Nora and I both agree that we brought way too much stuff. At the same time though, we agree that we brought practically nothing, especially when you consider how long we're going to be here. If nothing else, my huge backpack and Nora's medium sized but very stuffed suitcase, offer free entertainment for any Chileans. Watching us navigate the small, beautiful sidewalks is like watching a dolphin swim in the Rio grande- yes they can do it, but it's clumsy and clearly not their natural terrain. And while I'm sure watching us cracks the Chileans up (I know it does because I heard people laughing), it's also pretty funny for us too. It's impossible not to see the hilarity in watching (or being) a petite gringa with a giant backpack attempt to stay upright as the Santiago metro car throughs her around. Or as she tries to fit on a "mini bus" without maiming fellow passengers. And besisdes the entertainment value, having to walk around with that backpack on only makes me more grateful for all the times I travel without it. "I can fit anywhere!" I want to shout. "I can run if I want to!" (It's hard enough for me to stay upright with the pack on, let alone run). Thankfully though, now that we're in Vina del Mar, a popular vacation spot for Chileans during the summer, we're not the only tourists. People have even approached us asking for directions or for the nearest pharmacy. I flip my hair dramtically and say, "Ah, well I have no idea, but I appreciate it greatly that you think I would!" Really though all we do is shake our heads and say "lo siento." And we do feel sorry because we know how it feels to be lost in a strange city. I comforted by the fact though, that everyone always gets where they need to go.
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