“It’s a funny thing coming home. Nothing changes. Everything looks the same, feels the same, even smells the same. You realize what’s changed is you.”
F. Scott Fitzgerald
All good things must come to an end. It was time to make the journey to Santiago, then off to the airport for our overnight flights back to the USA.
After morning yoga, and a quick breakfast, we gathered our things, and loaded up the van. We said goodbye to the Hosteria dogs who became our little companions during our visit. Then we said goodbye to the staff who took such wonderful care of us. They made our stay at the Hosteria memorable. The resort Pedro has built in the mountains is beautiful, tranquil, and very relaxing if you are looking to disconnect from the world for a little while.
We drove four hours north to Santiago. We decided to stop for lunch at one of the petrol rest areas so we could have some extra time in Santiago. Of course I had to buy some cookies and sweets. I have a horrible sweet tooth, and I love to try snacks in each of the countries I visit.
In Santiago we had the option of taking a funicular to the top of a hill to get a view of the city, or go to the Pablo Neruda museum- a famous poet from Chile. I chose the funicular, but later I regretted not choosing the museum. We didn’t have time to go to the Museum of Memory and Human Rights which came highly recommended.
When we arrived at the funicular, Laura finally saw the illusive llama she had been searching for, and took the opportunity to get a photo with it. We waited in line with tourists from all over the world. We heard many different languages being spoken. At the top we walked around, took photos, and looked at the Chilean goods in a small market. I decided to take a stroll around the path when I realized there was more to see. Off in the distance I saw snow capped mountains, and was angry with myself for not having ventured off sooner. Much like Phoenix, Santiago is blanketed with smog. They have very poor air quality .The mountains that surround the city keep all the pollution in.
We made our way back to the van, and left for the airport. Santiago is a colorful city, with street art on buildings, unfortunately, many have been defaced by graffiti. You could see where the more affluent neighborhoods ended, and the poorer sections began. We stayed away from the area where protests were taking place, it wasn’t worth risking our safety.
At the airport we said our goodbyes to one another, the new friends we made, and shared this adventure with. I’m not sure how many bottles of wine we drank, but we estimate it was about 80 at the Hosteria. Did I mention we all like wine? We laughed together, explored the mountains, tried new foods, learned some Spanish, rode horses, and learned more about ourselves. Five of us were on the same flight headed to Miami, and we were talking about another trip similar to this one in Costa Rica next year. Natalie planned the ultimate adventure for us, and it will be hard to beat.
Chile was a beautiful country. The mountains are breathtaking, the wine is delicious, and the people are warm and friendly. I would recommended it to anyone looking for an adventure with nature. Stay away from the cities and head to the mountains. Allow yourself the opportunity to disconnect from your wireless gadgets, and take in all the beauty and tranquility nature has to offer.
I’m signing off until my next trip. Thanks for joining me on this journey.
From morning salutations, to evening reflections, and late night star gazing, Chile, you were just what this 413 Girl needed to recharge and feel alive again.
Ciao!
413 Girl Travels the World 
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