The last few days have been really tough. Our kitten was hit by a car last Friday. I have been really broken up about it because she had become my cat over the last 2 months. She was sooo sweet and loving, always wanted to be sitting on your lap, purring, so curious, and probably the most friendly cat I've met. The only problem was that she always wanted to be outside. She used to escape out the windows when we weren't looking and stay outside all night. One night she got out and a dog chased her up a tree. There just wasn't a way to contain her inside the house. And that ultimately was how she died. It was a Friday night, we were having some drinks and discussing what to do for the night, and one friend left our house to run back to his house to grab something. He came back to the window and whispered to my roommate to come outside, and at that moment I knew something bad had happened. I looked around thinking, "Where is Carlota", and I didn't see her. So I went outside and saw my roommate and friend looking upset, and then I saw little Carlota on the ground. I asked if she was dead and they told me yes, and I began crying and didn't stop all night. We brought her to Pame's parents' house and buried her in the backyard. I feel it was a fitting tribute to such a good cat. She was only 5 months old, and I just hope her short time on this earth was enjoyable. Chao Carlotita, yo te amaba como si fueras mia!
Pucón
Pucón is a town in Southern Chile, and it's so different from Viña I can't even begin to explain. The city is reminiscent of Germany or Switzerland (or at least what pictures I've seen of Switzerland), it has a very ski lodge feel to it. Looming over the city is the Villarica volcano. It's an active volcano that last erupted in 1982. We climbed this volcano (probably the hardest thing I've ever
done in my life) but weren't allowed to go all the way to the top due to weather. At the other end of town is the clearest mountain lake I have ever seen. The water is turquoise like the ocean, but it is surrounded by mountains. The sand is black and of volcanic origin (and is very painful to walk on). Pucón is a big outdoorsy place. We hiked the volcano, went white-water rafting, and spent about 5 hours in the termas (hot-springs). The termas for sure was my favorite part. It was amazing to just sit in the little pools after a hard day of hiking. For any outdoors enthusiasts that are reading this, I suggest you plan a trip to Pucón!
