PUERTO MONTT, CHILE

We have had amazing weather so far, but today there was wind and rain. We traveled inland to the town of Frutillar. German settlers in this area arrived in 1853, leaving an obvious imprint.

Where else can you get German Kuchen along with Chilean Empanadas?

The village is on the shore of Lake Llanquihue, the 3rd largest lake in South America. German immigration was initiated by the president of Chile at the time, Manuel Montt. Ed is standing here in the German heritage museum - aptly placed.

The lake is known for its clear blue water reflecting majestic snow-mantled volcanoes - we'll take their word for it.

The Lutheran church in Frutillar (the village name means "the place where little berries grow")

For a town of 5,000, their new concert hall (seating 1,500) is a gem, The immigrant German population brought with them their love of music. It continues in the community and is now expressed in this gorgeous venue which attracts international artists.

Change the scene - back in the port area near our ship in Puerto Montt we wandered down to the Craft Market and Fishing Village. The sun peeked out for a bit. This journey down the almost 3000 mile long Chilean coast continues to be an amazing experience. The climate and geographical differences have been eye opening, to say the least.

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