The Weird and Wonderful of Santiago

When living abroad, I think it’s quite easy to forget you live abroad.  You get into a normal routine of “normal” things like work, food shopping, seeing friends, the routine of your day. Sometimes, it’s good to reflect on the weird and wonderful things that you have started t to get used to.

* When it rains in Santiago, it is pretty normal that there is an electricity or water cut. Which means, you always have to have bottles of water in your flat, just in case!  And torches and candles too.

* That despite coming from England, 26 degrees is no longer a “hot” day.  I’ve actually heard myself say “It’s not going to be that hot tomorrow, only 26”, which is a hot summers day back home.  But, when temperatures can reach 10 degrees more than that in in summer, I guess it’s not hot anymore.  That doesn’t mean that I don’t melt when it gets above 28, though!

* There is no such thing as standing on the right when you go up the escalator, everyone just stands on both sides.

* When getting directions, you will often hear “away” or “towards” the mountains: the biggest landmark in Santiago!

*  Long weekends, mean escaping the city and heading to the countryside, mountains or beach.  Leaving Santiago pretty deserted.

* You only need to take our your metro card to get on the metro and not off.  Even after almost two years, I still automatically take out the card when I get off the metro, just like you have to in London!  One day, I will learn.

* Rain is very welcomed in Santiago as it means that the smog is cleared.  Having said that, nobody goes out when it rains and plans are often cancelled.

* The mountains never ever get boring, I admire that view each and everyday.

* People congratulate each other on getting through the month of August as it signals the end of the coldest winter months.

* Time is very flexible, lateness is very accepted.

* Most people eat seasonally, which I love.  As there isn’t much importation of fruits and vegetables, it means that you get to learn what is in season, when.  It means you look forward to the fruits and veg of the season and eat it as much as you can, until it disappears until next year.  We are loving artichokes and asparagus at the moment, mmm.

* September is the best month!  Chileans celebrate their independence day which means the whole month is full of festivities and it has all the happy vibes that Christmas has at home.

* Chile is soooo long, that you find yourself thinking that somewhere 6 hours away is “close”.

What are the weird and wonderful things about where you live?

Marcella xx

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