Welcome to Santiago, Chile

I start my time in South America in Santiago, Chile. To get acclimated, I spend two and a half weeks in this huge city with 6 million inhabitants, experiencing a bit of everyday life by attending Spanish classes. So, my mornings are filled with grammar and vocabulary learning, and in the afternoons, I join other students and a tour guide to visit various museums and places that tourists should see. The exchange continues in Spanish. With many Brazilian students (for once, it's not the Germans who are in the majority), it's not possible to have a different communication since English is not part of the standard repertoire. This makes learning even more effective.

When I arrive 'home' in the evenings, I have a chat with my roommates. The two guys and the dog quickly grow close to my heart during this time. We have good conversations - of course, in Spanish - cook, eat, drink, and laugh together.

Because we get along so well, I quickly convince myself that I have to end my South America trip where I started it. A reunion in July is already planned.

Otherwise, it doesn't feel like I'm in South America. Everything is very tidy and organized. I feel more like I'm in a southern European capital. Everyone warns about pickpockets and other bad people, but I haven't noticed any serious threats in this city. I simply feel comfortable. The only thing that's a bit strange is that it's Advent and you can't really feel it here. And even though it's a Catholic country and many people are strongly influenced by the church. After the Pentecostal church service on Sunday afternoon, people in clean, dressed-up suits gather on the streets, open their hymnbooks, and sing or recite prayers to convert the unbelievers.

I read and learn a lot about the Chileans, who have a strong connection to Germany. Many Germans have emigrated to Chile in the past, there are entire German-speaking communities, and some German cultural goods, such as 'cake,' have also made it into the Chilean vocabulary. But I'm sure I'll have even more points of contact during my journey.

I also used my time in Santiago to think a bit about the travel route on this continent. After a short trip to Argentina to the wine region of Mendoza, I will celebrate New Year's Eve in Valparaizo. The biggest party in the country takes place there. Of course, I will be there.

After that, I have a month to cross the long country. There will certainly be a lot of hiking. The highlight will likely be the Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia with its famous three peaks. Fortunately, I was able to secure a campsite. Then it's off to Ushuaia to embark on my Antarctic cruise. After another big party in Rio de Janeiro for Carnival, I head back south to Buenos Aires and then to Colombia, Ecuador including the Galapagos Islands, and Peru, optionally Peru. And in the end, I will visit the north of Chile with the Atacama Desert and Easter Island before returning home in mid/end of July. This is a sneak peek of what awaits me and you in the form of pictures and stories.