Free to Roam

Hola y feliz dia de las madres! Miss you, Mom! We had our first free day yesterday, Saturday. Even though it was “free” we were still very busy! We were able to sleep in a bit more; it was a great chance to recharge finally. When we got up, it was time to go explore Vina del Mar. Since before we had even left, it was planned that we would take a tour of the “pastelerias”, bakeries of the city. So we were off to begin the tour! We tried the first one and I split a delicious cream filled pastry. I couldn’t tell you what it was or what it was called (other than tasty). After that, we were off to the next bakery in line. This one was particularly special. The owner treated us very nicely! And as it turned out, she was a host for foreign exchange students! We enjoyed a pastry of Dulce de Leche, the richest, purest, most delightful concoction I have ever enjoyed, like caramel filled with happiness. Buenisimo! After than delicacy though, my sweet cravings were more than fulfilled, so it was time for a bit of a change of pace. We went back to the first bakery, where I got a warm and crispy baguette for 350 Chilean pesos, or about 75 cents. I came back to the hotel before going out with a group to find some lunch, the biggest meal for Chilean culture. We found a place down along the main street running along the coast called Entre Mesa. Entre Mesa translates to “between the table”, which was exactly the meal. We order a Disco which fed four of us. It was filled with savory meats and flavorful vegetables. Such a dish of Chilean culture sat before us, but not for long. We met the Chileans for yet another fun night in Vina del Mar. Everyone is so inviting and friendly in their culture and we all enjoy hanging out with them. We have another free day today, Sunday it will be packed we even more excitement. Hasta luego!