Santiago is a pretty big city (I think around 3 million people). It is surprisingly European with an efficient metro system, cobblestone streets, and a mix of very antique architecture with modern skyscrapers. I like the pace and energy here. I kind of walk fast and weave in and out and everyone does that here. Not like NY where everyone is an asshole and pushing, just everyone is trying to get places quickly while still remaining relatively calm. The weather in Santiago was actually a lot like SF. Warm/coolish with clouds, but there are snow-covered mountains right next to the city. I comfortably walked around in jeans, boots, and a light jacket, but I think when I head South to Pucón it will be a lot colder and rainier. I haven't explored much food yet, just an empanada (I chickened out and stuck with cheese instead of going for the real deal and having beef), some fruit, and a quiche for dinner. I have to go eat seafood and drink pisco sour, but I didn't get around to it today.
Instead, I walked around the city all day.
I went to the President's Palace, the International Library, a few parks, a few stores, La Plaza de Armas/Plaza Central, and I went to a "Cafe con Piernas". Literal translation: coffee with legs. Girls in bikinis/g-strings serving non-alcoholic drinks to businessmen and occasional tourists all day. Strange and funny. While wandering around a park, a local approached me about a free art show, thinking I was also a local. Made me feel pretty cool. He didn't speak English, but we spoke for a long time about my trip, his school, what to see in Santiago, etc. People have all been welcoming, friendly, and patient with my Spanish (which is better than I expected).
I went to the President's Palace, the International Library, a few parks, a few stores, La Plaza de Armas/Plaza Central, and I went to a "Cafe con Piernas". Literal translation: coffee with legs. Girls in bikinis/g-strings serving non-alcoholic drinks to businessmen and occasional tourists all day. Strange and funny. While wandering around a park, a local approached me about a free art show, thinking I was also a local. Made me feel pretty cool. He didn't speak English, but we spoke for a long time about my trip, his school, what to see in Santiago, etc. People have all been welcoming, friendly, and patient with my Spanish (which is better than I expected).
I just met with the owner of the hostel in Pucón that I had been communicating with (Daniel). Daniel works at the hostel I am at now, driving groups of guests to the ski mountains and on tours. He might even take a group to Bariloche in Argentina. After talking to him, I have a bit of a better idea what my job might be like down there. The weather will be a lot harsher, but I will try to convince visitors to hike the volcano, then set them up with equipment and escort them on the hike . I will have a lot of free time to ski on my own and just be in the town. The hostel is smallish with about 19 beds, and it is currently run by Daniel's parents and one other guy and it is a partner hostel to a larger one next door. Apparently, this ski season hasn't been good with a lot of wind and not much snow, but there will be more snow in Pucón than there is in the Santiago area. I will know more tomorrow when I go to Valle Nevado, one of the biggest resorts in Chile. One adjustment: no tree skiing! Just rocks and snow and ice, but skiing is skiing and I can't wait.
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