My first completo (Chilean hotdog)

Day Two in Santiago

February 19, 2016 @ 8pm | Aji Hostel

8:36pm

So today didn’t exactly go as planned. I was hoping to wake up around 8, have breakfast, and get ready for a 3 hour tour of Santiago. None of that happened. I woke up at 9:30, then 10:30, and then I was finally out of bed at 11:30. Our hostel-mate said goodbye as she headed out. I hope she made it to Mendoza, or wherever she was headed.

After we got dressed and ready, Sophia and I headed out the door around 12:30-1:00pm to start our first adventure in Santiago. It was great, but somehow less exciting than yesterday even though we saw and did a lot more today.

Some pretty ladies selling completos.

First thing I did was grab a bite to eat. I was starving since I skipped breakfast. I tried my first Chilean Completo accompanied by french fries, a shot of coca cola, and a bottle of carbonated water. Altogether, I think the completo was just ‘okay,’ and I say that because I’m used to eating salty, over processed food. A completo is not that. Even though it’s street food, you still get a heaping serving of tomato and avocado. Two fruits that I’m not too fond of, so that’s why I thought it was merely okay. Also, the mayonnaise was plentiful. Palta y tomate (avocado & tomato): I’m starting to realize that Chileans really love those two. Especially together. NOTE: The mayonnaise here kinda tastes like sour cream if you ask me. I’m used to a saltier taste, I guess.

Close-up of my completo.

After enjoying my sandwich on a bench in a small courtyard, I got pooped on by a pigeon and suddenly started to regret the fact that I didn’t pack my box of wipes in my day pack. Oh well, better luck next time. I’m just thankful that the poop ended up being on my leg/foot as opposed to my hair/face. Those are two things that I DO NOT play about. Thanks pigey.

I actually caught my reaction during a video.

We wandered around, found a cool bookshop area, and the somehow we made it to finally getting SIM cards at a place right outside of a department store (Falabella). It reminded me of a smaller scale Macy’s or Belk. Or whoever it is that has make up, perfume, clothing, and electronic things. I was glad to get out of there. The salesman pointed me in the direction of PC Factory which didn’t have the card reader I was looking for; however, the gentleman there helped me get to Info Mera where they had exactly what I was looking for for a solid price I guess. It’s so difficult to find things for CF cards and the like. I was glad I finally got what I’ve been looking for. [NOTE TO OLD CAMERA USERS: Do not forget to pack your most ancient, most valuable necessities. Just don’t do it.]

On our way back to the hostel, we finally found Lider Express which is like the Chilean Walmart. It was great. They have great prices and I saw brands that I was familiar with. I got some apple sauce (which taste kinda weird), crackers (that are hopefully good and go great with peanut butter), laundry bar soap, and hand soap. Thank the Lord for hand soap. I feel so much better now that my hands are clean Santiago is dusty, okay?!

Anywho, I think it’s about time for dinner so I’m gonna head out soon We’re having a BBQ which I’m really looking forward to. I hope there is plenty to drink though cause I am THIRSTYYYYY. I’ve been drinking water but all of this walking has really made me feel like I’ve never seen a bottle of water a day in my life.

Oh yeah! When we got back to the hostel, we met our new roomie, Maggie. She’s from England I think? She just moved here for an exchange program and she forgot to pack an extra pair of “knickers.” How cute and foreign she is, lol.

Shortly after meeting her and eating dinner, I decided to head back upstairs because my head is killing me. I am so sick and tired of this cigarette smoke outside of hostel. I am feeling very agitated because it is giving me a headache. Like I can't even get past how bad it is enough to remember everything that I wanted to write about. Just know that I met cool people and gave the chef, Victor, a compliment with his fine self [sorry, babe]. I just got out of the shower and I'm going to try to go to bed in a few. Goodnight.

10:17 (#Bricksquad - aye)

Sincerely, Takira