As we prepared for our journey to South America, we consulted our Chilean friend, Poli – and she in turn talked with her family and friends still in different parts of Chile. (How do we know Poli? short story: Jason went to Chile 20+ years ago for Poli and Joe’s wedding, we’ve kept in touch with them and met up a few times when our kids were smaller – ask Jason to share more stories of the wackiness from his first Chilean adventure) We were given some lovely advice that I used to create the framework on our trip in Chile. Once we were en route waiting for a connection, I learned that Poli’s teenage daughter was actually traveling to Santiago for the holidays also, and she will arrive the same day we would – so be on the look out! Through the years Jason and/or I have run into the most random friends and acquaintances in airports and other places around the world, so I know it’s always possible – but this time, I wasn’t putting much thought into the logistics of this actually happening (I was accompanied by my traveling circus, so you know...)
As we wove our way through customs, baggage, and all the lines post-international flight, Jason and I were delighted that we had all our kids and luggage as we turned another corner and the doors opened to the public – already discussing what we should look for to get a ride to our beach town (because the kiosk we were advised to visit before this point was not open). As the sliding doors opened and we adjusted our eyes to the light and the public and the reality of our arrival in departure, the very first people Jason set his eyes on were the Webers – Poli’s dad, Don Carlos, and her brother, also Carlos! It was as if they were standing there just to welcome us to Chile and meet Jason’s family (they haven’t seen him in 20+ years) instead of coincidentally being there to greet their granddaughter/niece :)
It was a joyous reunion! And even in all the chaos of the arrival hall, Carlos helped us line up a van to transport us to Vina Del Mar, the beach town that would be our home for the next week. They also welcomed their granddaughter/niece, Mercedes, we all met with kisses in the median before we jumped into the van, and everyone was ready to go off and spend a fun-filled holiday. What a lovely way to start our adventure in Chile!
After an hour or so in the van, we arrived at our beach view apartment for week and quickly settled in… (in short, find out how to check in to our airbnb early, run around - like kids do, pick beds, empty suitcases all over the floor looking for swim gear, run out the beach and jump in the waves, learn how to use the lifts and gates, and then pass out about an hour later!)
We were able to consult with Carlos and/or Poli multiple times throughout the week – including video calls – thanks WhatsApp! We were also invited to the home of Don Carlos and Sra Mony in Santiago on Christmas Day for ice cream. This worked out great since we had one night and two days in Santiago before our flight to Buenos Aires, and the kids were sold at “ice cream”!
In addition to introducing the Webers to our crazy kids, the kids enjoyed homemade Turkish delights and other sweets as well as ice cream. Jason and I were treated to the traditional Chilean drink for the holidays, Cola de Mono (monkey’s tail) – it was delicious and definitely something I will try to make in the future. It was good for our kids to see us interact with acquaintances from long ago, and to see they have a village that extends beyond our family.
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