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 choose! Is it the place I felt the happiest and most alive in (Koh Chang)? Is it the cutest city I’ve ever sight my eyes on, and which incidentally, contains my favorite restaurant (Wroclaw)? Or maybe it’s the city that completely awed me at every turn with its grandeur and history (London)?
But ultimately, instead of picking a favorite city, I have to pick the city that takes up the most residence in my heart – my beloved Santiago de Chile.
I never expected to like Santiago. “Who wants to go to Chile?” I thought when D proposed that we go. We were picking a place to kick off our new full-time traveling lifestyles, so it should have been somewhere epic. A dream city, perhaps. The whole world was at our fingertips, but D had to propose Santiago, a place that was never even on my radar. But going to South America does sound beyond adventurous, so I agreed. We bought the plane tickets, sold off our stuff, rented out the house, and flew to Santiago.
By all accounts, Santiago shouldn’t be a city that I would come to love so much. I’ve never had a worse first impression that practically made me want to get back on the plane and fly to Anywhere Else. It’s loud, the air is bad, there’s dog poo on the sidewalks, there’s way too much secondhand smoke, and I was pick-pocketed on my 4th day. But slowly, as we passed our month there, I learned to see the city in other ways.
I don’t love Santiago because it’s beautiful or romantic. Instead, it’s special to me because of how it changed me. This is the place where I learned to get out of my comfort zone and how to function as a traveler. Here is where I had my first taste of freedom and where I finally discovered what it means to be completely in love with life.
But because I can’t also send these same feelings to you through the screen, I can only tell you a few things about Santiago to inspire your wanderlust.
1. The vibrant neighborhoods
1. old buildings in Centro // 2. funky street art in Bellavista // 3. cozy outdoor cafe in Barrio Italia // 4. landscaped garden and modern buildings in Las Condes
Santiago isn’t a city with a lot of must-see tourist attractions or must-do activities. Rather, the city is best experienced through its different barrios (or neighborhoods). A tour of Santiago just wouldn’t be complete without visiting each barrio and soaking in each’s individual charm.
If you’re in the mood for culture, history, markets, and authentic Chilean food, take a walk around busy Santiago Centro and you’ll be in the heart of Chile. For a self-guided tour of the best street art, head over to Bellavista and get lost among the colorful streets. For hipster clothing shops and organic eateries, look no further than Bella Artes. For those who prefer skyscrapers and luxury malls, Providencia and Las Condes will fool you into thinking you’re in another country. And if only browsing artsy boutiques and hiding in cozy outdoor cafes is an acceptable way to spend everyday, I’d never leave Barrio Italia.
2. The friendly people
On one of our first few days in the city, we stumbled into Yuly’s little corner stall in Mercado Tirso de Molina. Her food was delicious and we promised to come back the next day. We did. And the day after. By our third visit, she was greeting us with kisses on the cheeks. From then on, she’d see us walking over from her position on the 2nd floor, and by the time we had made it up there, our table would always be set and waiting.
Now, that’s hospitality.
Since Santiago, I’ve traveled to a lot of other countries. But never in another country have I felt so welcomed and like I belonged. That little story is only one of the many ways the people of Santiago made us feel at home. Almost nobody speaks English and our Spanish is broken at best, but that lack of a common language was never a barrier. Everyone was happy to talk to us through shoddily strung together words, mimes, and Google translate. I felt more at home there than in other countries where communication wasn’t a problem.
3. The distinctive food
Of course I can’t talk about a destination without talking about the food!
1. razor clams with cheese // 2. gigantic lomito // 3. fried fish // 4. mote con huesillo // 5. bisteq a lo pobre // 6. hot dog completo // 7. Peruvian lomo saltado // 8. cazuela // 9. coffee with legs
I honestly didn’t think the food sounded too exciting, but there’s nothing else in the world like Chilean cuisine. After all, what other country has a drink made of preserved peaches and grains of barley (I’m talking about the mote con huesillo, and yes, it’s superbly refreshing and delicious!)? And what other country’s national dish is a hot dog slathered with avocado and mayo (hmm… this one is kinda gross)? What about the love for dumping all sorts of things unto a bed of fries (the very caloric chorrillana)? And let’s not forget the humongous sandwiches or the sexy cafe con piernas.
Okay, so Chilean food is definitely a little odd. But it’s distinctive and very much a cultural experience. And if you get bored with Chilean food, you don’t have to search very hard for Peruvian food, which is just as popular as Chilean’s own cuisine.
And if absolutely none of those sound appealing to you, then there’s always the wine. :)
From the day I left, Santiago has never left my heart and I know it is there waiting for my return. If this post has had you looking up flights to Santiago and you happen to get there before I do, then please give Yuly a hug from me. :)
This post was written as part of Accor Hotel’s A Tale of Three Cities competition. They have some pretty awesome prizes (including a 9-night trip to Europe for first place, and go-pros for other places) so go participate as well!! Competition is open until January 26, 2014. Details here and here.
But because these kind of blogger competitions aren’t fun without dragging others into it as well, I’m gonna tag a few people too because I wanna know about their favorite cities: adventurings, Why Waste Annual Leave, Little Wanderings, and Eat Sleep Breathe Travel.
I’d love to hear from everyone else too! What is your favorite city and why?
This post is linked up to SundayTraveler with Pack Me To and others.
Great post!! I confess, Chile has never really been on my radar either. In face, most of Central and South America has never really been on my radar! It looks amazing though. I love how the city holds a special place in your heart because it was the first place you tasted freedom. I can say the same for London – it was my first overseas trip, and the first place I lived as an expat. :)
I think our first places really leave a special imprint on our hearts! Sometimes I wonder if my first place was somewhere else, would I feel the same way about there? I really do love Santiago though and I think we were so lucky that our first place made us feel so welcomed!
Thanks for tagging me! Oooff I’ve written a lot about my favorite city … so much that I think everyone will start throwing fruit if I write another post. But who knows :) I loved reading about yours though– it really makes me want to get to Chile more than I already did before. I still am slightly bitter that my dad lived in Valparaiso for a few years and moved before I got the chance to visit. (grumble grumble) The story with Yuly is just so sweet… I can definitely get behind this sort of welcoming feeling in a place.
What?? I did not know you dad lived in Valpo! That’s crazy!! For what, may I ask?
I hope you still do it! It’ll be fun to read it. And who knows, you may win a prize! As for me? I’m crossing my fingers for a go-pro. :D
He’s in the quality assurance biz and moves around every two years to some new country to do audits on projects, etc. I’ve been lucky to be able to visit him in a few of these places, but sometimes he just moves so fast (or I’m busy) and I don’t get a chance. Wah, wah.
I’ve heard a ton about the area too and I do see it’s a place that has a few ESL jobs available…. :)) However the frequency of earthquakes sort of puts me off, especially when my dad recounts his experience during the big one in 2011 (I think was the year?)
Oh cool!! That’s awesome though I imagine can be tiring too. We experienced a couple of earthquakes when we were there for a month, so that’s definitely a scare! Just stay in a building that looks 100 years old, cuz then you know it’s been through that many earthquakes and hasn’t fallen down!
Hmmm, now you’ve got me thinking – could I really choose a favourite city? Like you, there’s so many out there that I’ve fallen in love with one way or another!
Ahhhh you should write about yours and participate!! I’d love to read what you choose!!
Thank you so much for the nomination Anna! Mine is probably going to be a little less exotic but a city in your home country (or home country before you started your travels I mean!) I won’t give any more away! I know your reasons for loving Santiago were different but I must say, it sounds wonderful – the people sound so affectionate and sincere and when we went to S America last year, one of the options would have been to see Santiago instead of Patagonia – and reading this post does make me wonder if it was the right choice!! I want to return one day or at least to find a Chilean restaurant in London in the interim :D
I can’t wait to read yours! I know it’ll be good!
I definitely don’t think going to Patagonia can ever be a wrong choice! I regret not going a little bit while we were in Chile, but it know we’ll be back. And I’m glad that we didn’t cut our time in Santiago short either. Writing this post really made me miss it like crazy! If you do find a Chilean restaurant, let me know how it is!
Awwww! This was a pleasure to read :) I lived in Santiago for a year in 2010-2011, and just arrived back from a month holiday there too (my partner is Chilean) so this brought back so many happy memories :) I am forever telling people that Chileans are the most friendly people you’ll ever meet; I’m glad you saw that too! :D
Wow! For a year! I’m SO glad to hear you say that you think Chileans are the most friendly too. I seriously think of all the countries/continents I’ve traveled to since then, none have been as friendly as Chileans. I mean…the Thais are known for being nice, but we could go to the same place 10 times and they’d still pretend not to recognize us, lol!
Lovely post! I’ve always wanted to travel around South America! You’ve been everywhere lady! x
Haha it only seems that way! We visited 3 countries in South America and Chile was definitely the one that made the most impression. Go if you get the chance!
Wow it does sound like a cool city. We didn’t make it to Chile when we were travelling through South America but I plan to go back in a couple of years and will get some more tips for Santiago from you then :)
No prob! I need to get back to South America too and visit the countries we didn’t last time (I really want to go to Peru and Ecuador). I definitely want to stop by Santiago again and see if the city still has the same spell over me :).
I love this post! I appreciate that you were able to fall in love with this city despite being hesitant to go and even being pick-pocketed. It must have been hard in ways to transition to full-time travel, but despite all that you were open-minded and allowed yourself to be changed by the experience. What a special place Santiago is for you – thanks for sharing!
Thanks Sara! The transition to full time travel actually wasn’t as hard as I thought it’d be! At first, it felt like a vacation, you know? And you know how when you’re on vacation, you say “I don’t want to go back”, and then you realize you don’t! :). Santiago really was a place that changed me!
Oh man, this is a tricky task!
Ooh you should rise to the challenge and pick your favorite city and write about it!
That’s how it is supposed to be, isn’t it? The coolest cities will always be the cities that meant something to us on a personal level, rather than the ones with the biggest park or tallest buildings. The same way Liverpool meant a lot to me because it was the first time I traveled abroad to live alone, away from the family :)
By the way, the food looks.. just.. yumsss!
Exactly! I love that Liverpool is your favorite city for those same reasons. Sometimes I think if we had gone to some crappy tiny little town first, I’d still say that is my most special city. :) But we’re lucky that Santiago turned out to be so cool and made us feel so at home!
Beautifully written! Your blog is quickly becoming one of my new favorites :) I can’t get enough! I definitely think that the cities that challenge us the most are the ones we end up holding closest to our hearts. Your time in Santiago sounds like a unique and wonderful experience. I hope you get to go back one day to see how things have come full circle since your first visit!
Thanks so much Courtney!! That seriously made my day! :))
I hope to get back someday too, but at the same time, a tiny bit of me is also afraid that it won’t be the same anymore after having traveled to so many other places since. No matter what, I know I need to go back and find out ((hopefully sooner than later)!!
You had me on the colours but sold me on the food. I would love to visit Santiago, and the rest of South America for that matter, someday. Apart from the earthquakes (ekk) I’ve heard only good things about the city, especially its food. Thanks for sharing your reasons to love it.
We experienced a couple of earthquakes while there, and one was pretty scary, but I think if you’re in an old building, it should be fine, because obviously, it’s stood up for that long! I’m glad you think the food looks good! I think it’s a little weird at times, but it sure is interesting. :) I didn’t realize how much I actually liked it and miss it until I was putting together this post!
How great that a city was able to change your mind so completely from your first impression! Good luck with the competition.
Our first impression was certainly not a good one, but it was probably because it was our first place so I didn’t know what to expect. And I know it ended up being so special too because it was the first place where I felt so free and happy. :D
Thanks Tamara!
Yep, Chile was off my radar, but not anymore! I can definitely see how it stole your heart!
Yay!! I’m glad I can introduce you to it. I honestly NEVER would have thought of going to Chile, but now, I can’t wait to get back to Santiago and explore the rest of Chile!
Wow, your photos and writing really bring this city to life! I love the shot of the street art; so much colour. I agree that great hospitality and friendly people always make a place seem better, shame about getting mugged though! The food looks amazing, I really need to start experiencing local cuisine more on my travels, I can be a little picky at times
Thanks so much for reading Paul! That street art is really incredible, isn’t it? We were able to see it get completed during our time there! The food in Chile is kinda heavy and could be weird, but it’s really good too! I always say that one of my favorite things about travel is eating all the different foods, and I don’t think you can really explore a culture without eating its food. I hope you experience it more!
Have loved your series on Santiago de Chile, it looks like such a vibrant interesting place to visit! :)
Thanks so much Emma! I never imagined Santiago to be such an exciting city, and it completely blew away all my expectations!
Beautiful post, Anna! So evocative. “Instead, it’s special to me because of how it changed me. This is the place where I learned to get out of my comfort zone and how to function as a traveler. Here is where I had my first taste of freedom and where I finally discovered what it means to be completely in love with life.” I love this so much <3
I'm having an absolute ball writing my response to this, so thank you. I feel like I'm falling in love with my chosen city all over again!
Yes! That’s exactly how I felt when writing it. I didn’t realize I missed Santiago so much (even the weird food). I had a hard time deciding which is my favorite city, but as soon as I started writing it, there was no doubt in my mind that it’s been Santiago all along. :D I can’t wait to see yours!!
Yes! That’s exactly how I felt when writing it. I didn’t realize I missed Santiago so much (even the weird food). I had a hard time deciding which is my favorite city, but as soon as I started writing it, there was no doubt in my mind that it’s been Santiago all along. :D I can’t wait to see yours!!
I swear I was 100% sure that the first photo was in Bucharest!
Haha nope! D actually think it looks like Spanish architecture. There’s a lot of European roots there. :)
These photos are gorgeous! And that FOOD. Haha, coffee with legs! Love your words, too. Looks like so much fun. My favorite city I’ve ever visited is probably London. A bit cliche but man, it’s great!
I LOVED London too!! It was really love at first sight to me. But I was only able to spend 3 days there.
Santiago is definitely not the prettiest city, but it’s definitely the one that means the most to me! And yeah, the coffee with legs is great!! :D
Aw another amazing post about Chile! I think I feel the same about it – I mean Chile as a whole is a gorgeous place, but I love it because of my relationship with it and how it’s defined me. And I love how your description of Santiago reminded me so much of London haha
Really! I LOVED London as soon as I saw it. Everything is so grand and pretty. I love that you are so connected to Santiago too. I really wish I’d explored other parts of Chile while there, but I know I’d go back someday!
haha I guess it’s just reminiscent, I find it dirty and too many British people smoke lol
So glad to read that you loved Santiago!! Santiago was my place in South America in a similar way than Penang is my place in Asia now. And I agree it’s difficult to tell why it’s special… for me it was because it “kind of” reminded me of Barcelona. So I felt at home. And I enjoyed the food. How I miss empanadas and alfajores!