Mari Mari from Pucón, Chile. That’s how the indigenous people greet each other in Mapuzungun, the language of the Mapuche.
We’re in central Chile's Lake District, a place with a blue sky and a large lake overlooked by the not-so-dormant Villarrica volcano. At night, you can see the glow of the lava contrasting against the snow. (We’re headed up there tomorrow.)
Last week’s question was about pre-departure rituals. So this week, we’re asking: What’s the first thing you do when you arrive at a new destination?
The first item on our agenda? A visit to the grocery store. We’ll explain everything in the podcast.
That’s Aren and Mauricio, the village chief. Mauricio was kind enough to share some Mapuche stories with us, which we’ll tell you more about in the podcast.
The Mapuche have struggled for centuries to maintain their culture and identity. We feel very lucky to have met Mauricio and his family.
Our Mapuche friends also showed us how to weave. It is quite complicated and takes skill — and patience.
On May 22, 1960, a 9.5 magnitude earthquake hit the coast of southern Chile, spawning a tsunami that leveled the town below. The Pacific continues to gnaw away at the land. Just before we arrived, the ocean claimed part of this cliff, leaving the boardwalk teetering on the edge.
We’ll be back next week with more pictures from Pucón — if we survive the volcano.
Don’t forget our question this week: What’s the first thing you do when you arrive at a new destination?
Pucón Confidential: Our adventures under the volcano