valentine.

Hope you had a lovely lovey Valentines Day! 

<3

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skype

Got to 3 way skype with my brother and sister tonight. I miss/love them so much! I am so thankful for the amazing technology that allows me to see/speak all my family and loved ones so often.

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yoga luka

Today I tried Yoga for the first time here in Chile. Now I am no stranger to yoga--but yoga in another country/language is a whole new ball of wax! There is a place by my house that I've been meaning to try called Yoga Luka. This studio offers 1 class for 1,000 chilean pesos or 2 american dollars..(1,000=1 luca).  So this morning around 12:30pm I headed over to try the Iyengar I style yoga. At home I attended yoga classes at school (UC Santa Cruz woot woot!) or the Ymca in Westchester. This Ivengar Yoga was an interesting experience because I couldn't understand what was happening the majority of the time and because they use all kinds of props that are foreign to me. First of all my Spanish has been progressing pretty well so I figured I wouldn't have too many problems with the instructions..I had most of the basic words down--manos=hands, espalda=back, pecho=chest, respire=breathe..etc. But my teacher kept mentioning muñeca which I know to mean doll. I was like whaaa? Doll? Act like a doll? So weird! After class I realized its also the word for wrist! It makes much more sense now! 


Anyway, there I was going along trying not to draw too much attention to myself..but the teacher came over a couple of times being like what are you doing? At one point we had to use a weird wooden block by arching into a bridge and putting the block underneath us..It was very uncomfortable and I fell off at first! But eventually I got back on and handled it! Also, I guess I was breathing really hard cause the woman next to me said Nariz!! = Through your nose! Ahh! RUDE! Okay! Getting my workout! Hahah. It was actually really fun though and it lasted for an hour and a half for only 2 dollars so I'm thinking this might be my new workout opportunity! Although there is a salsa class that I am going to try and hopefully I won't embarrass myself too badly! 


Also, I looked up what exactly the philosophy of Iyengar yoga:
A form of Hatha Yoga, it focuses on the structural alignment of the physical body through the development of asanas. Through the practice of a system of asanas, it aims to unite the body, mind and spirit for health and well-being. This discipline is considered a powerful tool to relieve the stresses of modern-day life which in turn can help promote total physical and spiritual well-being. (Thanks Wikipedia!). 
I would gather thats why we spent quite some time meditating while I nervously looked around..hahah!

Doga with the Chubs McGee. 

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happiest birthday

Happy Birthday to the best sister in the world! 
You are such a lovely young woman and I am so lucky to have you as my partner in crime! You are easily the funniest, most beautiful and talented baker I have ever known and I can't wait to see what fabulous and inspiring things you do next! I wish we could be together today but I know we will celebrate soon with a tasty treat and our favorite silly movies.
You are beautiful inside and out and really the most lovely and amazing!
ps. sorry for telling you that you were adopted from wolves with brother all those years ago.

Hannah I love you! 

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comida buena

Travel Guide

Part 2

I consider myself to be a semi-foodie as I like to cook and know what I like to eat. Good food is hard to come by and although I have been called "bougie" I think that it's better to take your time to find something really tasty then settle for something that is just okay. Chile is not known for its food (though wine is nothing short of amazing!) and it took a bit of work to find the scrumptious gems in Santiago. Interestingly many Chileans have told me that in the Pinochet Era curfew was enforced and thus not many restaurants or bars were open to the public. Most restaurants are relatively recent and therefore it is still an emerging business here.

The first restaurant I ate at in Chile and one of my tried and true favorites is Emporio la Rosa. This cafe has been open since 2000 and is known for their homemade ice cream. Located across from Parque Forrestal this cafe has a combination of indoor and outdoor patio seating. They have delicious salads and sandwiches as well as cafe and tea. Smoked salmon with avocado salad is perfect on a hot day! The ice cream really is amazing..including their most famous rose flavor! Prices are moderate and its a really nice place for quality food.

Emporio La Rosa

Merced 291 (Metro Bellas Artes/Baquedano)
Open 8am-10pm every day

Next, if you are looking for a very cheap meal (a position in which I most often find myself) head to Mercado Central. Located in Centro--this fish market is the place to get fresh fish at bargain prices. If you continue to walk into the center (past the fish stalls) there are several restaurants of pretty good quality. The middle is very touristy and therefore pricey but the side alley way restaurants are less expensive. Paying more for the middle restaurants seems to pay off as its more risky for your health to try the side stalls. I have tried the side stalls and they aren't bad. I've heard the best center restaurant is Don Augusto. Regardless, you are sure to get some fresh seafood!

Mercado Central

Enter on Ismael Valdés Vergara between 21 de Mayo and Puente (Metro: Punto Cal y Canto)

Open everyday except Sunday 10am-9pm

Another ice cream must is Sebastian. Located in Providencia this cafe has tasty treats as well--similar to Emporio's tastes..salads and sandwiches. In bustling and trendy Providencia this cafe is a great place for the late Chilean lunch. Plus the ice cream is to die for! With flavors like Swiss Chocolate and nutella. It's most definitely a must try spot! Cortney and I had quite the addiction going on for a while. They also have bana de chocolate which is a hard chocolate shell covering option. Que rico!!

Sebastian

Andres de Fuenzalida 26 (Metro: Los Leones)

Open everyday except Sundays 11am-11pm

Another one of our favorites is Sushi! Sushi is pretty popular here in Santiago because it is the new "in" fashion food. Our dear friend Sandra took us to this sushi place called Miyako located in Centro that quickly became our favorite. After 5pm its a 50% discount and the sushi is always fresh and tasty! The discounted price makes this sushi place a great bargain as well!

Miyako

Moneda, 856 (Metro Santa Lucia)

In reviewing my food selections I noticed that most of my favorite places focus mostly on seafood, salads, and ice cream..whoops! Oh well! I will expand my horizons and get back with some more variety for you..This is not all I eat I swear! But bear in mind I cook more frequently than I eat out because its cheapest and fun. :)

Next up on the guide: Bars and Clubs

Besos a todas!

ps. I have been receiving notice that is difficult to comment (Mom and DAD!) so I tried fixing a few things to make it easier. Click POST A COMMENT. C'mon you can do it!

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Santiago Guide

Travel Guide: Santiago

Part 1

Before Mary Jo arrived Cortney and I complied a list of must-see/must-dos in Santiago (all with a small budget in mind). We came up with a pretty comprehensive list including food, museums, bars/clubs, monuments, and interesting side trips.

First, there's the historic sites/buildings..

Plaza De Armas--When the Spanish came to conquer South America, Chile was one of the last countries to succeed. Although many Spanish explorers came before Pedro de Valdvilla, he was the first successful conquistador. In every South American city there is a Plaza de Armas because the Spanish believed it to be essential to an industrious city. The Plaza de Armas in Santiago is from the 1540's when Pedro de Valdivia first arrived. The plaza was remodeled and is lined by the Palacio de la Real Audiencia (1804) which houses the Museo Histórico, the Municipalidad de Santiago (1785) and the Correo Central (postoffice) (1882), and the Catedral Metropolitana (1745). It is a nice plaza to eat ice cream and people watch. In addition, there are always artists selling paintings in the square and old men playing chess.

Plaza de Armas at night

Parque Metropolitano/Cerro San Cristobal

This park has a variety of outdoor activities and spectacular views. There are two pools, a zoo, a funicular which goes to the highest point in the city where the statue of the Virgen is mounted. I took Mary Jo on a run here and we also rode the funicular to the top. It is a nice little refuge from the busy streets of Santiago where the air is cleaner!

Mary Jo and Lady Santiago

Cerro Santa Lucia

Pedro de Valdivia made his first government building at the then center of the city--called Cerro Santa Lucía in 1541. It is a beautiful castle with gardens that has a really awesome view of the city. I think the view is better than Cerro San Cristobal because it is not above the smog. On Wednesdays there is a party in the castle called "After Office" where everyone dresses up and dances. It is really fun and we got to take Mary Jo to Santa Lucia both during the day and for After Office. There is also a Ferria Santa Lucia at the base with really cool artisanal crafts that is definitely worth checking out!

view from the top


us girls before After Office

Next up: Best Food Spots

Besos a todas!

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visitor

Mary Jo, one of Cortney and I's oldest and dearest friends has been visiting in Santiago these past two weeks. I can't wait to tell in detail all the silly stories and fun times we've had. It was so good to have her here with us and I don't want her to leave!

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