Santiago; City of Smog
Hey folks!
School is going well, the classes are pretty easy but I already have busy work in Spanish. I feel like Spanish worksheets keep me from going and and actually learning through using my Spanish, this study abroad thing would be a lot cooler without school! (Just kidding mom and dad) Today Pastor Erikson (the ELS pastor who services Santiago) and his wife took me out to lunch and up to their house which is in the hills about the city. This was an interesting experience because I have only been able to see the hills twice the past week. The smog is so thick here that it is nearly impossible to see the mountains from anywhere in the city. Apparently, it was a bad idea to put over 6 million people in a valled surrounded by massive mountains! Thanks to some rain and a higher altitude however, I was able to take some decent pictures of Santiago from high up. I've included this helpful photo that I took to give ya'll a better idea of how spread out the area is. My commute to school takes anywhere from a half hour to 45 minutes every day but the metro ride is pretty enjoyable. It is by far the cleanest public transportation I have ever seen. I have only seen trash on the metro once and within 5 minutes someone swept it up, it's almost kind of annoying. This is becoming a rambling post and I am quite tired so for now Adios!
posted by Vaughn @ 10:53 PM
3 Comments:
Great photos! Santiago's a beautiful place. Your class about pollution will have twice the impact since you're living in an extraordinary place with an urgent environmental problem. The spotless metro is a good sign that the community cares and is aware, though. And severe situations can be reversed - Pittsburgh is a good example.
I'm so glad you connected with the Eriksons!! Sounds like the long drive was more than worth it.
Dad and I are off to the mountains, too - Sugar Pine State Park in Tahoe. Back on 9/4.
Stay healthy and have fun!
Love, Mom
Bonder - "just doesn't have the same ring as Vaughner",
Glad to see that you've been doing the usual Vaughn thing - getting out and about to check out your surroundings and connect with people. How cool that the Pastor invited you to his home and that you got such a great view of the city! Thanks for the great picture. You know I love that geographical stuff. Seems odd that the Pastor's house is so far away from the church. It must take him an hour to commute!
Keep up the good work on updating your blog (and especially in school). Miss you a bunch my boy. Can't bring myself to sit down and watch NFL football all by my lonesome!
Love,
Dad
Bonder - "just doesn't have the same ring as Vaughner",
Sounds like you are doing the Vaughn thing and getting out there to check out your environment and meet new people! How cool that the pastor invited you to his home! Seems odd though that his home in the hills looks to be so far away from the church. Must take him an hour to commute! Thanks for the great picture of the city. You know how I love the geogaphical stuff.
Keep up the great work on updating your blog (and your schoolwork of course). I'm sure missing my boy. Can't bring myself to watch those Sunday afternoon NFL games without the Vaughn commentaries!
Love,
Dad
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