It comes to attention that I have done a TON in Chile, but the only things I write about are classes and day to day life in Santiago–plus, you know, once in a while, humiliation. So this post is going to be some photos that I’ve taken (or stolen from friends) of the various trips I’ve taken and things I’ve seen!
Small hint – if you click on each picture, you’ll see the full size image. I’m still rusty at this adding pictures to my blogs, so I’m sorry for how awkward it looks!
First off, skiing in the Andes. We went at the beginning of August, right as the optimum skiing season was ending. It was just BEAUTIFUL, a great day for skiing…or so they told me. It was my first time trying to ski, so I spent most of my time sitting on the ground and staring up at the sky, praying for a sudden burst of coordination. My prayers weren’t answered, but I did get some great photos from the mountains. If nothing else, at least I can say my first time skiing was in the Andes!
Snow-Capped Andes Mountains
Proof that I was actually there, with ski gear
The next trip wasn’t actually a trip. It was a hike, within the city, up El Cerro San Cristóbal. It’s a hill in the very center of the city, with a statue of the Virgin Mary on top. We hiked up it on Friday morning. It’s absolutely beautiful, and was a great way to start off our weekend!
A rooster hiding in the trees on the hill - proof that 10am actually IS the crack of dawn
It's spring in Chile!
My gorgeous city! Santiago, as seen from the top of the hill
The last trip we took was to the beach! (If you click on that link, you will hear one of the dumbest songs ever. It is a song that uses both Spanish and English, performed by a Dutch singer, The language used is on a kindergarten level, in both languages…but it’s catchy!) On Saturday, we took a day trip out to Viña del Mar, a gorgeous coastal city located next to the important Chilean port city Valparaíso. The plan was to hit up both cities, but once we got to Viña, we just didn’t want to leave! Since the weather is warming up, it was the perfect day. Plus we saw Mike Sheffey, a fellow Wofford student studying in Viña/Valpo with a different program. (To read his blog, click here.) We got some great pictures!
Wofford students next to El Reloj de Flores (Flower Clock)
The coast of Viña del Mar
Sunset over the Pacific - my first one EVER
If I ever come back to Chile, I'm living in this city
It’s been a beautiful, beautiful two months in Chile, and I am more fortunate than I can say. For the next two and a half months, I’m working on planning trips to Buenos Aires, El Valle del Elqui (one of the best places in the world to see stars), Pucon (a southern city with hot springs, hiking, and white water rafting), and Macchu Picchu (the famous Inca ruins).
Needless to say – more pictures to come!
Quick vocab lesson…
Andar a lo gringo – to go commando…or, in technical terms, to go without underwear. This has not yet had a useful application in my day-to-day Spanish, but it’s one of those phrases I want to keep on hand in case the occasion ever DOES arise.
Okay, that’s all I have today…I’ve been sitting on that phrase for the three weeks since I learned it, and I’m too excited about using it to think of any more!
Jaja me encantan las lecciones de vocabulario!