First week

When I left the house this morning I was shivering from the cold, even though I was wrapped up thickly. This afternoon I was sweating in almost 30 degrees. This is roughly how you can imagine Santiago. A city of extremes. I missed my bus stop on the way home. When I got off 2 stops later, it was as if I had landed in a parallel Santiago. Small houses, some made of corrugated iron, were lined up here. There was garbage in the side streets and a dog was sleeping next to it. 2 bus stations and I was in a different reality of life. When I arrived here I was surprised at how European everything is. The young people have the same style as in Switzerland, dealing with climate change and feminism. But Santiago has two faces. There are people who live like us and others who live in huts rather than houses. I live in a special place in Peñalolen -The Comunidad Ecológica. Although only wealthy people live here, they have chosen a somewhat more modest life. The neighborhood is on the outskirts of the city and therefore at the foot of the Andes. Here the houses are all unique, almost like works of art. Everything is green and you can take great walks. The power has gone out twice since I've been here and before you turn on the dishwasher you check whether there's enough power available.

I felt comfortable with my family from the first moment. They attach great importance to eating together and, above all, enjoying it. I've been able to try out countless Chilean specialties. My favorites were pastel de chocle and ostiones. I had no culture - but I had an even stronger cold shock. The houses are heated, but it doesn't get really warm.

I was amazed when I realized how much freedom I have here. During the day I can easily travel alone on public transport and move around the city alone. But you should still take an Uber home in the evening. A few years ago it was much safer. Santiago as a “sleepy city with almost European standards”. But narco-traffic has now increasingly arrived in Chile - crime is increasing.

When I'm not out and about, I can go for a walk with my two dogs, Pepa and Jurel. I am also lucky to have a host sister with whom I get along very well. We listen to music, cook or meet up with friends. Last Saturday we went to the “Feria” (market). There was the best fruit I've ever eaten, served by nice people in a special atmosphere. «?Quién quiere comprar? “Aquí tenemos la fruit más dulce!” the vendors shouted when someone walked past their stand. When they heard that I wasn't from Chile, they gave me all the fruits to try, which of course I didn't say no to. From fruits I already knew to ones I didn't even know existed. Everything was sweet and put me in a state of happiness. Well, this situation has almost become normal here. Be it fruits, Chilean specialties, or the Andes in the sunset, Chile always fascinates me.

Santiago is in a special state at the moment anyway. It’s “Panamericanos Santiago 2023” right now. (Like European Championships) After a few failed attempts, we managed to get tickets for the athletics finals. The atmosphere was incredible and the few Chilean athletes left were celebrated like heroes. When Martina Weil won gold in the 400m, the whole stadium jumped and roared with happiness. Since my host mother knew someone, we were even able to sit in the VIP area. It was a unique experience. Despite everything, I found it difficult to be in the Estadio Nacional because people were tortured and killed there during the dictatorship. “Puerta 8” remained unrenovated and is intended to commemorate the victims. “A pueblo sin memoria is a pueblo sin futuro.” The thought of that is difficult to digest. Especially since the coup was exactly 50 years ago this year. The majority of people experienced this time first hand.

Chile has the ability to inspire me but also to make me aware of my privileges. I'm excited to see what's next for me.

Things to know: El Niño

The fact that it is so cold at the moment is not usual for this time of year. It is related to the weather phenomenon “El Niño”. In an El Niño year, the sea on the Pacific coast warms, resulting in increased rainfall.

Vocabulary:

Bakan: everything and everyone is bakan. You need it all the time and it means cool.

La Micro: the bus

La Feria: the market (clothes or fruits/vegetables)

Music: A song that accompanies me at the moment

The classic “Latinoamérica” from Calle 13