Mythology of the Greater Island of Chiloé

Santiago is the capital of Chile but I'm bypassing it altogether on the third and last leg of my trip to the Los Lagos Region. Right now, I'm staying dry as it rains cats and dogs outside of the Atlanta airport. The Delta business lounge is hyper busy but I've found an outlet for my Mac (a rarity when everyone carries their laptop) and a place to stretch my legs (a coffee table).

A bunch of guys are watching the Gator game on CBS, cheering on touchdowns every few minutes. I've got 16 windows open soaking in all there is to learn about Chile.

My adventures don't kick in until tomorrow, Sunday, noon time, but I'm staying busy listening to NPR - a Weekend Edition archive called 'Myth and Magic Infuse Chilean Island' by Julie McCarthy.

Julie describes the Chiloe archipelago as being rich with a spiritual culture based on the mythology of witchcraft, forest gnomes, ghost ships and warlocks. Despite the strong Catholic faith (or, maybe because of it) supernatural legends and lore are as strong now as ever.

The isolated scenery is just as other-worldly, with old volcanoes, snow-capped peaks and sparkling green hills melting in the island mist. It sounds absolutely fascinating and the ideal place for me to exercise my superstitious side.