A month in photos

I'm going to do something a little different here and fill you all in on what I've been up to in the last thirty days or so using mostly photos!

The first time I explored Barrio Italia, Caren and I stumbled upon some sort of dessert festival and admired some beautiful cakes, while I nibbled on a green tea and white chocolate cupcake. Yum. I mean, ñami.

In this restaurant, Barrio Italia became my favorite neighborhood in Santiago. This restaurant had good food, good views, good company, and Bob Marley playing in the background. This is all I ask for in life! 

My first real (as in not pre-mixed out of a store-bought bottle) pisco sour. Barrio Italia does it again! 

The end of a fantastic marathon day exploring Barrio Italia and its gastronomy. 

Skyping a friend back home in New Jersey.  We are wearing our matching lederhosen tshirts (which I can honestly say I have no good explanation for). 

Llamas in Cajón del Maipo!

Goats in Cajón del Maipo!

Turning hot springs mud into clay masks with a visiting friend from USC

Baños Colina, amazingly hot and mineral-rich natural hot springs in Cajón del Maipo

A stunning lake and mountain view in Cajón del Maipo

I wanted to see snow in Cajón del Maipo, and I got my wish!

I finally made my way up to the top of Cerro San Cristóbal and took a selfie with the Virgen. I really hope my selfie wasn't considered inappropriate in this kind of sacred spot, but come on, you have to admit this statue's posture is pretty sassy and smug. 

Veronica and I decided to take a rest on this tree branch at the top of the Cerro, and once we started shimmying on down, a nice Chilean man came over to us and swiftly lifted us up off the branch. 

Valparaíso street (or stair) art

Some of my favorite street art in Valpo, using the Chilean flag as a sail in this 3D work

With all these beautiful colors, I couldn't resist jumping into the photo!

I finally got a photo with the "we are happies" art on Cerro Alegre in Valpo. The next time I'm there, I'm determined to get up early enough that other tourists won't photobomb the picture! 

The view from the rooftop of our hostel in Valpo. Believe me, the view is even more stunning at night. 

The whole cohort got together for dinner when Brittain, our USC advisor, came into town. The restaurant was in Lastarria, my other favorite neighborhood of Santiago. Here I am with my Chilean friend Ceci and our matching, overly indulgent tres leches desserts. We ended up wishing we had shared! This was also the night that Ceci and decided to plan a trip to the Atacama desert, where we will freeze our butts off together in July! 

Clearly, I can't pass up a good dessert. Barrio Lastarria representing, once again! 

Rooftop bar event in Las Condes sponsored by FEN's International Student Association - Chileans have told me that the best cure for a cold is a michelada, a beer mixed with lemon juice and chili and rimmed with salt. Worth a try!