Bella Vista Overview

by Lisa Cortes

Bella Vista really stood up to its name. The city was as beautiful as the people who make this friendly everybody know everybody place. I instantly liked the semi tropical city. It is located on the river with a spectacular view.

Melissa and I stayed together at the home of the Basigalups - Japo and Vanni and their three wonderful children and dog Simon (a very friendly dog until you get near his hueso de cordero - lamb bone). Japo is like a character from a movie, busting with energy, and expressions that you cannot help but smile about. Of course, Melissa and I took full advantage of his personality by arguing with him about how many acres are in a hectare and by hiding his lemon pie. We laughed until our stomachs hurt. His entire family was playful and inviting. We had a great time and felt part of the family and were sad to leave.

We went bike riding with his daughter and her friends around the town. We had a blast even though my chain kept falling off and we almost got rear-ended by a bus, oh, and Melissa almost hit a woman crossing the street.

As I mentioned, everybody knows everybody here. We wanted to walk to Roberto's house for lunch and were given the address from Nuni (our chauffeur for our stay) and she said if we got lost just ask anyone where he lived. We asked "en serio?" (are you serious?). She said of course, and it was true - everybody knew how to get to his house.

It was an amazing feeling, not to mention we were famous for a few days. We did a television interview and a live radio interview, too. In our bike riding adventure, trip to the beauty salon, and shopping we were asked if we were the girls from Oregon that they saw on TV. I think once we responded in Spanish with our Oregon accents it was hard to deny.

On Saturday after a great day trip to an island in search for monkeys we had all of the girls over for dinner at our host family´s house. We used the parilla (grill) to cook a lamb - yes that is me preparing asado. Melissa was supposed to help cook and I got the job of washing dishes since I told someone the day before that I did not like to cook. Of course, all we got to do was feel the meat to see if if was warm enough to flip. You know men and their barbeque.

On the topic of meat, Emily gave me a towel with the various cuts of beef (right- click image for larger view). There was few cuts that I said I would not eat, but Alicia Negrette informed that I had in fact actually eaten some of them at her house and liked them! I will not say what it was. I was happy to know that Japo had eaten much worse! It was an amazing dinner with a wonderful conversation. We further debated how many acres in a hectare, compared the cost of cars, agricultural land, and many other products.

Emily and Lisa with City Councilor

On the vocational side, I met with the mayor, judge, and council. The council was generous enough to take time out of their day to speak with Emily and me. We discussed their structure and role in the city. I found it is much like that of Roseburg. I discussed what I do and how transportation decisions are made in our state. They do not have the same departments or positions we do.

I also confirmed that Oregon, as I had thought, is progressive and innovative with our transportation planning. The state has statutes and goals that require more coordination with local governments than here in choosing projects. There is not an emphasis on strategic plans at all levels as in our state. They were also interested in the discussing Obama and Clinton. It is surprising how many people here our interested in the subject.


My trip to Bella Vista was filled with a heart warming welcome, great conversation, energy, and laughter. Thanks again to the Basigalups and the Negrettes - this is District 4790 GSE Chair Luis's wife Alicia, Emily's wonderful hostess.