Our trip included 7 different experiences and locations. Sometimes the travel between stops seemed too long. But how could it be otherwise? And as it turned out, we always loved the journey as much as the end. I love the Chilean people - always open and friendly, free of the arrogance, anger or malice so often seen in Americans. The weather could be discouraging if one didn't have the proper apparel, but we all did and we weren't discouraged by the wind, rain and cold. I intend to go back next year with 7 different stops. I don't have any grandchildren.

Yes

I was very pleased with the itinerary Swoop put together. It was complicated. They have good connections with local guides and their communication between them and us was surprisingly excellent. Although Chile is certainly not a third world country, it doesn't alway provide the modern comforts some travelers are accustomed to. It's not a trip for sissies. One should be prepared for more arduous travel and a little discomfort along the way. Like we all say, "no gain no pain."

This is a spectacular part of the country. The added bonus you gifted us with on our final night was greatly appreciated. It gave an opportunity to have a good shower, a nice meal and a chance to repack. The weather was mostly overcast and rainy but on that final day, the clouds lifted, the sun came out and the peak of Mt.Orison reflected gloriously in the lake. I liked our guide, Alex. I can't really be critical of some of his choice of words. Maybe just a slight cultural difference. But I think a guide should be very careful about the way he or she uses the word 'budget.' If a traveler spends thousands of dollars for such a trip, a guide should find another way of saying you can only have a box lunch. We were willing to pay the difference in a nice restaurant as opposed to having a dry sandwich and a carton of fruit juice full of aspertaine. Small but interesting business dilemma. How to stay on budget without talking about it.

Chiloe. What a magical place! Perhaps the highlight was the curanto served at the home of Maria Luisa and Hardy Maldanaldo. What luck! There was a young woman there - a travel agent from Rumania - with the email address johanna@theworldinmypocket.com. She told me about a book by Isabel Allende called Maya's Notebook. The book was based on the life of Maria Luisa. Of course, I immediately downloaded it and it was all so fascinating. The Catholic churches seem to hold great interest for people in the area. Many have been named world heritage sites. My group had little interest in the churches. I, for one, don't understand the attraction of Catholicism given the horrible history of the Spanish and Catholism in Chile. Just a personal thought.

My final thoughts will be sent to you in a few days. We have lots of great photos, too.

We traveled 10 hours in a boat to reach Whalesound'ss headquarters. The boat was terribly uncomfortable without enough seats or places to stand. On top of that, we traveled in the worst storm with pouring rain and high waves. The boat banged across the water like it was riding on asphalt. We were freezing in the tent. There was someone else's sock in the bottom of my sleeping bag. The food was adequate but the wine plentiful. With luck as our constant companion, the sun came out the next morning. We saw lots of whales. I can't imagine a more difficult place to feed and house guests. This trip is not for the soft or the feint hearted or anyone who counts trip advisor stars. I would do it again in a second.