The international UVM (Universidad Viña del Mar) students had a tour in Santiago. We left very early that morning so we could enjoy the sights that the city had to offer. I couldn’t take any pictures though because I forgot my camera at a friend’s house…sad. I’m also going to apologize for vague descriptions and almost no names of places…the sheet with all of that has also been misplaced. I’ll find it and update you!

Palacio de la Moneda with other UVM students

 

When we arrived near the Palacio de la Moneda, I noticed a very eclectic mix of architecture; modern day with bohemian with traditional, classic structure. When we stopped for lunch, there was a center with a plethora of choices of places to eat. There were people at the front of each restaurant badgering people to come into theirs because theirs was the best and so on; very typical in Chile, so don’t be surprised if that happens. Just politely ignore them. We finally decided on a place called Agusto’s which I highly recommend. They serve unlimited Hallullah (best bread) for free (and even more so for us because they understood that we were students). They fish was also incredible; no idea what kind it was because it was simply just called “fried fish” but it was incredible and cheap. A plate that could easily feed both me and my friend, Felipe, was 4mil pesos (about $8). Definitely worth it.

BBQ with everyone!
Later that evening, a few friends and I spent the night in Santiago’s Bellavista region, much more of a Bohemian feel. I had never stayed in a hostel before, but the name caused me to expect the worst, especially since it was so cheap (about $14 for the night). It was actually almost nicer than a majority of the cheap hotels I’ve been to in the US. It was called “La Chimba”, slang for a good-looking girl. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The place was huge and very clean with various works of art cluttering the walls. It had its own flare everywhere that you could really compare to any hotel; even the courtyard was covered in tasteful graffiti. We met people from France, Colombia, Germany, Sweden, England, and Australia. We specifically got to talk to a bunch of Colombian engineers at the BBQ (hosted by the hostel). We chatted and laughed around some pisco sours and afterwards they attempted to teach me how to dance salsa and merengue. It was partially successful.

Then we went out to Club Chocolate (the next block over) and danced the night away :)

I love it here.