Saturday, a group of 9 of us went to Cajon de Maipo to go hiking in the Andes just outside of the city. I can't believe that it was my first time getting out of Santiago, but it was nice to escape for the day and just be in the mountains. We took the metro to the end of the line, and then took a bus from there to the hills. The bus was 800 pesos one way ($1.50)- so cheap, easy & direct!! We got out there and walked until we found a cheap place to start climbing. People have set up gates and charge 'entrance fees' to climb... how they have claimed that chunk of land and can charge some arbitrary price is beyond me, but it was only 500 pesos (compared to others who charge 3000) so it didn't really matter. There was no clear trail, and while it was steep, I liken it to hiking Cowles, only with lots of pricker bushes/branches that like to jump out and grab you and steep inclines in sand/soft dirt. When we got to the top- well, as far as we could go (not the top by any means..it is the Andes after all...) we had lunch & rested ontop of the boulder. There were quite a few people rock climbing - no thank you!, and in true Chilean fashion, there were tons of stray dogs even out there on the hills that would follow you & beg for food. One really loved Kate, and climbed onto her lap...cute, but grungy! ick. On the way back, we stopped to get some empanadas.. there are tons of little family 'stands' along the road selling fresh baked bread & empanadas. omg- they were delicious!! So tasty, it's a shame that we can't find some like that here in the city!!
That night, Brittaney and I went out to eat - Chinese food...it was so-so, really finding that Chilean food is pretty bland, even when they attempt other cuisines.. We then went out to a bar that is a block from our apt. They had excellent drinks for cheap (well, cheaper than in the US...3 cocktails for 15usd) and when we got back, Kate & Tosh had gotten home and we all celebrated Emma's 20th birthday.
I now have 9 classes that I teach. I can't believe how busy I am now, and it all happened so fast- in this past week really. This next week will be exhausting, but I like all of my students so far, so classes are enjoyable. I'm sure the 2 new classes this week will be similar =)
Woke up to another earthquake this morning... a 5.8 Nothing really- just a bit of shaking for maybe a minute. I rarely feel them, but this one woke me up. They're not scary, but you always kinda wonder, is it going to stop or get stronger-- do i need to get in a doorway or not. ha. So that's the latest from Santiago! much love! xx
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