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Published: November 9th 2008
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The Navimag
sailors on leave Hello again friends and fam!
Everyone here is ecstatic for the Obama victory. I am sure things have been crazy there the past few weeks. I can tell you that from this part of the world there is just as much HOPE as we have in the US, if not more. There is a hope that there will fially be a change in the US international policies in regards to Latin America and the developing world in general. It was very interesting to see this election from out of the country. There is a lot of pottential for this presidency as well as expectations.
In other news, our trip to the south was amazing. We took a three day boat ride from Puerto Montt to La Laguna San Rafael where there is a spectacular glacier! The boat is a old cargo ship adapted to fit 300 people (very tightly). This was my first extended journey on a boat and was a great experience. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking. I hope some of these pictures can satisfy until I develope mine (i have tons).
Things are really picking up here in our classes and I have really had to kick it into
Patagonia
Alternative energies gear. We have been working on a report for a class about Patagonia Sin Represas (patagonia without dams). There is a struggle here for the water rights on two major rivers. There is a huge energy crisis in the country and the governement is really pushing for these dams. The problem is that the dams would ruin this beautifull and unique environment and open the door for more dams in Patagonai not to mention the 1000 mile clearcut that would be done to run the power to santiago, a huge scar on the earth. There is a huge incenetive to develope here but in my opinion destroying patagonia "no vale la pena" (isn't worth it) this is what basically all of the patagonians say. Also they would not be using the power at all.
I also have been planning my trip for the end of the semester. I have extended my plane ticket until the 7th of january leaving 39 days of travel for me. I will start by going south I think. Unfortunately torres del paine is very expensive right now so I will go into northern patagonia and cross the border into argentina. After that the plan
Glacier!
Iceberg straight ahead! in laguna san rafael is to go to Bariloche in Argentina, after I plan to clime the country until I reach La Sarena, here I will cross another time back into Chile. Following a complete travel through the north I will continue to Cuzco and machu pichu. The last phase is to return to Chile and Valparaiso for new years and concepcion for my flight home. I dont know if it will all go as planned but its an adventure either way! Other than that not too much new to report. Sorry about the long period in between this entry and the last. I love you all! Take care, and I love hearing from all of you.
Love
Jake
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ed law
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excitement at home
Hi Jake, Always nice to her from you and that all is going well. As you guessed we are all very excited over the election results and we are hoping for better things in the next four years. I have been struggling with a heart problem and will go to the Mayo clinic the week of Nov 16th. We are here most of the time so give us a call on SKYPE. Much love, Ed