February 18, 2020 - Santiago

Another trial run to find the language school. Actually, we had truly found it yesterday. We just were not convinced we had the correct location since the name on the outside of the building was different - we thought, yes, this is a language school, just not ours. Well, it turns out that was the correct location. Seems the school we booked, closed their Santiago location and outsourced our classes to this location, Escuela Bellavista. Our original company, Escuela Spanish, has become an agent only in Santiago. Grrr! We will complain loudly but not too much until we see how classes go next week. At least we now know where to go and how to get there. When we stopped by to verify our enrollment there, classes were just dismissing. We were astounded! There were students from all parts of the world - most were young but there were a few our age. Oh boy, just hang in with us; this is sure to be interesting.
Meanwhile, Stan and I keep trying to use the little Spanish we know as much as we can. We get a lot of laughs but somehow we make ourselves understood and people seem to take great enjoyment in indulging us. They celebrate with us too, when we understand each other.
In the past three days we have been here, we have accomplished a considerable bit. We can now find our way easily to the nearest grocery store, we have found nearby restaurants and the neighborhood for the hottest restaurants in town, we have an understanding for the city neighborhoods, we found a partner-bank for changing US$ to Chilean Pesos (and made friends there), and we have bought re-fillable BLIP cards for riding the metro subway system & buses (we made friends there too and have learned to maneuver the system very well). We introduced ourselves to the security guards at our apartment complex - we joyously greet each other by name now! Finally, we found and arranged an appointment at the Clinica Santa Maria - we are still not sure Stan is 100%. We just need to check him out to be sure. We have an appointment tomorrow at 12:30. Prayers please.
There are several large parks in our part of the city. One is just outside our door. But the largest is Parque Metropolitano only a mile or so from our apartment. It's a mountain right in the center of town. It contains the city's Zoo, Botanical Gardens, huge swimming pool and beach, all over-looked by La Virgin Del Cerro (the Virgin at the Summit of the Hill). After arranging tomorrow's doctor appointment at the clinica, this park was within walking distance. We took the Funicular to the top of the "hill" (it's really pretty tall!!!); then we took the aerial car down. I will share this with you . . . there was a day when Stan would not board an aerial cable car. He's all grown up now and completely over that fear. Atop the mountain, the views of the city were spectacular - could have been much more so, but alas, the smog!!! Santiago is said to be one of the most polluted cities in South America. It's just me, but I think much of the pollution has to do with the arid climate and the fact the city is trapped between the ocean and the Andes. The views demonstrated how really huge this city is. It is tremendous! It is 50 miles, north/south and 22 miles east/west, with solid population, border to border.
Once atop the hill of Parque Metropolitano we took photos and chatted with other tourists. The day was hot and we were thirsty. We entered a concession and began to order lemonade or a Coke, but I saw their sign for Mote Con Huesillos. It read, "a drink made from dried peaches cooked in water with sugar and barley served VERY cold." I could not resist. Whoa!! I don't know when I've had such a sweet refreshing bebe! Talk about a delicious sugar-high!!! Oh!! What a gorgeous, delicious energy drink!!! And it was a pretty presentation as well.
We are feeling like such experts! We took the cable car down the other side of the mountain and still found (with a little help from wonderful young locals) the walk to the nearest subway station that took us directly back to our apartment.
I love this place; I love God's people. As we confirm once again, we all are the same.
One more thing . . cold water King crabs are imported to Santiago. And that's what we are having for dinner.