Corral is OK

Today I find myself on the Isla de Corral - and I am quite sure I am the only tourist - American or otherwise. It is a fishing village just across the bay from the little town of Nebla, where I am staying
(seems Fodors decided to combine the two towns even though it is about 15 minutes from Valdivia) Seeing the old Spanish forts was part of the reason for coming here and the boat tours from Valdivia needs 15 people to run - so I think it has worked out for the best. The fort is not much to see but the town is cute and I am enjoying some very tasty spicey seafood empanadas and an orange Fanta while watching the world go by in the town and on the water. The little ferry runs every 20 minutes so I will grab the next and then the little bus to Valdivia to wander around, organize my bus for tomorrow
and have some dinner.

(it rained - heavily - but off and on all day yesterday and last night but it is warm and nice while the sun is out now)

Valdivia is a cute modern looking town - it was completely destroyed by the big earthquake and resulting tsunami in 1960. It actually stradles the river that I crossed earlier today. The waterfront area features a colorful and active mostly fresh seafood market. I can say definatively that while the conger eel may look and taste fish like on your plate it is indeed eel-like at the dock. Lots of shellfish and enormous mussels and little fish butterflied as if to give two eyes on the same side of the head. Otherwise with the exception of a little crafts market it is pretty quiet - it is a Sunday. I am finishing my day with some really nice salmon and fresh papaya for dessert (with a freshly mixed cup of Nescafe). Earlier I went to a little barge/ restaurant for some clams with parmesan cheese. (the cheese factor was quite high as there was a guy on an electric keyboard wailing out some awesome tunes!)