Valdivia

Valdivia was founded in 1552 and was the main port for Chile and Peru. It is at the mouth of 3 rivers and has several forts around it. Apparently pirates were a problem. It was the Spanish gateway to the Pacific.

These days it is known for its fish market and brewery, a legacy of the Germans who settled the area 150 years ago. The local brand is called ¨Kunstman¨. Try getting your tongue around that one when you have had a few.

The fish market is on the wharf and the fishermen fillet the fish and throw the scraps over the side. The local sea lions have worked this out and there is a pack of them that live by the wharf. They are big!

We are having a few laughs with our Spanish. Boarded a local bus which took 3 times to get to Valdivia as we had hoped. Also had a few strange things turn up on the table after ordering from the menu. I managed to get a double portion of starter yesterday!

All good fun. Our hosts are exceptional, as is their maid Irma. Fantastic cook and we may have to consider kidnapping her. I have a feeling she will be well guarded though.