Arica - The city of the eternal spring

Arica is a place of extremes:   it happens to be very close to the subduction zone known where the Nazca techtonic plate dives beneath the South American plate, threatening the city with huge earthquakes. In fact, in my past visit, someone told me that a big earthquake has been predicted for the area in the next few years.  Average rainfall per year is 0, one of the driest inhabited places on earth... and yet, near the city, there is an oasis where vegetables and olives are grown.

A wintery walk in the mountains

Santiago's location between the Coastal Range to the west and the Andes to the east is both source of frustration and joy to us. Frustration, because all the air pollution emitted by us 8 or so million inhabitants has nowhere to go and frequently billows as grey layer of smog amongst us. Joy, because of the impressive views and the opportunity to go exploring.

A difficult dilemma…

This is a sad story.

A couple of weeks ago we found a beautiful and playful little puppy in the street. It was bitterly cold and the puppy was probably about 8 weeks old.  He had a bit of a cold but other than that he seemed in very good spirits, lots of energy and an incredible will to explore everything that life has to offer.

I could not leave it there. 

Making tofu in pictures

Due to popular demand, here is a set of photos and explanations on how to make tofu. Enjoy:

(Thanks Sergio and Ieve for the very professional photos!)