Día Libre

First Saturday! It was great to wake up later this morning and catch up on a few extra hours of sleep. Brice took us on a pastry tour around Viña del Mar, though we only managed to see 3 pastelerías because all of the food is so rich and filling. Nonetheless everything was delicious! I tasted the tres leches, caramel, and mocha cakes. One place was particularly interesting because it had pictures of American rock bands all over the walls. It also had a TV that was only playing music by The Beatles. It’s interesting that here a lot of the music played in restaurants is music from the US from past decades. The Mexican restaurant the other night was only playing ‘80s rock.

Next we all worked on our blogs, then walked down to the beach to walk through the artesanías, or artisan shops. I love that everything there is handmade, and so unique. I also noticed a lot of copper jewelry, and copper is Chile’s most exported good. Then we got lunch at a restaurant called entre mesa by the water. I ordered a salad with bean sprouts, cheese, walnuts, tomatoes, and pesto. It was so refreshing to have some fresh vegetables. When speaking with some of the Chileans we were told that Chileans don’t typically eat vegetables, but rather breads and meats compose most of their meals. Although I love the empanadas, I think most of us are more accustomed to eating fresh vegetables once in a while.

We’re now getting ready to go out with some of the Chilean students. Tomorrow we’ll head back to the beach and pick up some final souvenirs. Adios!