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First Week Done

First impression of Santiago, Chile
After a week of being in Santiago, my first impression of this place is modernity but with the essence of a Latin American country. It is a large city filled with gigantic malls, parks, cultural neighborhoods, and many skyscrapers. Although it is a large city, it is easy to navigate through it using the bus, the metro, uber, or cabs. It is very chaotic when it’s peak hour just like any Latin American city or a large city. Just like anywhere in the world, there are some dark sides of the city where it’s dangerous to be there. However, it is a safe place for the most part. 
Chilean people are so welcoming that immediately make you feel like if you’re home. For instance, every time you go visit someone at their house, they always offer you tea, coffee, or something to drink as soon as you walk in. Also, they always greet you with a kiss on your cheek every time you say hi and bye. Having full long conversations is the best because they make you feel comfortable. 
During this week, I’ve had the chance the try some Chilean food. For instance, I’ve tried empanadas (patties filled with ham, cheese, chicken, meat, shrimp and more) pastel de choclo (corn cake) humitas (corn tamales)  and poroto soup (bean soup with vegetables). Overall, the food has been amazing because the use of natural products gives the food a different taste plus it’s healthy. Even though there’s a lot of American restaurants here, I prefer to eat authentic Chilean food to get acclimated faster. 
It's only been a week and I am already loving being here! I am sure I chose the right program to study abroad. I can’t wait to experience everything Chile and South America has to offer.  

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