Hola from Santiago de Chile. I have left Peru and found Chile to be quite a different place. Compared to Peru, Chile seems much more modern. People talk on cell phones, the men wear shorts, and Chilean people have lighter skin and seem to be mixed more with European descendents.  Peruvians have derived from their ancient native ancestors.

As for shock value, travelling across the border in the hot desert sun, the culture became more familiar which at first I wasn’t excited about. I have found its easier to get a hot dog here then a traditional Chilean meal. Fast food seems readily available, and you can see it in the culture and size of the people.

As for the personalities of the people I have met,  Peruvians in general have been a lot friendlier. While walking on the street in Peru, its normal to say hello to a passerby, but in Chile, most of my holas have not been returned. In the guidebook, I read that Chileans are going through a period of individuality, where they are slowly breaking away from the conservatism of the Catholic Church, and it shows. Most people seem to be doing their own thing.

The drivers here seem a lot more calm and collected then in Peru. Peru driving seemed like a rat race.  One wouldn’t have much chance of crossing a trafficked street in Peru, but in Chile the drivers respect the cross walk. It made me feel like I was back in Vermont.

Thus far I have travelled in the northern part of Chile, which is mostly arid desert. In fact it’s home to the driest desert in the world. I have heard from another traveler that sweat from your body dries before you even notice it. I am planning to head south to a more lush and mountainous region.

Environmentally, Chile has shown some strong potential. I have passed a wind farm with about one hundred turbines. None were moving at the time though. Also I have seen recycling bins which is unheard of in Peru. However in Arica, Chile in the north I witnessed a huge fish kill along the coast. I saw hundreds of dead fish, a dead seal, and a dead sea lion washed on the shore. When asking a local, they said it was from a petroleum spill.  I proceeded to swim and surf the next few days in the water.

I plan to head south tomorrow. Thanks for checking in

Felipe