I left for home today, but Chile will always have a fond place in my heart. It’s the first Latin American country I’ve visited for more than 12 hours. (Cruise ship stops don’t count, kids.) I’ve learned a few things along the way that won’t make me seem like such a hapless tourist next time I visit. Here they are in no particular order:
5) Don’t wear shorts. While it may seem like the comfortable, casual thing to do while you’re on vacay, it also makes you stand out like a sore thumb. Chileans simply don’t wear shorts, unless they’re going to bed or the gym. They certainly don’t often wear them in public. Want to spy an American at ten paces? Just look for some dude traipsing around in shorts and flip-flops. (Guilty as charged.) Trust me — it works 100% of the time.
4) Uber or bust. The cabbies here are crabby. Crabby cabbies. They act like they’re doing you a favor by even making an effort to pick you up. If you try and speak English, you’re doomed. They’ll drive you to Argentina and back rather than the closest route possible. Uber is cheaper, more efficient and readily available. If a cabbie tries to cajole you to get in to his vehicle, immediately walk the other direction. You’d be better off walking. Or renting a llama.
3) Put your phone away. Chileans are present, in-the-moment people. You rarely see them face-planted in their smart phones. They don’t walk around trying to text, Instagram or watching YouTube. If you stand around scrolling through Facebook, you’re probably missing out on some quality people watching, sightseeing opportunity … or a llama. Chileans are a considerate lot. You can’t be a good ambassador if you’re trying to re-tweet about Mariah Carey’s latest singing snafu.
2) Bring a sweater. I hate being hot. I hate being cold even worse. And Chile can be chilly. If the suns out, you’re probably fine. After that, you can practically see your breath. It’s like being in the desert, you know, minus sand and camels. Or llamas.
1) Embrace your American-ness … when warranted. I’ve been here a little over a week and I’m already a bit homesick. Happens. So if you feel the need, go visit Starbucks, McDonalds or any other American franchise that your heart desires. While I was here I stayed at a Marriott and unabashedly enjoyed Dunkin Donuts. It’s the little things.
I feel like I saw .02% of what Chile has to offer. So I’ll definitely come back. There, I said it. If a country piques my interest, it’s worth a second (third? sixteenth?) visit. Otherwise, it’s one and done. (Sorry Dominican Republic.) Before I come back though, I need to take an intensive conversational Spanish class or two … or ten. I probably would have enjoyed this country a lot more if I knew what the hell anyone was saying. Just saying.