My flight to Santiago was great. Only 9 and a half hours. Piece of cake. I had a window seat, and the seat next to me was unoccupied, which gave me extra room to sleep. I dozed in and out for probably 4-5 hours on the flight. When we landed we were greeted with balmy 48 degree weather, clouds, and rain.
After arriving I was a little confused after exiting customs and getting my bags. I had to go back upstairs and check in with LAN Airlines for my next flight. Thankfully I had a man show me everywhere I needed to go. Unfortunately, and unbeknownst to me, he was also seeking a tip. The smallest bill I had was a 5.000 peso bill, or about $10. Not cheap. At least he was helpful.
Before going to bed last night I took a shower. In order to get hot water, I have to turn on the water heater, and then light a match to start the flame. I then have to turn it to the temperature I want. I have been told you must be careful because it can either be really cold or really hot. Unfortunately I only got lukewarm. Hopefully I can figure it out and get hot water next time!
Also, Chileans heat their homes with a wood fireplace because electricity is expensive here. So basically even inside the house it is kind of cold. I always wear a jacket inside. That is basically the only thing I don't like about Chile. Thankfully I have a bunch of blankets on my bed, so I sleep warm.
I also have felt like going to bed around 6-7pm. I think it is because I am used to the sun setting around 8-9pm, and I forget that because it is winter here it sets between 5-6pm. So if always feels like 10 or 11pm and I look and its only 7pm!
Another thing that is opposite about the southern hemisphere is that when the water drains, it spins in the opposite direction. I experienced this personally, having watched it spin to the left while in Texas, and then watching it spin to the right after taking a shower last night. So EPIC!
I went to the "supermercado," or supermarket with my host mom last night to get some things. It looked just like a supermarket in the States. Tons of food. The prices looked like this: "3.400" or "1.500" pesos. For those of you who don't know, for each dollar you get almost 500 pesos. They also use periods instead of commas to divide the numbers. So my first bank withdrawal was 100.000 pesos!
Today we had an orientation in the morning going over some of the basic things we need to be aware of. One of which was the "saludos," or "greetings." In Chile, people meet each other with a "beso," or "kiss" on the cheek. I always remember it, but only AFTER I realize what's happening, so it still surprises me.
They took us to a restaurant by the river today called "Agridulce." It was amazing, with more food than I have ever eaten at a restaurant. Everyone was filled to overflowing. They had a huge fire pit which of course felt good. We ate rolls, salad, these fried shrimp ravioli things, meatballs, and some other little bread thing. That was just the appetizers. I then had a delicious piece of salmon with vegetables. Then we had dessert, which I could not finish, which was a chocolate brownie and vanilla ice cream, or "helado." Also, they served wine, which I decided to try. Blah!!! I tried to drink a little bit because it is good for you, but I could barely do it.
Afterwords a bunch of us went to the mall with our Chilean "guides" to buy cell phones, or "celulares." We all got one with Entel, a popular Chilean cell phone company. We all exchanged phone numbers, and might go exploring the city together tomorrow because we have a day off.
Overall, I have already learned several new words. I won't bore you due to space, but if I retain like 3 words per day, I will learn well over 300 words while I'm here!
So much to say, so little space. More things to come. But suffice it to say, I'm having a great time thus far!
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