Fiestas Patrias

Slightly out of focus, perhaps due to the local cervezas.

This past weekend all of Chile celebrated Fiestas Patrias, commemorating the first steps taken towards independence from Spain in 1810. It is the equivalent of July 4th and, dare I say, the Chileans may even celebrate harder than we do. For example, during the span of Friday - Monday, I went to 4 Asados Chilenos (essentially BBQs) and woke up with varying degrees of hangovers every day. Everybody was extremely gracious and hospitable and I feel very fortunate to be here for such a special weekend.

NOLS Patagnoia's staff at the Friday night asado...before the pisco made an appearance

Everyone's a photographer :)

A bunch of NOLS instructors made their way down here during the past few days to prep for their upcoming courses. I've been hanging out with many really great people who have a lot of amazing outdoor experience. It's really impressive to see how calm they all are (or at least seem) considering they're about to lead ~15 18-25 year olds out into the mountains or sea for the next few months.

Martin waiting patiently for his celebratory beer and empanada

The one and only Marcelo

Some badass NOLSies

No explanation needed

Michel and Betsy's new centerpiece is a bit obtrusive

Michel and Max

No, I did not stage this photo of Martin

And, just to make things even better, it has finally started to get warm-ish here. We had two consecutive clear nights and the stars are extraordinary here. I've never seen the Milky Way this clearly and it's interesting to see the Souther Cross in the sky and no Dipper, regardless of size. Hopefully I'll actually get good at this but below is my first attempt at night photography (an almost two-hour exposure).