As I sit here in a hostel in Santiago, I can’t help but realize how much more I’ve seen in the last week. I’m so happy I got the chance to head to Santiago and Vina del Mar with some of my friends. Here are some highlights of what I’ve seen so far. I’ll plan to elaborate more on my thoughts when I get back and have had a little more time to reflect on them. These are more just initial reactions.
1. Driving through the Andes. I honestly think this might have been my favorite part of my study abroad yet. I know it might sound a little crazy to say my favorite part was riding on a bus for 20 hours, but it allowed me to wake up to the sight of the Andes Mountains, one of the most spectacular things I’ve seen in my life. When we crossed the border to Chile and got out of the bus for a little while, I managed to snap this picture. In my opinion, it was completely worth the long bus ride to see the mountains (plus, we didn’t have to pay to get into the country!). The second picture is of the second tallest mountain in the Andes, according to the Columbian sitting next to me.
2. Santiago, Chile. This city was our first destination, and to all of us from Buenos Aires, the city seemed incredibly green and incredibly clean. I loved this city and all the people we interacted with were friendly. We had lunch at a fish market, enjoying delicious fresh food. These are a couple panoramas I took when we were up on the top of a hill, in a park in the middle of the city. I love the fact that you can see mountains from the center of the city.
4. Vina del Mar. This city is incredibly beautiful, being situated right by the beach. One of my friends has a twin sister studying abroad here, so she was able to show us around. We were able to see a couple art museums, walk along the beach with ice cream, see one of the Easter Island statues and taste Chilean empenadas (very different from Argentinean empenadas). Also, we had the interesting experience of having school children (from the north of Chile) take endless photos of us because we were white. It was the closest I’ve ever felt to having paparazzi.
6. Valaparaiso. This city, right next to Vina del Mar, provides a slightly more industrial feel, with a port. We visited Pablo Neruda’s house (a famous Chilean poet), and rode up ascensors (cable cars that go up the hill). This is the view from the ascensor at the top.
All in all, Chile has so far been a welcoming country with delicious food and a culture that reminds me more of Peru than of Buenos Aires (the open-air fairs show traditional art with bright colors). Tomorrow, we’ll explore Santiago one more day and then head to Mendoza. What a crazy spring break!
Location: 506 Monjitas, Santiago, Chile
Loading map...
How’s the water? Any swimming at the beach?
What beautiful pictures and what a great experience you are having, Rachel. I am jealous! I’m so glad you are able to travel. Enjoy! Aunt Susan