A Note from Kenny Karem

Karl,

Many thanks for posting the photos. It is always a joy to see the RPCVs, the food, especially the Chilean dishes. I am in frequent contact with my Chilean families in Lanco, Temuco, Collipulli (Valdivia, Cautin and Malleco provinces). It is always interesting to me to hear about the younger generations whom I met on my return visit there. One is coming to Texas to study. Another is now a professor of engineering at the university in Temuco...La Frontera??... They all send me "noticias", photos and videos. 

These days, I find the videos of people in rural areas fascinating for how much those areas have developed.. Also how tourism has spread all around the southern lake areas, particularly for Chileans, and in the national parks. Years ago, I backpacked the famous circuit in Towers of  Paine NP in Tierra del Fuego when it was virtually new, no infrastructure other that a visitor center. Now that area is booming, that have inns along the trail, tents set up that you can rent, restaurants and the towns along the way there have boomed with tourism, starting with Punta Arenas to Puerto Williams. Of course, it is very easy to reach the park with modern bus service. Plus there a couple  are a couple of luxury inns in the park on scenic lakes with views of the Towers. So it is very easy  place for the average tourist to visit now.

Moreover, the "wilderness" new national park, Patagonia, created by the donation of the land by the owners of the Patagonia clothing company, is beginning to develope some tourism and infrastructure. It is a vast wilderness jewel

  Also, right now, CNN is showing a spectacular 5 part nature documentary sponsored by CNN on Sunday evenings at 9 pm. You can set your DVR to record ALL EPISODES as they are repeating them now. They are some of the most spectacular nature films I have seen, sort of like  Planet Earth. And they are filled with the latest scientific studies in all fields concerning Patagonia, things about the wildlife that I never knew. Most encouraging is the conservation movement going on in this part of Chile in every respect. That is exciting news to any PCV who worked in the campo

  Please share with the Chile group website, if you wish, and...

pasa mis saludos a todos---from the heartland, Kentucky  (which is not close to the West Coast...nor the East Coast...for those of you who have a vague notion of its location  lol)  (And NO...I exude embarassment for our notorious US Senators McConnell and Paul. My apologies. Backward state)

Kenny Karem