The Bucket List

There are so many things to do in this incredible country that you have to almost pace yourself. When I arrived, I came with a list of "must-do"s, and I am definitely working on knocking out as many things on that list as possible. However, I quickly discovered that some of my best adventures in Chile came completely out of the blue, and had to be added to my Chilean Bucket List only so that they could be crossed off as already accomplished. With that being said, here is the list of things that I have done since coming here to Chile (those that have corresponding blog posts are linked):

1. Go through my program orientation and explore the town of Olmué

2. Take a tour of Viña del Mar with a Chilean tour guide

3. Hike La Campana to see the Andes off to my right, and the Pacific Ocean off to my left

4. Visit all three of Pablo Neruda's houses (Valparaíso, Isla Negra, Santiago) in Chile

5. Take a tour of a Chilean vineyard and sample some fine Chilean wine

6. Ski the Andes mountains

7. Have my face smashed into my Chilean birthday cake

8. Celebrate the biggest Chilean holiday, Independence Day, or the 18th of September, in true Chilean fashion

9. Be adopted by a company of Chilean firemen

10. Visit San Pedro de Atacama in the North of Chile

11. Act like a fool dancing through the streets of Valparaíso during the Festival de Mil Tambores (Festival of 1,000 Drums)

12. Run from the carabineros (police) and their wanacos (water spraying tanks) and lacrimonias (tear gas) during an impromptu riot in Valparaíso

13. Run a 5K

14. White water raft in the beautful IX Region of Chile, AKA the Lakes Region

15. Summit a volcano

16. Visit San Martin de los Andes, Argentina

17. Learn how to dance the tango in Argentina