i've finally done it! i've found an apartment. it's right off the plaza ñuñoa, a bohemian corner of town with lots of cafes, restaurants, and small markets and specialty stores. i now live with an art student named jaime - his most recent sculpture is the centerpiece of the living room. he attends the universidad de chile, loves to cook, enjoys experimenting with lighting (there are all sorts of different lamps and candles around the apartment), and has a feisty and curious cat named niño. the best thing, though, is that my room has a balcony with a fantastic view of the city and the andes.

ñuñoa is about a twenty minute bus ride from the city center, but is a hotspot for nocturnal life itself. since buses here basically run 24/7, i have constant and easy access to the downtown area (i work there, so that's convenient), but i don't have to go too far to find entertainment if i'm not up to it. i'm really happy with the space i've ended up with. i hope it won't take me too long to settle in...