For months I’ve felt like a tourist in the city I now call “home” — an outsider to the unique quirks Santiago has to offer. Despite my best efforts, I still stumble through the slang-filled language, crave a different cuisine and find many local hot spots to be undiscovered mysteries.

But when my dad came to visit in May, my ineptness seemed to disappear as I effortlessly played “tour guide” for the week.

My dad pointed out every stray dog, many of whom were sporting very stylish winter sweaters — thanks to the concerned Chilean public. He seemed pleasantly surprised that people never exited the elevator without saying goodbye or “chau.” He laughed when he saw that every restaurant served hot dogs … and mayonnaise. And he was shocked to learn that a city of 6 million is completely closed on Sundays. As he noticed all these little things that have become so “regular” in my life, I realized just how much I have learned and adjusted in Santiago.

My dad was my first visitor since I moved to Chile in January, and I am so grateful he was able to come. I had such a wonderful time showing him around this awesome city!

Here’s a little glimpse at our time in the capital:

Dad and me.

Since we only had a week, I took my dad to all the typical tourist sights in town. We walked through Plaza de Armas, had a seafood lunch at Mercado Central and stopped by the government palace, La Moneda. The police dogs even gave him a special welcome “salute.”

Dad and me in front of the Chilean “White House.”

Chile’s caribernos told their dogs to salute for us.

We rode the funicular, which is a little rickety cart on an old rail, up to the top of Cerro San Cristobal. I believe the hilltop is the highest peak in Santiago, and gives a great view of the city.  It was a fun ride, and even a new experience for me as I had only walked up the hill and never taken the cart. The first day we ventured up the hill, the winter smog clouded views of the city. After a rainfall later in the week, we had a second impromptu visit with my friend, Nora. It was a beautiful day, and the clearest view we had seen. Rain definitely clears the pollution out of the valley! Unfortunately, even on a clear day, you can still see a line of smog.

The funicular!

Nora and me enjoying rare clear view on the cerro.

Dad and me.

What a difference rain makes in the winter! Top: About a week of no rain. Below: The morning after a rainy evening.

We took a tour of Pablo Neruda’s “La Chascona.” His Santiago home was originally built for Matilde, his mistress who later became his third wife. The home really speaks to Neruda’s eclectic style and love for the sea, traveling, collecting trinkets and writing. I only have pictures of the outside, as everything inside the house is copyrighted. The tour is wonderful and a great lesson in not only Nerdua’s life, but Chilean history. It was heart-wrenching to see his beautiful home, and imagine it the day the Pinochet regime stormed through, destroying countless books, manuscripts of Neruda’s works, precious tokens and photos that can never be replaced as they searched for him and any sign of where he might be. Neruda died shortly after. While how he died is still a mystery, I certainly believe whatever the reason — he could not bear to see his country’s democracy fall before his eyes.

Pablo Nerdua’s Santiago home, built especially for his mistress.

Dad treated me and my two lovely girlfriends, Nora and Natalia, to a Chilean soccer game. None of us had ever been before, so it was quite an experience. The crowd was much more peaceful than I had imagined, as the game was not a rivalry or any type of tournament. Regardless of the tame nature, the military-like police presence was overwhelming — as it always is in places of large gatherings in Chile.

My team, Universidad de Chile, won 4-0 so it was pretty fun to watch! We had great seats and a fun time learning the chants, even though they don’t follow a rhythm … ha (Chi-Chi-Chi le-le-le, Universidad de Chile!). It was quite a surprise that the stadiums don’t sell beer, but we had plenty of fun watching all the other drunk people who either heavily pre-gamed or successfully snuck it in.

Dad and me at the La U game at sunset.

The girls. 🙂

Dad, of course, couldn’t leave Santiago without a stop at the Harley Davidson dealership. He has been to many all over the United States, and said this was by far the smallest. They did have a little section of Chile/Harley merchandise, though, which made Dad quite happy. The dealership is located in wealthy Vitacura, so we took a walk through the financial district in Las Condes before cabbing it to the store — allowing us to tour a good portion of the city.

Dad’s favorite place in Santiago, of course.

Dad and I had a great time in Santiago. I know he was relieved to meeting some of my friends, and see where I have been living for the past few months. We enjoyed sitting on the many patios of cafés, catching up and discussing everything from politics to history to cultural differences.

I am so lucky to have such a supportive family who helps me follow my dreams even when it means me living so far away. Thanks for a great week, Dad, and I miss you already.

—JDF