Much has happened in this year. I´ve gone from an English professor to finally utilizing my degree, I´ve improved my Spanish skills tenfold, made new friends and have really come to love Santiago.
I came here the second time for love, but before I made the move, I asked myself, would I still be able live there without love? Is there more for me there than simply feelings? Well, the answer was and is yes. This year has taught me patience and heartache, along with strength and what it´s truly like to live in the “real world.” Love didn´t work out, but I´m still here, making it, and generally quite content with it all. It´s not always been easy though, and from the bottom of my heart, I thank my parents´ for their continued love and support.
As I said in an earlier phlog, I don´t know exactly what the next step is, the next piece to my puzzle, but I´m sure having a great time figuring it all out.
I chose this phlog for today´s Monday memory, because I´m proud of where I live. I absolutely adore this city and for now, it´s the place that I call home.
…and this is where I live
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
It may not be the cleanest, most romantic, most fun, or have the most to see, but Santiago sure has one amazing setting. Mountains surround the city on all sides, and on a clear day it’s absolutely gorgeous.
A steep 300 meter hike up Cerro San Cristobal, Santiago’s second tallest hill, is every bit worth it for the view. The top panorama shot is about 6 photos meshed together, as even the widest angle can’t capture the whole scene in one frame. And even here there is more to be seen on both sides. The city sprawls in all directions, mountains in every view.
At the very top of the hill stands a statue of the Virgin Mary overlooking and blessing the city below. At night they light her up and she can be seen from the streets, it’s quite beautiful.