by Isidora from Punta Arenas asks Santa about seeing his photo, learns about the Strait of Magellan, and hears about the Magellanic penguin colonies near her home
Dear Santa, my name is Isidora and I am nine years old. I live in Punta Arenas, Chile, where my abuelo says thousands of penguins waddle around not too far from our own front door every single year.
Dear Isidora, I have admired those exact penguins myself while flying over, and your abuelo’s description is entirely accurate.
Santa, I have three questions.
My first question is, can I see a photo of Santa? My little cousin insists she has never actually seen a proper photograph of you, only drawings.
Photographs of me are somewhat rare, Isidora, since I move rather quickly and prefer to remain a bit mysterious. Drawings, made with real imagination and love, often capture my spirit rather beautifully regardless.
My second question is about our strait. My teacher says an important passage between two oceans is right near our city. Is that true?
It is, Isidora. The Strait of Magellan connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, a historically important passage for ships avoiding the harsher route around Cape Horn. Flying over that narrow, historic waterway each Christmas Eve is genuinely fascinating.
My third question is about the penguins. My teacher says huge colonies of them live near Punta Arenas. Is that true?
It is true, Isidora. Magellanic penguins gather in large colonies near Punta Arenas, one of the more remarkable wildlife sights in this part of the world. I always keep a hopeful eye out for them each Christmas Eve.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Isidora Bravo
Punta Arenas, Chile
P.S. Do the reindeer get along with the penguins?
Cautiously, Isidora. They keep a respectful distance from each other.
