Meghann y Michael: First Impressions

We made it!!

It seems like the decision to come to Santiago was made SO long ago. There was so much build up that it is almost hard to believe we are actually here. After about 14 total hours of traveling, a family friend of the Zenteno's picked us (and our mound of luggage) up from the airport Wednesday morning and drove us to Michael's grandparents' house. The drive across Santiago took about 45 minutes and we were greeted super enthusiastically by Michael's grandparents and two of his aunts. You can definitely "feel the love" even with the language barrier. You don't have to understand a word of what they are saying to feel welcome. (which was good -- I admit, after spending the night trying to sleep on an airplane, my already limited Spanish comprehension was pretty much non-existent on the first day).

We basically dropped our things, changed clothes and immediately headed out on our first metro adventure to run some errands. We certainly have been productive the first few days we have been here. I have actually gotten to see quite a bit in a short amount of time-- albeit basically in a blur and we practically ran from place to place. I am officially signed up for a Spanish class; My Visa is certified (yeah there was another step... I'm sure you're surprised); I have applied for my Cedula (ID Card), which included running up to the door as it closed at 2pm on Thursday resulting in a second trip to the same place on Friday. Then of course we needed photocopies of all my documents, so the third time was a charm about 20 minutes later. We visited the Institute where we were hoping to teach English, and were basically welcomed with open arms immediately-- thanks at least partially to Blas, who is basically a celebrity around that place--- we have jobs when we want them... so yay!

There are many things that stand out initially, but here are few of my Santiago first impressions:

1. There are dogs EVERYWHERE. People have dogs as pets, but the dogs I'm referring to are the homeless, stray dogs just walking around the street everywhere. Some are really mangy, and some look like they could be sitting in a pet store, but the really interesting thing is the way they exist as if in their own little world. Honestly, people ignore them, they ignore people, and they walk the streets just like they are people. Here is a picture of a little guy having a grand ole time in the mini-park thing by our house.

2. Public Transportation here is super efficient. There are TONS of buses called micros going all directions at all times. We missed the bus we needed at one stop and waited less than five minutes for another of the same kind go come along. The metro stations are mini-malls with food courts, nail places, cell phone stores.. basically everything you might decide you need on your daily commute. I'll have a lot of experience with this over our time here, so I'm sure I'll have some good stories, but for now, here is a picture of the bus-barn by our house... I can only assume there are many more of these throughout the city

3. It doesn't matter how much bread you eat here (and they eat a lot), because you walk so much... which is awesome. :) The people here eat so much bread that they remove the middle (called miga) to save calories. Apparently, the joke is, if you eat it you'll be fat. I personally think the fluffy middle part is the best part of the bread and so far I'm eating it anyway.

The water is heated here by using propane tanks, and the first night, after a long flight followed by a long day, I was definitely looking forward to a shower. I learned how to light the heater thing, and at first it was wonderful... then the gas ran out and the water was COLD... I'm talking snow-capped Andes cold. Michael worked (with the help of his aunt) to change the gas and all was right... but apparently this rarely happens.. so I was just lucky. :) Welcome to Chile!!

Here are a few more pictures for your viewing pleasure.