Political Stuff and All That Jazz

Isn't it weird how, when you're in a foreign place, you end up seeing more of that

 destination than you have probably seen of your own city/state/country? 

This is kind of embarrassing, but, I don't know if I've ever been to the White House. 

I went on a school trip to New York, Washington D.C., and Pennsylvania

when I was in eighth grade, but the New York part, of course, completely
overshadowed everything. The only thing I remember from D.C. was visiting 

Mt. Vernon and poking (and denting!) George Washington's fluffy bed. Hehe oops. 

Yesterday my program visited La Moneda, which it like the Chilean White House. 

It is located in "el centro," Santiago's downtown area. I wish I could tell you something

insightful about the palace but my tour guide spoke WAY too fast (in Spanish)

so I just ignored him and took pretty pictures :) 

A few friends and I arrived in El Centro a little early, so we wandered around

and found something to eat. Oh and I had to take a picture of one of the many food stands

one will inevitably encounter all over Santiago. These things are on every corner

and are literally exploding with snacks, sweets, magazines, and drinks. Intense, right?

We stopped a little café to pick up something to eat before the tour.
We ended up trying "completos," which are hot dogs with more toppings than actual hot dog.
They must be Chile's national food because they sell these EVERYWHERE.
The toppings include mayo (Chilenos love them some mayo),
guac, tomatoes, and I am not quite sure what else.
I am not really a fan of hot dogs, but they were better than I had expected.


 

Off to La Moneda!


  
 




We were obsessed with the carabineros (Chilean police). I'm pretty sure every student
in our program got pictures with them, haha. They were totally loving the attention.




El Patio de Naranjas

We were not allowed to eat the oranges from the orange trees, though :(
 


El Patio de Cañiones



Earthquake damage. P.S. Apparently there have already been two earthquakes in Chile
since I've been here!!! Neither I or any of my friends felt them, though. Crazy...


El Patio de... I forgot hahaha

   

We also got to walk around inside of the palace, whereeach room is named after political figures in Chile's history. 

 

 


There was a gorgeous statue in one of the rooms... It wasn't until the tour guide pointed it out that I realized she had a broken hand, also due to earthquake damage. 
 


As our tour was winding down, it began to rain and the white lightfrom the sky was so beautiful. I wanted to take more pictures but I didn't want to ruin my camera :(




We then walked over to a little café in Plaza de Armas, where I got a café helado
(think root beer float with coffee instead of root beer). Pure bliss.



Well I'm off to enjoy the rest of my evening with some friends! Ciao!P.S. Chileans totally say ciao instead of adios. Awesome, right? ♥

Election Time!!

Quick post! Yesterday I accomplished goal 

#093: Vote in an election

I know what you're thinking... Wait! Election day is not until Nov. 2, you cheater!

Well, my friends, I voted by mail because, although I go to school in Santa Barbara,

I still feel like a part of LA County. And guess what? I even looked up

each of the propositions/candidates online so that I could make informed choices!

I really cherish my right to vote...
I think I am part communist or something, because I have always felt
very passionate about citizens' rights and not allowing the government to control us.
You can probably guess how I voted, haha.

I hope you all go out to the polls on November 2nd!

I am currently about to head out the door to accomplish another goal of mine
with my amiga Hannah B. I am soooo excited! I will try to update you tomorrow :)

Ta ta for now.

P.S. PLEASE VOTE FOR MY SCARF!