Chile: Escape to a Cabana by the Sea
Get away from the smog in Santiago and head two hours outside the city to a quiet suburb by the sea. If you've ever wanted to find a writer's paradise, here it is. My husband was going to be tied up in business meetings for several days. I told my friends in Santiago that I wanted to find a quiet writer's retreat. It was winter in Chile. Nevertheless, I wanted to be near the sea. They recommended a beach resort called Piedra del Sol. To get there, I had to take the underground Metro and then board a Pullman bus for 1,600 pesos. However, if you go with your spouse or friends, you can rent a car and drive there without the anxiety of travelling as the only foreigner on a local bus. Fortunately, I arrived safely in Llo Lleo, then took a local taxi to Piedra del Sol. The resort wasn't busy as it was pretty cold in June. Christian Kupfer, the Swiss Chilean owner, told me: "Tourists come during the weekends and holidays. I see as many people year-round that I can see in one day in Switzerland." But that was even better for me: My friends negotiated an off-season rate of $40 per night, including breakfast. If I wanted lunch or dinner, it would cost me an additional $5 per meal. What Chilenos call cabanas are basically self-contained units or cottages equipped with small kitchens. The four-room unit I selected could easily have accommodated a family of five or more. But I chose it anyway because I could watch the waves tumble along the shore at a 45-degree angle. The accommodations were modest -- even sparse. But I was there to write. And did. In terms of the best time to go, if you'd rather visit the sea when there's more people and sunshine, try December. That's the peak of the Chilenos' summer. Click here for more information on hotels in Santo Domingo. (Article originally published by www.expatspouse.com)
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