Plaza de Armas - Thursday, June 18

I finally decided to hit the streets yesterday and take the metro downtown to Plaza de Armas. Plaza de Armas is the center of the city which everyone told me I must take a walking tour of. I knew that rain was on its way...which started today.  I was told that when it rains, the city is a mess, people don't know how to drive, and many stay home from work. Ha! It sounds like LA. I am now officially part of this group considering that I haven't left my house all day. It was a high of 50 and I didn't see reason to go outside if I didn't have to. Pio has been coming to my house for his English lessons so that has been nice and convenient. 

Plaze de Armas was wonderful.  I wandered aimlessly for a couple hours taking in the people and grandeur of the buildings.  The Cathedral was the most breath-taking.  According to the most recent census in 2002, 70% of Chile is Catholic so, I guess this shouldn't be surprising. The outside of the Cathedral does not do the inside justice. When I walked in, I was stunned by its beauty.  It was huge with high domed ceilings, ancient mahogany pews, and intricate baroque design.  I was surprised by its size and how much it reminded me of the Basilica in Rome in design. As I made my way around the parameter, I arrived at a plaque which said that the Cathedral was erected in 1561.  The church then hired an Italian architect in 1748 to begin interior design plans, and then another Italian in 1780 to complete it!  Huh!  I was right. :)  The Cathedral was finally completed in 1898.  

Last night, Estefa invited me out to see her friend's band play. She loves live music which I love as well.  I've been out with Estefa three times now and each time have met a different group of friends. These friends were just as nice as all the others I had met. They were very sweet, down-to-earth, and welcoming. I never say "no" when I'm invited out because I'm trying my hardest to make friends, and going out is also when I get the opportunity to hear and speak Spanish most. Estefa picked me up, we went to her friend's house, who is the guitarist, for a few drinks, and then headed to the local. The local was more like a bar - one small room with a stage. Two bands played - punkish Chilean music. Clubs here are not like clubs in LA.  They are smaller and lower profile. There is no list, there are no stiletto heals, and there is no pretentiousness. Chileans are out to just dance and enjoy the music. I haven't been out in Silver Lake but I'm thinking that Santiago is similar in its vibe. A random note is that light beer does not exist here.  Something us Californians aren't used to.  I prefer the vino tinto anyway. :) You really can't go wrong with the wine here. It's interesting because you won't find wine from outside South America. 98% of the wine sold in the grocery stores and restaurants is from Chile.  The other 1% is from Argentina.  

The most exciting thing that happened today is that I got a job offer! I interviewed on Tuesday with a language institute called English First for a sales position. I had walked in last Friday to give them my resume with the intention of getting a teaching position. The owner called shortly after noting that my resume is "sales-heavy" and said he was actually looking for a sales person. I just can't seem to get away from sales!!  :) 

Saludos,

Jennifer