I'll be honest. When I arrived to Santiago, definitely hated the city and its people, its noise, its heat, stress, everything. The problem is that I come from a small town without many people, with a slower pace of life, less noisy and, well, with the same heat. So, coming to this city and having to adapt to a new beat of life and different people, was definitely difficult. But I think I eventually have adapted. Now I need to start to like the city, which won’t be easy.
But the situation is complex. The problem is that Santiago has beautiful places (no one disputes it), but that beauty is overshadowed by the lack of culture and respect of the people, besides the contrast between poverty and wealth in one place.
One thing I especially enjoy is to go to the hill (St. Lucia, St. Cristobal, Manquehue, etc.) or walk through the grove. Also in the center of the city we find places, no doubt, very peculiar that will pleasantly surprise us. I totally recommend them. I love the “Barrio Lastarria”.
About what I hate about this city is definitely the transportation system. It is degrading to have to pile up with other people, having to crush them and squeeze them. And the problem is that people support it, as if already used to that. I'm not saying that the transport system in Talca is better, but keep in mind that Santiago is a larger city, with lots of crowds and lots of money. I don’t think the problem of the system be the money, because it is there.
About changes that would make a better city of Santiago would definitely be: a change of consciousness (know how to care about us) and to educate people and teach them to respect each other. On the other hand, change the transport system or improve it, please. And finally (although there is much to be done) to teach people that they also deserve to be treated with respect and dignity is not a prestige, is a right.
And tips for visitors (on behalf of a visitor): take care of your belongings, don’t walk the streets at night (we know that Santiago is an interesting city, but surely you can wait for the day), prefer inhabited areas (although avoid crowds). That is to avoid regret later. And to enjoy, visit the center of the city, its museums, its hills (but remember not to go alone), its parks. No doubt there are many places that will surprise you. But if you really want to know the true face of Santiago, take a bus to the south of the city, you will realize that may not be the most beautiful thing you've ever seen, and may have to pay a toll, and may come home without any of your belongings, but those are the people who work every day to keep this city afloat. That is the people of Chile.
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