, Argentina, Chile and Y Wladfa Gymreig 27th Jan.

We're not used to this rain but I suppose without it Chile would look like Argentina. There are a number of differences, let me outline one or two. Money is a good place to start. Argentina is one of those places where you spend some money and you seem to end up with a lot more. You spend one note and you receive six back in your change. You get  £100 worth from the ATM and you are given 20 notes to fill your wallet. Look at them. Argentina first, C19 design, tatty, 100=£5, 50=£2.50, 10=50p, 5=25p, 2 (not shown) =10p. Really not very user friendly with a £5 note being the largest denomination.

 Compare this with the Chilean smart new plasticy design with the window watermark, one note features a woman, values  £20, £10, £5, and  £1. I admit that it does need to lose three noughts.

That kind of sums things up. In Chile the plastic card is welcome everywhere and operates on your PIN alone. Argentina rarely accepted, often add 10% to the bill, still needs signing for, then you need to fill in your passport number. Despite the fact that most people live in wooden houses, the standard of living here is much higher. People here drive around in smart new cars, the 30 year old ex-Chilean cars are sold to the Argentinians! Perhaps I exaggerate a little but I really get the impression that Chile is a slick, modern, hip and thriving society.
PuertoVaras was first settled  (indigenous people accepted) by German people who left a legacy in their architecture. See for yourself.

The church was built in 1904, a copy of one from the Black Forest.  It's RC of course as you can see from the inside. As we left 3 priests entered. What's the collective noun for Catholic Priests? A mass, I suppose. Sorry about that.

Note the Vatican flag flying opposite that of Chile.

This place is called Villa Germana. Can you see the German flag?

Another wood shingle clad German house.

We were walking round the town trail. No doubt set up by the Civic Society of Puerto Varas. Look at the steps, the risers have a mosaic worked into them. The lower flight shows a white rose bush and the upper a fushia bush. 

Can you see the two watch towers on the building across the street? These are a constant feature of the architecture in town. Look back to the church spire and you see it again. 

All in all a pleasant way to spend in the town on a rainy day, that and a bit of shopping of course. I haven't yet introduced you to the stars of the town. Rain and cloud prevent, but tomorrow l hope you will be able to meet them and see a building that nearly rivals the Sydney Opera House for situation, impact and cultural inspiration.