Hola Frío Chile!

Algún día en cualquier parte, en cualquier lugar indefectiblemente te encontrarás a ti mismo, y ésa, sólo ésa, puede ser la más feliz o la más amarga de tus horas. - Neruda

Chilly, Chile!  The view from "the Mary" in Santiago, Chile

Well folks, I've made it almost entirely around the world being just a few clicks west of full, longitudinally speaking, from NYC. 

I've made it to the 6th continent of this journey.  I'm in CHILE!!!

And, boy, is it chilly here! (ba-zing!)

I've been here for almost a week now, but between the ridiculous jet lag and rain, I've been a little bit of a bum.  

I haven't exactly been sitting around fearing the end though. (I mean, that's still months away!)  There's been more than a few highlights, some of which include: 

• I've learned that my understanding of Spanish is far better than I would've thought.  Of course, my speech is slow, terrible on conjugations, and most likely confusing; but I've been getting by.   And, I start "Super Intensive" classes tomorrow morning in Santiago!
• Santiago has an unbelievably convenient Metro system.  Has been fun to ride a subway for the first time since New Delhi! (I skipped the one in Hong Kong - took ferries and walked instead)
• The above view of the Mountains surrounding Santiago and this sunrise:

• Café con Piernas ("coffee with legs") - a bit of an amusement here in Santiago is the fact that some coffee shops have scantily clad women serving the beverages.  I've been told that due to the darkened windows on the shop below, the cladded ladies inside, may not be cladded at all. 

Cafe Tsunami - A sea of goddesses.  Though, I'm pretty sure Eva Longoria doesn't work here!  And, the sign on the door says something like: "See that we have the best coffee and best international and chilean girls.  Do not miss." (I'm guessing that's what "minas" means.  I can't imagine they are talking about mines)

• And, Valparaiso, about an hour and a half outside Santiago:

The city is all hills (think: San Francisco), so it makes for a pretty tough wander, but it is the only way to see the amazing colors and street art of the city.  Some of my favorites below:

The first two days basically just poured rain, so I was thrilled to have sun the last day and half.  Now it's back in Santiago getting ready for a week's worth of Spanish classes.  

Given that I only had 30 pesos of spending money, I was grateful the views from the bus were free:

I can't wait to see what else South America will throw my way!

Translation for the Neruda quote above: 
Someday, somewhere - anywhere, unfailingly, you'll find yourself, and that, and only that, can be the happiest or bitterest hour of your life.