#14 The Metro
I know that this sounds silly,but I loved the metro system.It was simple and so easy to navigate around.It was like being back in ATL all over again.The Metro was sooooooo clean(which is a huge change from ATL and BA)everywhere I wanted to go was literally a train ride away.I should have invested in a bus card like everyone else, because that's where most of my money went.People were really nice,and helpful when I got lost(which didn't happen often).Unfortunately, I was always on the bus during rush hours! BEING ON A CROWDED metro is no fun but as usual, I managed.
I know that this sounds silly,but I loved the metro system.It was simple and so easy to navigate around.It was like being back in ATL all over again.The Metro was sooooooo clean(which is a huge change from ATL and BA)everywhere I wanted to go was literally a train ride away.I should have invested in a bus card like everyone else, because that's where most of my money went.People were really nice,and helpful when I got lost(which didn't happen often).Unfortunately, I was always on the bus during rush hours! BEING ON A CROWDED metro is no fun but as usual, I managed.
#13 The ANDES MOUNTAINS
I'm not a mountain person as I have stated my last post, but they were honestly breath-taking! There is nothing like a clear sky and a background of beautiful mountains covered with snow.The view was amazing coming down the mountain into chile and during my #1 reason I loved Santiago.If I liked Hiking,knew how to Skii,and had more time in Chile, I would have definitely explored the mountains more.
I'm not a mountain person as I have stated my last post, but they were honestly breath-taking! There is nothing like a clear sky and a background of beautiful mountains covered with snow.The view was amazing coming down the mountain into chile and during my #1 reason I loved Santiago.If I liked Hiking,knew how to Skii,and had more time in Chile, I would have definitely explored the mountains more.
#12 The Pizza Machine
PIZZA MACHINE! HOLY SNAP, okay so apparently this is a "Thing" in Santiago.So they have these machines in gas stations and the metro.So basically you put in US$4 and can decide on the type of Pizza that you want(For example, bacon, cheese, veggie, sausage). Then in three minutes you have your own individual pizza! It was surprisingly really really GOOD:)They need to bring this to the states.
PIZZA MACHINE! HOLY SNAP, okay so apparently this is a "Thing" in Santiago.So they have these machines in gas stations and the metro.So basically you put in US$4 and can decide on the type of Pizza that you want(For example, bacon, cheese, veggie, sausage). Then in three minutes you have your own individual pizza! It was surprisingly really really GOOD:)They need to bring this to the states.
#11 ASADO WITH MY SPELMAN SISTER
I was lucky enough to have a Spelman sister,Kenicia in Santiago who was NICE enough to spend time with me.It was nice to have someone close by to share and compare experiences with.A lot of how I was feeling in the beginning of my trip was similar to how she was feeling.She invited me to the IES abroad Chile Asado (Yall know I love Asados) which was AWESOME! EVERYONE WAS SO NICE AND WELCOMING :)After I got to met her host family then a few of us went out to a disco(boleche,club). I finally got to enjoy Reggie music in the club which I love!
I was lucky enough to have a Spelman sister,Kenicia in Santiago who was NICE enough to spend time with me.It was nice to have someone close by to share and compare experiences with.A lot of how I was feeling in the beginning of my trip was similar to how she was feeling.She invited me to the IES abroad Chile Asado (Yall know I love Asados) which was AWESOME! EVERYONE WAS SO NICE AND WELCOMING :)After I got to met her host family then a few of us went out to a disco(boleche,club). I finally got to enjoy Reggie music in the club which I love!
#10 Terremotos
Terremotos:) So i was warned about how strong these cute little alcoholic drinks were, but I didn't take heed.Pipeño (a type of sweet fermented wine) with pineapple ice-cream served in a one-litre glass.It taste like a strawberry milkshake. At the end of my Tours 4 Tips Tour, they served us Terremotos.I was so distracted by laughing with the Lil old Maliaysian women that some how my drink was constantly full.Terremoto literally translates as 'Earthquake' since you are left with the ground (and legs) feeling very shaky.Which is exactly how I felt trying to catch the Metro(Dont tell Karen and Stewart) LOL!
Terremotos:) So i was warned about how strong these cute little alcoholic drinks were, but I didn't take heed.Pipeño (a type of sweet fermented wine) with pineapple ice-cream served in a one-litre glass.It taste like a strawberry milkshake. At the end of my Tours 4 Tips Tour, they served us Terremotos.I was so distracted by laughing with the Lil old Maliaysian women that some how my drink was constantly full.Terremoto literally translates as 'Earthquake' since you are left with the ground (and legs) feeling very shaky.Which is exactly how I felt trying to catch the Metro(Dont tell Karen and Stewart) LOL!
#9 General Cemetery
I loveeeddd the tour of the cemetery.Its completely different from the states because everyone is buried in the wall and not in the ground.People apparently kick it in the Cemetery and on holidays,spending some time during the holiday to celebrate with their loved one who passed away. The best part of my tour was when they were explaining the plaques by some of the tombs. It is said that when a innocent person dies a cruel death they become a saint.So people will go to these peoples graves with a lit candle and pray.When their prayers are answered,they bring flowers,and have "thank you" plaques put by where the person is buried.The two most popular ones are "Romauldito" and "Carmenita".
I loveeeddd the tour of the cemetery.Its completely different from the states because everyone is buried in the wall and not in the ground.People apparently kick it in the Cemetery and on holidays,spending some time during the holiday to celebrate with their loved one who passed away. The best part of my tour was when they were explaining the plaques by some of the tombs. It is said that when a innocent person dies a cruel death they become a saint.So people will go to these peoples graves with a lit candle and pray.When their prayers are answered,they bring flowers,and have "thank you" plaques put by where the person is buried.The two most popular ones are "Romauldito" and "Carmenita".
#8 Mercado Central
I had the opportunity to experience THREE Mercado centrals.The first one was a fish market.They literally brought the fish straight from the boats to the market.Some of the Fish were still moving around(EWW). This is the market where I got attacked by fishermen who wanted to turn me into their wife and take me dancing. LOL(Don't tell my dad).The second and third ones were filled with fruits, veggies,meats,clothes, and other things you wouldn't usually find in the grocery store.I wanted to try every fruit,food and drink!But people would not stop bothering me.As much as I love compliments, it was getting out of had.
I had the opportunity to experience THREE Mercado centrals.The first one was a fish market.They literally brought the fish straight from the boats to the market.Some of the Fish were still moving around(EWW). This is the market where I got attacked by fishermen who wanted to turn me into their wife and take me dancing. LOL(Don't tell my dad).The second and third ones were filled with fruits, veggies,meats,clothes, and other things you wouldn't usually find in the grocery store.I wanted to try every fruit,food and drink!But people would not stop bothering me.As much as I love compliments, it was getting out of had.
#7 Domino's
Domino's..Domino's.YUM YUM YUM .I happened to stumble upon this place in Plaza De Armas.It was packed to capacity and I wanted to see all the hype. I ended up walking to the best hambuger place ever!The place was jumpin' and the waiters were running around giving orders. So basically you find a spot to stand at a table and they take your order and serve you as fast as they can.I got my food in less than 10 minutes,and the place was PACKED!!!! I had a lomito sandwich(type of pork) with mayo, lettuce, cheese, sauerkraut, cheese,etc. and some type of juice.IT WAS GOOODDDD!!I had to use a fork an knife because it was so big. I highly recommend this place.
Domino's..Domino's.YUM YUM YUM .I happened to stumble upon this place in Plaza De Armas.It was packed to capacity and I wanted to see all the hype. I ended up walking to the best hambuger place ever!The place was jumpin' and the waiters were running around giving orders. So basically you find a spot to stand at a table and they take your order and serve you as fast as they can.I got my food in less than 10 minutes,and the place was PACKED!!!! I had a lomito sandwich(type of pork) with mayo, lettuce, cheese, sauerkraut, cheese,etc. and some type of juice.IT WAS GOOODDDD!!I had to use a fork an knife because it was so big. I highly recommend this place.
#6 Plaza De Armas
Plaza De Armas is the central point for everyone.It is where the Metropolitan Cathedral; the Municipalidad,and Correo Centrale are located. Two pedestrian malls, lined with handicrafts vendors, independent musicians, and plenty of cafes and shops. Most of Santiago's museums and important sites are within a few blocks.It serves as a gathering place for folks from across the cultural spectrum.
Plaza De Armas is the central point for everyone.It is where the Metropolitan Cathedral; the Municipalidad,and Correo Centrale are located. Two pedestrian malls, lined with handicrafts vendors, independent musicians, and plenty of cafes and shops. Most of Santiago's museums and important sites are within a few blocks.It serves as a gathering place for folks from across the cultural spectrum.
#5 Museo De La Memoria y Los Derechos Humanos
Sadly,I was unable to take any pictures in the Museo,but it was SOOOOOO Beautiful!The Museum of Memory and Human Rights is a Chilean museum is dedicated to commemorate the victims of human rights violations during the military regime led by Augusto Pinochet between 1973 and 1990.I learned so much about the history of Santiago during the Regime.The place was a real tear jerker.Included in the Museo were headsets in english that guided you thru the museo.Of course I didn't know this until I was finished walking thru the museum.
Sadly,I was unable to take any pictures in the Museo,but it was SOOOOOO Beautiful!The Museum of Memory and Human Rights is a Chilean museum is dedicated to commemorate the victims of human rights violations during the military regime led by Augusto Pinochet between 1973 and 1990.I learned so much about the history of Santiago during the Regime.The place was a real tear jerker.Included in the Museo were headsets in english that guided you thru the museo.Of course I didn't know this until I was finished walking thru the museum.
#4 Tours 4 Tips
Tours 4 Tips is a new thing in Santiago. So basically you tip them what you think they deserve.The tour guides were amazing so I had to tip fairly!There are a few cool thing about these tours.Firstly, they take you to not only tourist places but to cool places that the locals enjoy.Secondly, they feed you,for example the Terremotos! Thirdly,ALL the cool people on the tour.People from all over the world were on my tour,getting to know each other and talking about their travels.I met some really inspiring women like me, just traveling through South America.
Tours 4 Tips is a new thing in Santiago. So basically you tip them what you think they deserve.The tour guides were amazing so I had to tip fairly!There are a few cool thing about these tours.Firstly, they take you to not only tourist places but to cool places that the locals enjoy.Secondly, they feed you,for example the Terremotos! Thirdly,ALL the cool people on the tour.People from all over the world were on my tour,getting to know each other and talking about their travels.I met some really inspiring women like me, just traveling through South America.
#3 Undurraga Vineyard Tour
Word on the street was that Chile has AMAZING WINE.Since I don't know much about wine I thought,Why not take a tour. The tour was amazing and the vineyard, absolutely beautiful! I was happy that there were soo few of us because it meant we got to spend more time talking and getting to know our guide.Of course, we had the wine tasting at the end.I liked the wine tasting! I got the chance to be fancy! I wish my mom had been there with me.It was definitely an experience you have with someone else. I learned that I like dessert wine:) The only reason I did not buy any was because I have noo idea about how to ship wine and if it would be legal for me(under 21) to ship alcohol.
Word on the street was that Chile has AMAZING WINE.Since I don't know much about wine I thought,Why not take a tour. The tour was amazing and the vineyard, absolutely beautiful! I was happy that there were soo few of us because it meant we got to spend more time talking and getting to know our guide.Of course, we had the wine tasting at the end.I liked the wine tasting! I got the chance to be fancy! I wish my mom had been there with me.It was definitely an experience you have with someone else. I learned that I like dessert wine:) The only reason I did not buy any was because I have noo idea about how to ship wine and if it would be legal for me(under 21) to ship alcohol.
#2 Aji Hostel
If I had six thumbs, I would put alll of them up for this hostel.I had sooo much fun in this place.It was in a college neighborhood, so it was very safe and close to the Metro.All the staff were between 20-30 years old(including the owner!) which was AWESOME. Everyone was so friendly and basically helped me make my trip as amazing as it was. They answered all 100+ of my questions with a smile.The hostel served dinner and breakfast everyday(HUGE PLUS) and had WIFI.We had a huge Asado on Friday and big party on Wednesday. There were tons of activities for everyone in the hostel to meet one another.I loved how all the staff took me under their wing like their little sister and made me feel so comfortable.I meet people from all over the world!Each one of whom were traveling throughout South America.Everyone used Spanish as the language we could all communicate in.I LOVED IT.I Highly recommend this place!
If I had six thumbs, I would put alll of them up for this hostel.I had sooo much fun in this place.It was in a college neighborhood, so it was very safe and close to the Metro.All the staff were between 20-30 years old(including the owner!) which was AWESOME. Everyone was so friendly and basically helped me make my trip as amazing as it was. They answered all 100+ of my questions with a smile.The hostel served dinner and breakfast everyday(HUGE PLUS) and had WIFI.We had a huge Asado on Friday and big party on Wednesday. There were tons of activities for everyone in the hostel to meet one another.I loved how all the staff took me under their wing like their little sister and made me feel so comfortable.I meet people from all over the world!Each one of whom were traveling throughout South America.Everyone used Spanish as the language we could all communicate in.I LOVED IT.I Highly recommend this place!
#1 Paravente
I said I was going to go Paragliding in Chile and gosh darn it I did it!! We traveled to the top of the mountain and next thing I know I am floating in the AIR! IT WAS AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE that I will never forget!AN ADRENELINE JUNKIE'S DREAM COME TRUE. I could see the WHOLE city from where I was.There is something amazing about being picked up by the wind and floating over the Andes Mountains and the city.Luckily,I got my photos for the GRATIS,HAYYYYY!!Once again another experience I wish someone was there to share with (Like Stewart). There will be more to share though.Im thinking skydiving next.Who is with me?
I said I was going to go Paragliding in Chile and gosh darn it I did it!! We traveled to the top of the mountain and next thing I know I am floating in the AIR! IT WAS AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE that I will never forget!AN ADRENELINE JUNKIE'S DREAM COME TRUE. I could see the WHOLE city from where I was.There is something amazing about being picked up by the wind and floating over the Andes Mountains and the city.Luckily,I got my photos for the GRATIS,HAYYYYY!!Once again another experience I wish someone was there to share with (Like Stewart). There will be more to share though.Im thinking skydiving next.Who is with me?
OVERALL, My trip was AMAZING!! I had learned so much about myself.Six months ago I would have just talked about wanting to go on a Solo trip and Paragliding.I finally got the courage to go on a solo trip and do the things I've always talked about.I feel like I can do ANYTHING!Now I want to do more trips not just in South American, but in the states as well. I'm so thankful for all the kind people who helped me throughout my trip. I had alot of angels looking over me!