Puerto Montt
Our ferry docked at Puerto Montt during the wee hours of the morning, and
practically all trucks had already departed the cargo decks upon waking up. After
breakfast, the time came to disembark and continue with our regular lives.
A short ride took us into the city centre and to the hospedaje where Ernest
previously stayed on his way south. In typical Chilean style, the building was a
rickety, three-level, shingle-clad home with lace curtains and wooden display
cabinets, housing all kinds of family heirlooms. It felt I had finally arrived in Chile
proper. The elderly owner was quite interesting and had owned the home – named
merely B&B – for 40 years.
Although New Year’s Eve, our search for excitement revealed little. In general,
restaurants and bars were closed, and Chileans appeared to celebrate at home.
There were, however, spectacular midnight fireworks at the pier. Our host invited us
for a drink with his family and friends, who were busy welcoming the new year.