I love November. Besides it having my
favourite day of the year; my birthday, it’s amazing for all lovers of ‘being
cosy’ - when warm fires heat the house, winter jackets are dusted out from the
back of closets, Christmas lights are finally on display, and going to
Starbucks seems way cooler with the gust of wind outside and you inside with
your hands wrapped around a hot caramel macchiato.
But, I have the sun here. And November
seems a lot more different to what I’m used to. The smog that planes the city
has completely disappeared - which means living on the 24th floor of
a building has finally had its advantages. I CAN SEE THE MOUNTAINS! They look
beautiful. Everyday, after a hard day’s work of university and the tremendously
long walk home, it’s a lovely feeling to arrive en mi casa and congratulate
myself on the heat I have just endured by staring out my somewhat panoramic
window and appreciating the beauty before me.
All pictures are views from my window.
Now that spring has arrived, stepping out
for my weekly shop to La Vega and Lider doesn’t seem like chores anymore. It’s
a way to get out of the house and do something! Plus the sun really does affect
the way in which you see Santiago. This grey and dull looking city turns into a
concrete jungle full of colour and warmth. I even seem to think the people seem
happier. (They’re not very used to the cold). This is the time to really
understand true Chilean culture, full of festivals and parties, drinks and
food, parks full of people and tonnes of ice cream. In fact, I might take a
trip to the local heladeria* this weekend. It is local, but I still haven’t
tried it. With the ample amount of ice cream flavours available, it’s about
time!
And of course my birthday! I have never
experienced one like this before. I hadn’t planned much for it. In fact I
hadn’t planned anything until some amigos of mine invited me to watch a film
and have a few drinks at the local pub. It sounded like the best option to me -
it was different to the usual club scene and I happened to enjoy every bit of
it. Thor exceeded expectations (especially the ending) and sitting outside a
bar with a few drinks and good company; it felt just like summer! I’ve always
been slightly envious of my younger sister who happens to be born in July and
always has the best birthday get together. Pool parties, BBQ’s and even an
outdoor house party are just some of the view. But now I’ve finally had a taste
of my own November spring (summer compared to London) celebration, and you know
what, I could get used to this…
In fact, living in Chile is something I
could get used to if people walked faster, there were more vegetarian options
for food, houses were more common (the list goes on).
All in all, I’m enjoying spring and putting
off the travelling for a while (to save money for other adventures) and getting
to know Santiago well has done me some good and expanded my inter-cultural ways
J Ciao ciao amigos.
Heladeria* - Ice cream parlour
