elgrey arrived in chile yesterday! since then, we've been walking the city up and down. we've scaled the key lookout points, sampled its signature drinks and foods, navigated the chaotic central markets, inspected pre-columbian indigenous art, and were serenaded in the city's favorite chicha bar. according to el, santiago smells like flowers and fried food (her two favorite smells), the bus rides are like roller coasters, and the restaurant vendors approach you like drug dealers.

i bought a bag of fresh strawberries in the morning and proceeded to pound it into a daquiri during the course of the day. too much walking. in the end, i had to dispose of it mournfully in a streetside trash bin. i was mollified by the fact that i must have left a vivid red trail of strawberry juice throughout the entire city, as a little record of our scenic and meandering path.