Chile is alright. I personally don’t think that any country needs to have such high denominations of currency (10,000 peso bills), pero cada loco con su tema. Arica has a real nice casino, although they didn’t seem to understand the concept of free drinks when you gamble. Vegas > Arica

Talked to an old Chilean cab driver and told him that we wanted to go to a bar where we could meet girls. Next thing you know he drops us off at a place and as soon as we walk inside girls are touching us, asking our names, the whole nine yards. I look at my buddy and simultaneously we acknowledge the fact that this is too easy. We are in a hooker bar. We quickly finish our beers, slide away from the ladies and leave. I suppose that ‘meet girls’ either got lost in translation, or that’s how old Chilean taxistas roll. 

The Beach in Arica, Chile

This is ‘La Playa El Laucho’ in Arica, Chile and it was stunning. In case any of you are wondering, of course I got sun burned. Chile was super fun, although I don’t recommend going during Semana Santa because many stores and restaurants were closed. Just like like the subject of Chile in Peru, Chileans are quick to rag on Peruvians and seem to have an endless supply of examples supporting their belief of “Chile > Peru”. 

Made a visa-run down to Arica, Chile and had an amazing time. There was warm weather, cold beer, an excellent hostel (case de huespedes) but it was the 3 girls from Denmark (the Denmarkians) that made the trip one that I will never forget. They were, as they say in Danish, “kræftedeme lækker!” There’s one in particular and if you’re reading this, remember, “Du er smuk y te extraño.” This weekend really solidified for me that traveling really is all about meeting new people and learning that this world is a lot bigger than we can imagine. Plus why not get out and travel? You might just meet some cute Danish girls along the way…

The “Free Education” graffiti piece along with an anarchy symbol caught my eye. Not sure how the Chilean education system works but I’m sure that free education trumps any type you pay for

Chile vs. Peru

There are quite a few differences between Chile and Peru that threw me off upon arriving. The most challenging of which was the speed of their spanish along with slang that I had never heard before. Second difference was the money and trying to figure out the exchange rate so I didn’t freakout when my beer cost 500 Pesos. Third was the taxi system, unlike Peru which is a giant free for all, Chilean taxis have specific zones and it takes a while to understand what area is designated for each numbered taxi. All in all, it was a terrific trip and I look forward to another one in 3 months. 

Oh and the pictures of ‘Peru’ and 'Chile’ are from both borders as I crossed into each country. The 'Peru’ is a common design found on t-shirts and stuff in tourist shops.