Nacho! (a.k.a. Ignacio Madrid)
We rode the metro across Santiago and Nacho picked us up to hang out at his apartment. We haven't seen him since February 2007 in New Zealand when we were flatmates. He has recently been hired as the #2 marketing person for Peugeot in Chile! GO NACHO! They give him a sweet car to use for free and he lives on the top floor of a great building in a nice neighborhood. From his balcony we could see much of Santiago.
We drank piscola, which is a mix of pisco and Coke. Pisco is the national alcohol, at least unofficially. It's a grape brandy and about 35% alcohol. It will take some getting used to, but it's not bad. However, when Chileans make a piscola for themselves, it's usually half and half. Much too strong for us weak Americans.
Nacho took us to a party at the apartment of a friend of his girlfriend. We didn't even get there until well after midnight. The apartment was on the 15th floor and also had an amazing view of Santiago. Everyone danced, sang, drank, and just hung out. Several people spoke at least a little English, so we learned a lot of cool things. We met a Formula 3 driver! We also learned that we're not nearly as hardcore as Chileans: we went back to the hostel at 5 a.m. Nacho called the next day and said he got home at 7 a.m.
We drank piscola, which is a mix of pisco and Coke. Pisco is the national alcohol, at least unofficially. It's a grape brandy and about 35% alcohol. It will take some getting used to, but it's not bad. However, when Chileans make a piscola for themselves, it's usually half and half. Much too strong for us weak Americans.
Nacho took us to a party at the apartment of a friend of his girlfriend. We didn't even get there until well after midnight. The apartment was on the 15th floor and also had an amazing view of Santiago. Everyone danced, sang, drank, and just hung out. Several people spoke at least a little English, so we learned a lot of cool things. We met a Formula 3 driver! We also learned that we're not nearly as hardcore as Chileans: we went back to the hostel at 5 a.m. Nacho called the next day and said he got home at 7 a.m.
We are now in Valparaiso, which is a beautiful and historic city on the Pacific Ocean. About 30% of all Chilean goods go through the port in Valparaiso. We could only find one room for Saturday night, but we're not complaining. It's a private room with own bathroom and wonderful view!
Coincidentally, the Dakar Rally is in Valparaiso today! Today is a rest day, so all the race vehicles were parked in a big field at one of the universities. We got heaps of photos!
Later, we ate at Porto Viejo, a restaurant recommended by the hostel owner. Carly ordered Reineta Don Octavio (A La mantequilla, negra), a local fish, which was recommended by the host. Jeff had a 400 gram steak. It was delicious! Both meals also came with a big plate of papas fritas (french fries). It was too much to eat. Here are before and after pictures of Carly's reineta.
We will try to get up early enough Sunday to see the Dakar racers leave town. We're also going to try to find a home for the next several months.
1 comment:
Oh, man... You didn't tell me they have rally. I totally would have gone.
That fish does look rather large. I think that is about as much fish as my entire family usually eats.
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