Saturday, Dec. 12, Concepcion and environs

Jay and Pegg were off on their own adventure when we left for our shopping trip and Dan and Antonio had headed to the liquor store and hardware store, so it was just Tia Peddie and Martha that accompanied Carolina and Andrea to the gigantic super store called Lider. Tia Peddie needed a few things, including wanting a curling iron. We were unsuccessful in finding her one, so we decided to set her up at the beauty shop to get her hair done while we shopped. I was worried about her doing a lot of walking at the store, so it "killed two birds with one stone" to have her get her hair done. Andrea says that saying translates into Spanish. After shopping, we drove Andrea home and then drove past the new St. John's School which is not located across the river in San Pedro. It is one of several British schools in Concepcion. All Clemo and Bliss children have attended St. John's, but none in the new location.

We came back to Beverly's for a late lunch and then headed to the beach to give Uma, the Pizarro's boxer a chance to run on the beach. The wind was really strong so there were several kite boarders on the sheltered side of the spit. We walked on the windward side for a while then drove up to the top to get a better view.

It was after seven when we returned, but the sun was still high in the sky. There was a flurry of activity here while Beverly and Carolina did most of the work preparing yet another feast. The fresh produce is plentiful and inexpensive, so we have been indulging regularly, I think I average 1 1/2 avocados(paltas) a day. My birthday cake was a tres leches cake. You bake a yellow cake then pour a combination of sweetened condensed milk, cream and evaporated milk over the layers. Then ice it with fresh whipped cream and top with strawberries. Que bueno!! I received a jar or Nescafe Decaf for my birthday! No one drinks decaf here and also almost everyone drinks instant! I had my first cup of coffee after dinner! Tomorrow is the presidential election. Everyone we have talked to believe Pinera will be the best. Here's hoping. Buenos noches.
--
~~~_/)~~~D&M

Carolina, Andrea and Martha picked up Barb and Tia Peddie at Joan's house Saturday morning for a trip to the Lider store (recently bought by WalMart) to shop for tonight's dinner.

After our shopping trip we crossed the BioBio to the town of San Pedro to drop Andrea off at her house. We took the opportunity to drive by the new St. John's School. Both Rose and Maureen work there and all the children attended St. John's, but at its old location just a block from Joan's house. Jay, Dan and Barbie also attended at the old location while they lived here. A whole community has built up around the school, so families can live close to their children's school.

After lunch and a short siesta, we headed for the desembocadura (delta) of the BioBio to let Uma, Beverly and Antonio's boxer, go for a run on the black sand beach. Tia Peddie and Barb watched from the car as it was quite windy. We drove to the bluff above the beach to get a good view back toward Concepcion. We saw a quique(sp?) up on top of the bluff. They are in the raptor family.

We all gathered at Beverly and Antonio's house for a celebration of Martha's cumpleanos and a farewell to Barbie who leaves tomorrow. (L to R) Beverly, Jay , Joan, Barbie(below), Martha, Dan, Tia Peddie, Pegg and Patrick.

I thought you should see where I suffer so while writing the blog. What an incredible view out the triangular window at the top of Beverly and Antonio's house where we are staying! All of Concepcion and the Rio BioBio are right there.