The intense summer sun beat down on us as we made our way through the foreign, urban streets of Santiago, Chile. We were surrounded by street vendors, musicians, and the bustling population of Santiaguinos. Suddenly, out of the semi-chaotic streets, there appeared a lush, green oasis.

As we entered the park, called Cerro Santa Lucia, all indications that we were in a city of 6 million disappeared. Hiking up the seemingly endless stairs through beautiful greenery, we made our way to the top. Once there, we had a complete 360-degree view of the city, with the snow-capped Andes in the background. It was shocking to realize the immensity of this city and a good way to get our bearings.
It was also shocking to experience how personable and friendly Chileans are. I frequently ask a stranger on the street, in broken Spanish, how to get to a particular area and generally they walk with me to my destination or direct me while recommending a good café nearby. Another interesting personal interaction is the cultural practice of cheek kissing. Whenever people meet, see, or depart from one another they kiss on the cheek (except men with other men, they shake hands…which is a little disappointing). In one instance, a three year old boy kissed me on the cheek. Clearly, they start them young here!

This comfort with physical expression extends very apparently in public displays of affection. In every public park, metro station, and quite possibly, street there are people making out. It’s not what one would expect from a primarily Catholic country that does not openly discuss sex, but all of the kids from the U.S. can’t wait until their significant others visit so they too can roll around in a Chilean park.
An interesting adjustment has been the language barrier. I knew that it would be difficult to speak only Spanish, but Chileans have added a special component known as “Chilenismos,” or words used only in Chile. Here I thought I knew Spanish and then I arrive in Chile to find out that many of the words I learned are different here. I’ve been running around telling people I’m engaged (the word “novio” means fiancé, not boyfriend). I also asked for aguacates and was stared at since they call avocados “paltas.” It’s like a foreign language within a foreign language!

After two weeks in Santiago, I’ve experienced that although there are many differences in culture, there are also many similarities to my life in the United States. I look forward to exploring the city, country, and continent while opening myself to new life experiences. Until then, I’m going to go eat some more paltas