Talking to The Walls

As I write the final blog from airport waiting for my flight home I am sad to leave this amazing country but also looking forward to getting back home! Saturday was a nice chill day just walking around the city getting some of my last pictures in and sampling some good food. I had yet to try the Chorrillana – Which consists of fries, fried egg, sausage and beef along with friend onions – and made it one of my goals for the day. After a long walk I stopped for lunch and was able to achieve my goal. I am glad I made a point to try before leaving as it was definitely worth it.

After getting some rest after lunch it was time to check out a Metal band from the Czech Republic called “Cult of Fire”. Although not normally something I would go and see I had read that there was a passionate Metal fan base in Santiago and it was an experience to check out a show while in town. Boy was it ever – I am still not sure what I witnessed but I was definitely entertained!

It was time to rest up again for my last full day in Santiago. For my last day I had purchased tickets for an organized game day experience through the website Homefans for a Colo Colo Soccer game which is the biggest Soccer (football?) team in Chile. I met up with the group a couple hours before the game and we stopped by a bar where the pre game festivities were being held. There was a lot of fans singing on the patio getting ready for the game which was an indication of things to come.

It was time to make the way to the Stadium (David Arellano Monumental Stadium) which was an experience in itself. Lots of street food vendors along the walk to the stadium and a cool view of the Andes mountains in the background.

I saw a sandwich called the “Sándwich de Potito” that looked pretty good and tried it only later to find out it was Beef Intestines! I might have been better off not knowing this but I must say it was pretty good.

I didn’t not know what to expect entering the stadium as I knew Soccer games in South America could be pretty wild. When you purchase your ticket you have to provide your passport and facial recognition for security and when you enter the stadium your face is scanned to ensure it matches the face that had registered the ticket. I have been too many sporting events in the past however this atmosphere was on whole other level. The fans stood and sung the entire game which was pretty amazing to see.

It was a nice touch being able to go to the game with a local who knew the ins and outs and was very kind and gracious with any questions we had. Definitely an experience I will never forget!

After getting to the airport and reflecting back on these last couple of weeks it has been the trip of a lifetime. So much to see, eat and experience and some of the friendliest people I have ever met. I hope to be back one day but now it’s on to the next experience!