Pirque day trip

Last Friday I went to Pirque, a small town outside of Santiago, with Emily, Katie, and Becca. We didn't take the most direct route and consequently we were on metros and micros for over two hours. The micro (inner-city bus) ride was interesting though because we passed through a few neighborhoods in Southern Santiago that we would have otherwise had no reason to see. We spent awhile discussing class distinctions in Chile because it seems so easy for Chileans to label class but for us it is difficult to understand that distinguishing features between upper-middle class, middle class, lower-middle class, and upper-lower class. I find it difficult to label classes here because what constitutes the middle class does not correspond to the middle class in other countries. The terms that we use to describe social class vary based on each country because they are relative terms that are used to compare classes within each country.

When we got to Pirque we weren't sure where we were going so we got off at what appeared to be the main (and only) street. We were about a 30 min walk from the restaurant so we decided to get back on a micro. Unfortunately the micro turned right and we needed to go left. We got off the micro as soon as possible and waited on the side of the road for a micro going back the other direction. We took it back to the corner and got on another micro. This time I asked the driver if we could have student discounts.. and we could. Next time I'll ask on the first micro. The restaurant was worth the hassle as the food and service were excellent. We were disappointed that the dish we were looking for was only available in the summer but we got hot, fresh bread with the local equivalent of salsa (pevre) and grilled salmon with shrimp and were not disappointed.

After lunch we went to Concho y Toro winery and Emily and Katie went on a tour while Becca and I enjoyed a cheese platter and wine on the terrace. I learned a lot about the different types of wines--but who knows if I will remember!