Walking through the city that was once my home for half a year. Shiny skyscrapers, flecks of green, the majestic Cordillera rising just beyond the metropolis. The constant traffic, the calls of the numerous street vendors. Taking one of the rickety old «micros», soaking up the sweat of whoever sat on the same spot before. New electric buses including air-conditioning promise a more pleasant, environment-friendly future. Listening to the familiar sound of the unmistakable Chilean slang. The muddy brew of the Mapocho. The over-bright sun, blazing down merciless on passersby. A tentative breeze. Malls overflowing with people trying to escape the heat. Santiago air, really not that extraordinary, but somehow still unique. It’s been nearly two years since I first set foot in this city. Some things never change. Others, seemingly inalterable, take me by surprise. The endless amounts of plastic bags – banned. Instead, improvised clusters of totes and fancy shopping bags advertised by the big chains have taken over. Promises of abolishing the school uniform obligation at my former colegio when I still remember the constant dress code debates. Old friends, well-known places. New habits, unusual customs and recent fashions. The latest «chilenismo» I’ll have to add to my dictionary.
The city has changed. The people have changed. And last but not least, I have changed. Nevertheless, despite all the subtle and the more evident changes, I realise that, wherever I go and however long it might take to return, a part of me will always feel at home in this beautiful, chaotic place. It’s good to be back :).