I still surprise myself when I say "I've been here for three weeks". As of now, it all feels like an oddly long dream, and that any moment I'll wake up and wonder where I am and why my adventure had to end. Although three weeks doesn't sound like much, the time keeps piling on, and pretty soon I'll have been here for more than a month and I'll be fully settled.
Things have been going slow in February. My friend Valerie just arrived two nights ago from her backpacking trip around Ecuador and Peru. She has recently decided to settle in Santiago after meeting some Chileans along the way and after hearing the advice of many other foreigners. Thus, the past two days and the next few have me committed to helping her find a place in the city and get on her feet in Santiago. It'll be nice to have someone familiar right around the corner, and it'll be nice to be able to meet each others friends and open many other doors. It's always good to find new places to meet new people.
When I initially got here, I heard it was nearly impossible to break into the Chilean social circle unless you had an "in". At first, I was skeptical of how difficult it was, but I soon found that meeting young people in the city is nearly impossible unless you either attend school or unless you're of Chilean descent. However, what they told me about the "in" was more or less accurate as well. Somehow along the way I've met a few Chileans in random situations and chance encounters. Suddenly, I was introduced to a boatload of Chileans who are highly curious of why I would ever choose Santiago and/or if I've tried a Pisco Sour, a Piscola, or anything else made with Pisco brandy (they are quite proud of their Pisco). Every time I meet new people, I am amazed at how quickly life can expand and form into something you'd never expect for yourself.
I was having coffee with a friend yesterday, and I got a call from a guy named Pancho who I met the first week I was here through some American friends. I had run into him a few times in the street and he kept saying he wanted to introduce me to some of his Chilean friends, but I shrugged it off thinking that he was far too busy, and that eventually we wouldn't get in touch and we'd both forget to call. However, while I was getting coffee, I got an unexpected call from Pancho and he simply gave me an address and told me to come meet some friends (mom, don't worry it wasn't as sketchy as it sounds...) When I arrived, there were tons of Chileans, tons of music, and tons of meat cooking on the grill. Pancho took me by the hand and introduced me to as many of his friends as he could before informing me that he was the grill "chef" of the night, and that his responsibility was to cooking wonderful meat.
Immediately, I was thrown into a whirlwind of Chilean conversations and questions. It was absolutely wonderful. Everyone was so open-minded and curious about who I was, and we shared stories of who we are and what we like to do. I met so many people who were self proclaimed musicians and poets, and I couldn't believe how much culture there was floating around in this small back yard near the hills. For the rest of the evening we danced, ate beef, and talked until we could all finally understand each other.
It's moments like those that remind me of what I'm doing here and why it's worth all the fears and frustrations that come along with it. It's only been three weeks, and I'm learning how to make new friends in a new country with a new language.
I remember looking up at the sky last night in between conversations and thinking, "if this is a dream, I think I'll sleep a little longer".
I miss you all and I hope things are going well. I think of you all the time.
Keep the hugs flowing.
Please send some my way.
Love. Love. Love.
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Alexandra...It doesn't shock me that you're meeting so many friends. How could anyone NOT want to meet you? I'm glad it sounds as if you're more and more at home with Santiago. Miss you terribly...Lots and lots of love...
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your dream to the fullest. It is so great that Valerie is going to stay in Santiago. Enjoy your adventures together. We all miss you.
ReplyDeleteHi my Babe! I miss the aroma of your morning coffee. I AM SO THRILLED TO KNOW THAT YOU ARE MAKING many new acquaintances and that Valerie is in Santiago, too. Have as much fun as you can and as many learning opportunities as you can manage. I think about you always.
ReplyDeletexoxoox---Mom.
I hope you remember to take a deep breathe, close your eyes and take a snap shot of those moments. Its something to always keep in your memories of life. Glad to hear you are enjoying yourself. :)
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