Transcript for the Piece Audio version of Chiloe: A Bridge Too Far?

[MUSIC: SONG BY ROLANDO ALARCON]

[DIESEL GENERATOR HUMMING]

WEISMAN: Chilote legends say that Chiloe was formed when an angered sea serpent, Quaiquai, made the waters rise, flooding the land. Taking pity, the land serpent Tenten lifted the mountains and the islands, so people could seek refuge.

[CARDENAS SPEAKING SPANISH]

VOICEOVER: About a decade ago, a big storm here destroyed half the salmon cages. Masses of free salmon, swimming in the open. The people's explanation was that Quaiquai was responding to what they are doing to the sea. This was Quaiquai's revenge.

WEISMAN: It's well known on Chiloe that the center column of the new bridge will rest on a rock that used to be an island, until an earthquake in 1960 submerged it. Or maybe that was Quaiquai, too.

[MAN SPEAKING SPANISH, BIRD CHIRPING]

WEISMAN: The spirits won't let the bridge happen either, says one of Renato's cousins.

[MAN SPEAKING SPANISH, BIRD CHIRPING]

WEISMAN: Renato smiles. Maybe not, he replies.

[ACCORDION PLAYING]