Leaving Santiago was a bundle of mixed feelings.
On the bus between Santiago and San Pedro De Atacama, in the north of Chile, the thoughts have been many. It is the first time I have really experienced a connection to place outside Denmark. There are those who say that either you love or you hate Santiago, and for me it is important to get it on distance before I really know.
It is funny how you can both love and hate a place. Of course there are always things that you like and dislike but actually hate is a different thing. Not a feeling I experience often but with Santiago I was very happy to leave. The pollution in this city really got to me and imagine a place surrounded by the beautiful Andes and you can not see them due to smog. The pure fact that you can not go running, because the government warn against it, and if you do you feel as if someone is surely but firmly are tightening the hands about your throat. I have known this before but I can now truly say that I am not a big city person and the small house on the country side is appealing more and more to me.
For me Santiago is like an unruly teenager. It contains all the conflicting feelings and levels that a child between 13 and 20 years old goes through. Growing pains are what worries me the most. The fast development of the city effects the whole country and it is obvious that not all body parts are able to keep up. Santiago itself has a hard time breathing - that said in so many ways.
That said I am in total ecstasy for having had the opportunity to not just stay, but really live Santiago. The city it self offers a lot and if you are qualified or know the right people everyone can go far. Even though it is possible to feel the rush from the student and working life it is amazing how calm people are. The South-American mentality of relaxation. I will dare say that 60% of a city is based on its inhabitants and for this the city gets top grades from me. It is here the most important joys origin which makes my memories alive. I hope to experience them again some day…..
