The new apartment.

I was thrilled when I finally found an apartment I liked. I had searched through every website possible to find a cool place in Santiago near my office and other hot spots, full furnished, with nice gal roomeys, and within my price range...almost like finding a needle in a haystack!

Reflecting on the shoddy apartments I had visited (or had almost visited) before I found my dream home makes me laugh. I found places that were specifically seeking a pretty female roommate (or girlfriend?), an english speaking roommate (or tutor?), or just someone else to share the bills. Two of the apartments I visited were horrid and gave me an awful feeling in the pit of my stomach. Dude, you gotta trust your instinct in making important decisions like this!!! I think one of the apartments looked like a crackhouse...dark, dirty, and barren, with no closets and puny rooms. Another apartment had this crazy old lady in a "glass house" with bizarre dusty collections and stale air. I just couldnt find a reasonable fit.

I did find one promising place but it was on the expensive side. The girl renting out the place ended up being really awesome though, so I was fortunate to make a new Chilean friend out of the encounter. We have already gone out for a beer. So even though i wont be renting out her room, i will most likely be over there often enough. And she was happy to hear of my *jewel of a find* apartment.

So I guess you gotta taste what's bad to know what's good. My new apartment sparkles compared to the other visits. The living room opens with a huge balcony to Santiago's best kept secret: Lastarria, one of the hippest new streets in Santiago. I'm actually LIVING on the cutting edge! haha.

I really prefer antique buildings, like my apt., even if the painting is chipped away or you have small faucet leaks. I love the intricate designs, bright colors, and innate character that comes along with an aged home. Its definitely more my style.

I havent met my roommates yet, but we'll work it out. One of them is coming in from Cali on March 1 to study spanish at a university here in Santiago and the other is a Chilean journalist who is currenly away on vacation. So for now, i am able to take my time settling into my new place..and possibly throw a small party for my office mates before my other roommates return.

But hopefully i get paid soon. I have a running list of people I need to pay back, now including 2 separate rent payments and a deposit. I can finally "descansar tranquila" once i have my life back in order. It's one thing to have small problems like moving and being broke in your home country, but its a whole 'nother story when you are living abroad.