Whenever people ask me what’s my favorite place I’ve been to, I always come up blank. I mean, how can I possibly choose?! I imagine it’s like asking a mother to choose a favorite child. So when I was invited by Accor Hotels to write about three things I love about my favorite city for their A Tale of Three Cities competition, I fretted over the decision. I was even going to completely blow it off because I just can’t…
South America Instagram Round-up
Our South America trip is done. Over. I already miss it a lot, from the guy who belts out Nirvana songs outside my window to spending afternoons in cozy cafes (no, Starbucks just doesn’t cut it). I’m no where near done sharing about South America, but for now I thought I’ll do something a little more fun, while re-living some of my best memories! If you don’t already know, I’m a big fan of Instagram (see my pictures here)! Here is a random selection…
Sleeping Puppies Collection, Santiago
After spending some time in a city, I always come to associate it with certain things that particularly stick out in my mind. Like Montevideo is all about the doors. Buenos Aires was all about the pastries and cakes. And Santiago? Well it was all about the mote con huesillos, jugo naturales, coffee shops, pisco sours… (hmmm.. I’m starting to see a drink theme going on). But it was also all about the stray dogs. You’ll see them everywhere, in both the poorer areas and the affluent areas….
How much does it cost to live in Santiago, Chile?
Note: This post is not my best writing. But it is informational and straightforward. Enjoy. D and I recently spent the entire month of April in Santiago, Chile (sigh..seems like so long ago already, and we really miss it). We chose to stay for a month mainly because the living costs were much more affordable for a longer stay (I’ll explain more below), and also to have a more in depth experience of the culture. I know you guys are all…
Funky Bellavista: a Street Art Tour
Barrio Bellavista in Santiago, Chile is popular for being an upscale tourist destination as well as the nightlife hotspot. Just a pleasant walk or short metro ride away from Santiago Centro, it’s a good retreat for those looking to get away from the noise and crowds of the downtown area. The super modern outdoor galleria, Patio Bellavista, is home to dozens of boutique eateries and posh restobars, as well as little touristy shops selling all sorts of local Chilean handicrafts. Tourist…
Thanks for the memories, Santiago!
“You know, I think Santiago is my favorite city I’ve been to yet.” D says as we walk back to our house from lunch at the market one day. Our tummies are happy and full and we take turns sipping on a jugo natural, or fresh juice, just blended 3 minutes ago. An addiction that must be fueled daily. “Hmm really? But you’ve been to Paris and you love Berlin and Prague.” “Yeah, I do. But I really see us…
Guide to Santiago Centro: the heart of Chile
During our month in Santiago, we stayed in a little airBnB rental that was only a couple of blocks from Plaza de Armas, which is smack in the heart of Santiago Centro. For the most part, we’ve really enjoyed staying here and I think it’s a wonderful location (I will talk about some cons later). In fact, I’d even say that we got pretty lazy being here, because everything we need is within a short walking distance, including many ice cream parlors and…
[Santiago] Attack of the Monster Sandwiches
Walking around Santiago, it’s not hard to quickly learn that the typical fast foods here are what’s known as hot dog completos and lomito sandwiches. One is a hot dog with tomato, avocado, and a healthy dollop of mayonnaise on top. The other is a sandwich with ham, tomato, avocado, and a healthy dollop of mayonnaise. Thus is the typical pattern: some sort of bread, meat, tomato, avocado, and mayo. The Chileans looooove their mayo. And avocado. But probably mayo…
[Santiago] Coffee with Legs
D and I stand at a shiny stone countertop, fluorescent lights ablazing above, slowing sipping our midday pick-me-ups. Espresso for him, and hot chocolate for me. Our daily post lunch routine. Before us, waitresses in identical uniforms parade around in their almost too-short dresses, braided ponytails swinging back and forth, the clicks of their heels matching the rhythm of their steps. All hot, leggy young things. All the right curves in all the right places. A quick scan of the room…
[Santiago] Cheap and Delicious Market Foods
D and I have been in Santiago, Chile for a little over a week now, and we already have a favorite place to eat! We’ve returned to it again and again ever since stumbling into it our second day here. In fact, we no longer even ask each other where to go for lunch, because we both just know now. Mercado Tirso de Molina is a small marketplace (yes, it’s small compared to the overwhelming La Vega next door) with produce…