Valle Nevado

Today I went skiing on the Andes. I have to keep repeating that to myself because it still sounds so cool and because it was so cool. It was Spring skiing, to sum it all up. Not enough snow (they might have only gotten a few meters the whole winter season), crunchy in the morning, and softening up in the afternoon. I can only imagine how amazing this mountain would be if it were fully covered. I skied with Daniel and a girl from Montana who was working in Patagonia for a few months. We did the mountain justice. Because there wasn't much snow, I just went really fast to keep myself entertained. It was a gorgeous, sunny day and I stripped down a few layers at lunch. My new 80s one-piece was great. I used a T-bar, and a platter-pull for the first time in a very long time. Of course, the surroundings were breathtaking. Mountains all around. To call them snow-covered would be an exaggeration, but they were certainly snowed on and very pretty.
I'm still not sure when I'm leaving Santiago. Daniel doesn't seem in a rush to get me down there, because he is printing flyers to distribute in Santiago, but I don't really want to spend a bunch of money on lodging in Santiago. Food isn't expensive, and my bed in the dorm is only $7 per night, but that will add up.
Two problems: 1) the outlet converter I bought is 2 prong while my laptop charger is 3 prong. I hope I can find another converter because I highly doubt I will find a US 2 to 3 prong converter separately. 2) My cell phone won't make international calls.
Of course I already miss home, but I knew I would. I just remind myself what an incredible opportunity this is and how lucky I am to be here.

Santiago: Exploración Inicial

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 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.

Arrival

I'm in Santiago at La Casa Roja, a really cool international backpackers hostel in a huge antique red mansion. Free internet, so I figured I would email/facebook/start a blog again. I probably won't write much, but it is an easy way to share my adventures with those who are interested.

So far, perfection. When I landed, excitement completely took over fear. Tomorrow, hopefully I get to try out skiing on the incredible mountains I flew over. If I feel like it, I might stay here until the weekend because there is a freestyle downhill event at El Colorado, one of the big resorts nearby.

I'm going to go explore El Centro and buy a phone to call my contact.
Besos y abrazos,
Mara