Relaxation at the Resort and Spa While Still Learning Chilean Customs (5/14)

As we were concluding our first week in Chile, what better way than to relax at a resort and spa? My first impression was that the location was extravagant, and could be afforded only by the upper class of Chile, which was a minority representation. There was a large swimming pool, saunas, and an entertainment room, where we spent the first part of the day, playing Foosball and ping pong.

Later in the afternoon, the group played soccer together at the resort. It was on a hardtop court, like tennis would be, and was not full-sized. Nonetheless, it was still exciting to play and participate in a sport that thrives in Chilean culture. After soccer, we had a buffet-style lunch that could be paralleled to a Thanksgiving feast. There were various types of meats and sides and an assortment of Chilean desserts, including flan. Like most of the food, it was delicious.

When we finished eating, the weather started to worsen, but that did not stop us from enjoying ourselves. There was an area enclosed by a roof that had a bar, ping pong, and a game that involved tossing disk-shaped stones into a frog’s mouth or the holes surrounding it. The game was unique and reminded me of games played at picnics and graduation parties, like horseshoes or boccie would be. This was the first day I started to feel homesickness. As much as I was enjoying the cultural exposure and new, unique experiences; I also missed being able to communicate with my girlfriend, friends, and family. Still, the day at the spa was relaxing and much needed after a busy first week.

For dinner, we went out for Chinese food. I had their chicken but with a Chilean sauce that was spicy (as expected) but enhanced the flavor of the chicken. At night, we went to a bar anticipating to meet Chilean students. Like in business at times, there was miscommunication and we did not meet them, because there were two bars with the same name.