**Challenge: Travel around the World for 200,000**
On the 151st day of my journey, I’ve spent a total of ¥88,307. This puts me at 44.15% of my overall expenditure, right on track with my budget.
**Santiago: A City of Snow-Capped Splendor**
One of Santiago’s most striking features is the ever-present view of snow-capped mountains, no matter where you look. During my 8-day stay, I enjoyed a variety of activities, from cooking and exercising to sipping afternoon tea while gazing at the distant peaks. I also had the pleasure of chatting with my landlord and his friends, immersing myself in local life.
**Places to Go**
1. **Plaza de Armas**: The area can be a bit chaotic, but as you head east, it becomes more upscale.
2. **Central Market**: A great place to buy fresh cherries and strawberries.
3. **Santa Lucia Park**: Offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city.
4. **Japanese Garden**: Enjoy a peaceful walk and take in the city views.
5. **Barrio Italia**: This trendy neighborhood is filled with chic restaurants, cozy cafes, and charming handicraft shops.
**Safety Tips**
– The area around Plaza de Armas can feel a bit unsafe, so it’s best to stay alert.
– The northeast part of the city is the wealthy area, but it’s quite far from the historic center.
– For a safer and more convenient stay, the Nunoa area is recommended. It’s one of the more expensive areas but offers better security and amenities.
**Supermarket Shopping**
– Supermarkets in Santiago have prices similar to those in Spain, but the variety and quality are somewhat lacking.
– Cherries, which I was eagerly looking forward to, were not available in supermarkets. Instead, I found them at roadside markets for about 2000-2500 pesos per kilogram—such a steal that I couldn’t resist buying plenty.
– There’s an abundance of affordable and delicious wines.
– Recommended supermarkets include Jumbo, Unimarc, and Lider.
**Nearby Trips**
1. **Valparaiso**:
– **Transportation**: Flixbus is incredibly cheap, costing only 3-4 euros per person.
– **Activities**: Visit Mirador lobos to see sea lions, explore Mercado El Cardonal for fresh fruits, and enjoy the city views and colorful murals on the hills.
– **Safety Note**: Some areas, like the market, Plaza Mayor, and Muelle Prat port, can seem unsafe.
As soon as I took out my phone, a kind stranger advised me to put it away.
– **Scenic Cafe**: Restaurant Fauna is a must-visit. Once you’ve been there, you won’t need any other viewpoints.
2. **Vina del Mar**: Locals recommend this coastal town over Valparaiso for its charm and beauty.
3. **Other Destinations**: Portillo Snow Mountain and Lake are also highly recommended by locals for their stunning natural scenery.
**Local Life in Santiago**
– Housing in Santiago is predominantly in high-rise apartments, often 20-30 floors tall, and many come with swimming pools. Villas, on the other hand, are very expensive.
– There’s a general dissatisfaction with the government, with many feeling that the economy is mismanaged and hoping for change in the next election.
– Young people are hesitant to have children due to the high costs of raising them.
– Job opportunities are limited. My landlord, a mechanical engineer, has been sending out resumes for two years in an attempt to switch jobs.
– The work culture is relaxed, with people often partying late into the night and still showing up for work the next day.
– Despite the late-night parties, it’s common to see girls walking home alone in the middle of the night, feeling safe and fearless.
