I look out my Uncle’s apartment here in Renaca, Chile and all I see is the beautiful (and violent) Pacific Ocean. Literally meters away. This place is absolutely gorgeous. Chile, from what I have learned so far, “looks up” to American style. Not only does everyone wear more “Americanized” clothing, but the buildings, streets, restaurants, down to even the way people drive are more Americanized. When I say this, I mean strictly that when there is a yellow light people slow down, when there is a red light people stop, and only when there is a green light do people go. The cars are brands I actually see in everyday America, which is apparently because in Chile there are no import taxes, or at least not as high as they are in Argentina. (Since being in Argentina, I did not see a single Volvo or my beloved Subaru. Here in Chile, they exist in multiples.) It’s not that I love it here because it is more similar to the US, but it is a nice break from scary drivers running over innocent pedestrians and constantly being afraid to go for a run wherever I would like.
Renaca is a beach paradise about 1 km away from the more popular Vina del Mar. Both are very beautiful, since they are essentially part of the same entity. However, Renaca is more relaxed. I can lay on the (freezing) beach without a concern of being disturbed (except for those spoiled Chilean kids that keep hitting me with their version of pickle-balls…to those WWP kids who know what I’m talking about). Similar to Spring Lake at the end of August, minus the multitude of dead jellyfish.
In the sun, it is warm. Although, there’s this wonderful breeze that gives you the illusion that you are not at all burning your skin. I have been very lucky (knock on wood) that I have yet to turn into a carrot. However, never have I had so many freckles on my face in my life. I never knew my skin was capable of manifesting them. The people here are kind and warm, just like in Argentina. But never let them suppose you are Argentine because they will begin to treat you like a “dumb, poor, and un-cultured dog.”
It is wonderful to spend time with my uncle, aunt, and cousin. They are absolutely wonderful and amazing people. We can talk for hours and never get bored of each other. They are very intelligent and well-informed (for example, I was able to converse with my aunt over the political and economic struggles we have in the US, how laws compare with those of Argentina and countries within the European Union, and the potentiality of how we can assist people in Africa efficiently). It is honestly a pleasure to be around them. Plus, they treat me like I am an almost-23 year old young lady. This is something that I have not felt in a while since, understandably like any grandmother would, Tete treats me as if I am a 3-year old child. When living with someone who still treats you that way, the 20-year age difference really catches up. But, I do not feel that way around my uncle, aunt, and cousin. We all respect each other’s opinions, independence, space, and happiness. Let’s see how the rest of the mini-vacation goes.
k bye.
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