Hanging garden installation at La Casona Hostel in Santiago. All of these pics are by Yours Truly.

And we’re off!

A lot of “firsts” on the first day of our trip: first splurge for Delta Sky Lounge access, first time playing the ukulele on the tarmac (OK, on a patio built out over the tarmac), first time watching Trainwreck, first time arriving at a bedbug-infested hostel, first time drinking watermelon juice.

Don’t worry, we relocated to this lovely, bug-free place.

Jugo de sandia en el Castillo Forrestal.

Plus returns to the familiar: drinking cortados at Emporio la Rosa, where I spent so many of my days as a student here 10 years ago. Slipping back into speaking Chileno (I talk like an idiot now, but at least I can still understand.) Coming home from a day of walking with black feet. Pulsing regaton beats and late night sidewalk drinking.

Ah, the grime of Santiago.

The neighbor’s party kept us up, so we went out for sheep-stuffed onion, empanadas, light beer, and a glass of carmenere.

It’s good to be back, and traveling with my favorite gringo.

He’s holding up pretty well.