Hello from Charles

To the folks who liked the program, thank you. I’m glad you understood that it’s a construct — a heavily edited television show. Things are pulled out or left in from our seven-day trip for dramatic effect. We let viewers see that travel writers don’t only go to places and do things that they like; they’re also occasionally roped into doing stuff they don’t care for. It’s not all “the most amazing places” when you’re doing this job. Some of it’s boring, annoying and just plain bad.

I think those who enjoyed it, got that COATW is basically a goofy workplace drama; and yes, I’m the only one shown occasionally complaining about this job I fundamentally love, but have flashes of hating. (Trust me, other travel writers complain, too.)

The other thing I would like to emphasize is we were there for seven days. I was there for an extra two using the diary cam and finishing up assignments I couldn’t do while being followed by a giant camera crew. This show is 43 minutes. They shot over 80 hours on two cameras. We could have put together the “WE ALL LOVE CHILE” show. That would be easy. We all truly loved it, and said so over and over. But five travel writers loving everything…hasn’t that already been done before?

Anyway, I see that some of you reacted quite badly to the show and in particular to the parts when they showed me complaining.

Here’s the part about the nutty vitriol I don’t get: was your remote not working? Why not just change the channel? Or turn the TV off, and spend some time with a book or talking to someone you love. Heck, fire up the DVR and watch some of those Paula Dean or Rick Steves episodes you’ve been saving up. Why on earth continue watching something you hate so much?

Next, I’d like to quickly address the “you’re so negative” criticism… because I really don’t agree. I was the reason we were in Chile. I adore that country and said so on *many* occasions. Do I like everything there? No. Who the heck likes everything anywhere? Not any credible critic. Some hotels rooms are better than others. Some restaurants are better than others. And in my experience, the best of anything is not always what the publicists drag you to see/experience. Just because someone invites me to a new hotel, that doesn’t mean I give it a positive review. Hopefully responsible writers and publicists (and readers who aren’t out of their heads with rage) understand that.

Now, for those who weren’t keeping score during the show, here’s a quick recap of my likes and dislikes:

I was shown saying I really like:

• Patagonia (Called it my favorite part of the world.)
• Valparaiso (Said it is one of the most colorful, vibrant cities in South America.)
• Bellavista and Providencia neighborhoods of Santiago (Mentioned as the best ‘hoods in the capital.)
• Remota and explora hotels in Patagonia. (Pretty much gushed during a tour of the German del Sol-designed Remota. It’s a stunning hotel, and I mentioned that I also love the nearby explora which he designed as well.)
• Torres del Paine (I say that I think it’s the most beautiful park in Chile.)
• Our barbeque lamb and empanada meal at the Estancia Cerro Guido. (“Incredible, and actually worth the wait,” was what I said.)
• Pisco sours (They showed us making them and had me saying how much I loved them.)
• Patagonia Camp’s awesome yurts. (Talked them up.)
• Chilean wines (I loved the award winning wines at Casa Marin, Clos Apalta, Matetic — three of the nine vineyards I visited.)
• My massage at the Casa Marin vineyard. (“She beat me up a little which is how I like a massage,” was the comment, I believe.)

I didn’t exactly love:

• A small hotel room that seemed like a jail cell in picturesque Valpo. (Though I love the rest of the rooms in that hotel, and said as much.)
• Our bland high-rise hotel in Santiago on major thoroughfare overlooking a lifeless neighborhood and next to a massive mall. (Is this a controversial statement to anyone? Seriously?)
• Back seats in planes that don’t recline. (Pretty normal, right?)
• Ridiculous, tourist trap-like Penguin Island. (Penguins peering out of rat holes on a poop encrusted piece of land in the middle of the Strait of Magellan. Anyone want to take the hour-long boat ride out there and the two-hour ride back and tell me you liked it? And then recommend it to others? Please do that. I’d be interested to read that article.)
• Our ten-course meal made mostly of foam. (It was one vile, slippery plate full of goo after another.)
• That morning in the fish market. (I was hung over and the truth is no one really wanted to be there except for Chantal. I appreciate that lovely Chantal was doing her story for Saveur, but it wasn’t my story, and I’ve already been to that market, so I was in no mood after three hours of sleep.)

Finally, for those of you who liked the look of the county and think you might want to go, I would add that we only showed off a fraction of Chile’s natural beauty. If you’re considering heading down there, you should also maybe swing by San Pedro de Atacama in the north for some of the best sandboarding and stargazing in the world. And if you have time, the towns in the lush Lake District — like Pucon and Puerto Varas – could put the most beautiful villages in the Alps to shame. Then there are the spectacular fjords just south of Porto Montt. And lastly, Easter Island (Rapa Nui). It’s one of the most fascinating places on earth, and not just because of the Moai. Making that trip can be a tough call, though, because it’s a long (4-5 hour), fairly expensive flight from Santiago…but it’s also an unforgettable adventure.

Thank you again to everyone who enjoyed the show, and took the time to say so. I encourage all of you to visit Chile if you have a chance, it’s a dazzling country in so many ways.

And to the folks who didn’t like the show, thanks for giving it a shot.

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