Day twelve!!

I know I have said this other times this trip, but today was one of the best days I have had!  It was our last full day in Chile, but today was amazing!!  We took an hour bus ride to a ranch in order to go horsebackriding!  This ranch first of all was so pretty.  There were so many dogs and cats that we could actually pet (unlike all the stray dogs).  Everything was made out of wood which made it look comforting.  There were swings, hammocks, a rock climbing wall, a fire pit and farm animals such as hogs, chickens, piglets and chicks.  Once everything was situated, we started picking out a horse.  My horse was named Brisa and she was light brown, white splotches on the face and a black mohawk mane.  She was pretty, but a little stubborn.  After the four instructors, all 19 of us, Camilo (a Chilean student) and his girlfriend had a horse, we started on our adventure.  This is where the true beauty of the day begins!  We rode on the beach, in the woods, through a swamp, through the bushes, on miles of sand dunes and back to the beach.  This landscape was really calming and serene.  I loved it!  We were able to trot and gallop which was so much fun!  All of these landscapes had mountains and the ocean in the background with 50-60 degree weather!  So far so great! I was lost in these memories and forgot about reality.  We took a break half way through and ate some Chilean clementines.  We finally had to return to the ranch after a 3 hour ride with our horse.  Even though I didn't want to stop this adventure, my inner legs sure appreciated it.  When we got back to the house, the family had cooked a lunch for us. It smelled so good! (Side note: I have learned that Chileans do not eat lunch until 1-4pm)  There was sausage, pork cooked with steamed vegetables, yellow rice, tomatoes with onions and a potato salad with fresh cilantro on it.  This meal was great!  After that the family brought out a second course of coffee and cookies.  Then, since it was cooler outside, most of us were sitting around the camp fire.  We taught the lady who owned the ranch about graham crackers, roasting marshmellows over fire and s'mores.  She helped us roast marshmellows then!  I can't describe how amazing this day was because words or pictures cannot capture this scenery!  Well, this is it for today. Adios hasta manana!  Tomorrow will be the last blog of this journey.