VIVA LA CHILE!

My future travel plans this time will include a passport I was talking with my sister in law and hope to plan a trip to Chile where we all can be together again (Danny, Leyla, Frank and Me). In the meantime, I've begun brushing up on my Spanish skills (or lack thereof lol).

My husband is Chilean. Not many people know it because when you meet him, he looks caucasian lol. Not many people know where Chile is or have even heard of it. Chile is located in South America, basically a long strip of land located in the western southern part (Neighbor to Argentina and Paraguay). My husband was born there, but raised in Australia, came back and finished high school, joined the Chilean Army and left in 2004 to come to the States.

I love seeing all of my husbands pictures from Chile and the places he and his family have traveled to. Places where his family lives which are all over Chile even to the remote parts. I was envious when I learned that Easter island (Rapa Nui) is also near by Chile and that Frank went there.

If you ever get to experience Chilean cuisine, you are in for such a treat! I am very blessed to have met my mother in law Angelica (Chola). She has traveled to the states and have stayed w/ us several time. Each of which she spoils me w/ wonderful Chilean recipes. Some of which are Empanadas, Pastel de Choclo, Torta de Mil Hojas and Machas! I looooooooooooove Machas w/ fresh squeezed lemon over it (ok, I'm drooling)!

(Machas, my favorite Chilean seafood--is pink razor clams). Another favorite of mine is Empanada de Pino - Baked pastry filled with meat, egg and olives. Delicious! And here's a twist on hot dogs--called Un Completo", aka a Chilean "Hot Dog with the works"- only instead of sauerkraut and relish, it's topped with salsa, tomatoes, guacamole and mayo.

I asked Frank to tell me some places of travel to incoporate into our hopeful itinerary. I told her that I must see Wulff castle (I am an avid Castle lover) and want to see them in person. So here's my list of places I'd like to visit in Chile (Google them! You will absolutely fall in love):

1. Fonck Museum

2. Flower Clock (Reloj de Flores)

3. Quinta Vergara

4. Renaca

5. Avenida Peru

6. Wulff Castle

7. Costanera

8. Rock House

9. Vina del Mar Casino

10. Sausalito Lagoon

11. Palacio Presidencial

12. Palacio Rioja

13. Muelle Vergara

14. Caleta Higuerilla

15. Jardin Botanico Nacional

16. Cura Ca Vi

and most of all I'd like to go to the most southern tip and see the Ice Glaciers as well as the Andes, ride those scary looking 'elevators', as well as go to Easter Island. I am so intrigued by a country I've never been to and want to really immerse myself into my husbands culture.

Yesterday, we went to a grand opening International food store here called Super Q market. He literally walked 'every' aisle looking intently for something (which so isn't him). I asked him what he was 'looking for,' and Frank mentioned that he was trying to see if they sold any Chilean products (which there wasn't any besides the wine). It was the first time in our 10 years together that I saw how important it was to him to find something from 'home' kind of like how it makes me feel happy to see just a bottle of Aloha shoyu on the shelf. I really wanted to do something nice for him. With that said, as of today, I have begun his Christmas shopping :) I e-mailed Pancho my Father in law and asked him where could I find Machas and other Chilean perishables. I decided to make Frank a Chilean gift basket for Christmas! (Don't ask why I never though of it sooner, but heck it's better late than never ;)) In the meantime I found an online store called Amigofoods.com. I went on the site under 'Chile' and came across alot of his childhood treats! I placed a rather large order (since a bunch of things were already sold out and I didn't want to chance ordering later and not having the products avail) and can't wait for it's arrival! Anything Chile related that I find, will most definitely be put into it :) The hunt is ON! VIVA LA CHILE!