departamentos

Last week contained a variety of hilarious experiences as far as apartment hunting goes. Before heading down here I was convinced that I could find an affordable place for both Scott and I to live (entirely on my salary)... When I finally arrived here I could easily find rooms for 150.000 to 180.000 (yay inflation) including everything. As soon as I told them it was a couple, the price quickly jumped to well over 200.000. Asking "why" many different times to many different people, I ended up concluding I would forced to pay a gringo tax for the two of us to exist in the same space.

We explored options in the cheap range (90.000 for a room) and expensive (300.000 for an apartment). We spent less than 2 minutes in the expensive place, brand new, knowing full well we couldn't afford it. Scott and I were really excited about the 90.000, live with a Chileno deal. It couldn't be that bad, we thought. Wrong! Coming off of a road-trip adventure Scott was kind of excited about living in a shack (which in all reality was what it was). Upon leaving he says "it's alright right now I just don't know what we'd do if it rained."

We decided to check out some mid-range places. Before entering an apartment in Central Santiago, a group of Chilean boys whispered to us "muy fea" seconds before the owner opened the door to us (leaving us unsure about whether they were talking about the owner herself or the apartment). It ended up being a very bizarre experience; the owner was sitting on the bed, blasting "All I need is a miracle" by Mike and the Mechanics and bearing a weird yet undeniably seductive smile. She was kind of like Annette Benning in "American Beauty" but without the sexiness.

We were relieved when we finally found something right up our alley: 1 bedroom, enough space, close to my school!, fantastic rooftop view, free bike parking and storage, communal washer and dryer (with funny little machines that vend a token each in a little box) and free exercise room. :) :) Come visit!

This is the view from our window on the 7th floor!

Scott's Customs Adventure

With all the excitement about arriving in Chile, you'd think the entire plane flight would be spent gaming out how to get into the country. But alas, I was distracted by the free beer, feel-good Disney movie about overcoming racism through sports, and some delicious food! So, as soon as I could get my seatbelt off, I was barreling through the airport terminal on my way to Customs.
My passport in hand, I was turned away and told to walk all the way back to fill out a declaration form and pay my official entrance fee of $130 US Clams. On the right path now, I again rushed to the customs window with a huge smile on my face only to be directed....again...to fill out more forms. Finally, with a pile of paperwork, bags hanging off in all directions, I slogged my way back to the counter. My forms crumpled...my face sweaty...and my spirits undashed, I explained to the customs agent that I was no threat to his country. He wanted to know things like; who I knew here and where I would be staying. Now worries, I replied, this girl I know is coming to get me and bring me to this place she's staying. Where? She knows... no worries.
He watched me walk away with a look of regret but I think he ended up taking me as pathetic gringo rather than a dangerous foreigner.

Things have been wonderful. Between welcoming Chileans, friendly travelers, and eager new friends, culture shock hasn't been an issue. In fact, the culture here seems so similar... maybe just different shades of the same color. The language is really the challenging thing at this point. I've dropped off four resumes, received one invitation for an interview, and am looking forward to callbacks after positive interactions with each business. I miss you all and can't wait to catch up!