Condors. . .Volcanoes. . . you know

We've been in Puerto Varas now for a little over a week, and are readying ourselves for movement once more.  Since last Wednesday we have played hosts at a nice bed and breakfast run by Vicki Johnson, making sure that there is an English speaking presence to reassure those who (believe it or not) speak not a word of Spanish.  It has generally been a great experience and an easy job, making our stay here really cheap and allowing us to take hot showers, make outlandish drinks (fennel mojitos. . .) and go on day hikes.  Although the weather has been awful it opened up for us on our two outings, below is a taste of the last one (see link for more pictures/movies) involving an encounter with a Condor.  

On the social front I've continued to learn a lot about Chilean society.  The interaction between employee and employer is continually interesting, and the employee culture is equally strange, including back stabbing, family loyalty and a very different work ethic than I'm used to in the States.  Being the face of a business is also a strange new experience: yesterday I was yelled at for the first time, and with such force as I have only experienced from my brother--but this time I didn't yell back.  It passed, and then I went to help Jorge, Chile's only astronaut move out of the apartment upstairs he's been renting all winter.  Yes you read correctly.  I live a very odd life.

Check out the youtube movie of our condor sighting! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ytgak4-SIE