Vamos a carretar en Santiago!

Nicole and I went to Santiago this weekend. My father met a guy from Chile when he was on a business trip in Brazil and gave me his contact information. I emailed the business friend of my father, Andres, and found out that he had a daughter my age named Gloria. So before I went to Santiago, I emailed Gloria. I wanted to meet her and hang out with her for a her hours....but a few hours ended up being the entire weekend!

Gloria and her father were amazing. They treated Nicole and I with unrelenting hospitality. This time in Santiago was a breeze for us. We didnt have to figure out the metro system, we didnt have to look for places to eat, nor did we have to spend money on a hostel room. It was an authentic and charming experience. I got to see the "middle-upper class" side of Santiago. Not that it was better, just cleaner and more expensive.

Gloria studied culinary arts and cooked us a beautiful peruvian dish. Also, we felt very very comfortable in her father's bachelor pad apartment. It reminded me of what I would imagine an expensive Manhattan apartment to look like: with modern art, high quality furniture, fancy wine, etc. And his apartment had a breathtaking view of the Andes mountains.

Gloria took good care of us for sure. She made us meals, took us around the city in her car, accompanied us shopping, introduced us to her friends, and brought us to my favorite area of Santiago: Bellavista (the art district). We were able to see a funky brazilian band play live!

It was nice to go out and feel young again. I have been very responsible and teacher-ly lately. I mostly hang out with elderly people (at my house) or teenagers (at school), so it was refreshing to see people my age! Also, I feel like I have yet another Chilean family ....in Santiago!

I have my 2 week winter vacation right around the corner. Nicole and I still need to figure out our plans...northern chile? peru? argentina? wherever we go, ...here we come!