Did you know that Chileans do not even claim to speak Espanol or the standard Spanish? In Chile, they say Castellano which means Castillian like 15th-century Spanish explorers is their main language. If you want to fit in at a social gathering in Chile, you should probably polish up on your chilenismos or Chilean idiomatic phrases. Lifestyle in Chile largely depends on whether you opt for the city or country life, the climate, and vast other cultural factors. Here is what you need to know.
Cities here offer many opportunities for activities and lifestyle choices. If you need a buzzing lifestyle then Santiago is the place to be. A busy, work-oriented lifestyle is typical here but being in the big city offers many opportunities for after-school activities such as dining, bar hopping, and nightclubs. Gyms and clubs with pools are available for the active, health-minded adventure conscious ones.
There are also many shopping malls and ferias, or outdoor markets you can find in big cities. City life in Valparaiso or in one of the coastal cities to the north like La Serena, Antofagasta, and Iquique also offer the advantages of beach activities like scuba diving, surfing, parasailing, fishing, and boating and many more activities that will leave you spoiled for choice.
Country life can differ greatly depending on the climate you live in. The central valley of Chile has a Mediterranean climate and is very pleasant year-round. The lifestyle here is more laid-back with a casual, slower pace of life in general. Amusement activities are not as readily available here though, so this area may be more attractive for retirees or those who work remotely.
The weather is excellent all year round, which lends itself to the enjoyment of many outdoor activities, including walking, trekking, hiking, biking, boating, kayaking, and fishing albeit. Almost 25% of Chile's land is protected, and there are 36 national parks spread out throughout the country.
Many parks offer great trekking opportunities, abundant hot springs, lakes, and rivers. Moving south, farming and rural life are predominant, and this is punctuated by festivals and holidays. People in the south are well-known for being friendly and relaxed. The maxim here is “work to live and not live to work”.
Family life is central, and schools offer many opportunities for community activities, especially those centered around Chilean holidays such as Fiestas patrias when each town has its own designed parades and festivals. Larger cities conduct rodeos (the national sport of Chile) and cultural festivals complete with traditional dress and cueca dancing, the national dance.
Population grows tremendously each summer as tourists flock to the area for the many festivals offered like German-heritage inspired Beer fest. There are also uncountable of road rallies, bike races, and indigenous culture festivals. A quick reminder when you knock into Chile, everyone greets is accompanied by the shoulder kiss, not only do you have to kiss hello, but you also must kiss goodbye.
In Chile, it’s respectful to acknowledge people when you leave. Everybody that you kissed upon arrival will expect a goodbye, interesting right! Why read about it when you have a chance to experience it first hand! APPLY today and we will get you ready for your journey all for free!
" Its a place to be" - Martin from Canada
