a quick lesson on chile geography

I realized that so far, I've failed to actually talk about the physical country of Chile itself while still making references to it.  We all know it's that "really long one somewhere in South America" but here is a quick lowdown on what makes up this beautiful and diverse country.

Chile is long and thin and it takes probably less than three hours to drive across it at its widest point.  Its capital, Santiago, is in the central valley right in the middle of the country and is surrounded on all sides by mountains, the reason why the non-moving smog cloud sits over it all year.  This whole central area has a Mediterranean climate and is where Chile grows all of its grapes for its famous wine.  I will be living in this area.

Santiago de Chile

To the north:  The most arid landscape in the world is here in the Antofagasta and Atacama regions, the Atacama Desert, where there is virtually no rain.  Ever.  It's also home to the Chilean Recluse, one of the most poisonous spiders in the world.  Its name in Spanish is araña de rincón, or spider of the corner, since it usually keeps to itself in dry, dark places.  A few volunteers have been placed up in Antofagasta and they were advised to always shake out their clothing and check unused spaces before entering them.  

To the west:  The Pacific Ocean and the polynesian enigma, Rapa Nui, or Easter Island.  Located in the south Pacific, it's the most isolated inhabited island in the world with land that is mostly bare and covered in giant stone statues called the moai.  It used to be a plush, tropical paradise but tribal conflict and competition took over between the natives around 1300 AD and is the reason the island looks the way it does today.  I recommend doing some light reading on it as the history is pretty fascinating.

To the east:  Montañas de Los Andes, the world's longest continental mountain range, stretching from Venezuela all the way down the western side of South America to the tip of Patagonia.  Argentina is on the other side of these mountains.

To the south:  The Lake Region and Patagonia.  The latter is famous for its awe-inspiring natural landscapes which include mountains, valleys, glaciers, lakes, fjords, rivers, and sounds.  Torres del Paine is perhaps one of the most famous and beautiful national parks in the world.  Chile's Patagonia stretches over the strait of Magellan and onto the Antarctic peninsula.  Yes, it's very cold down there.

(Unfortunately, none of these pictures are mine, but hopefully someday soon!)
One more thing.  Chile is located on the junction of the Nazca and South American tectonic plates and so is prone to frequent earthquakes, as we all know now.  But since the 8.8 magnitude one hit, the chances of another one of that strength happening are slim, and the aftershocks now are less frequent and less strong.  I have apparently been here for four or five, though I've only actually felt two.

And if this post wasn't enough motivation to come visit me, I don't know what is.