So, summer has finally hit in Santiago and while I am huffing and puffing in the sweaty metro and streets, Chilenos continue their day still wearing pretty much exactly what they wore when I first arrived. This amazes me.

On Wednesday night we went out to the “after work party” on the top of the Santa Lucia Cerro (hill). It was in the most amazing venue, a massive house-castle of 3 levels with bars etc on each floor. When you walked in there was a huge water feature that was honestly palacial. If anyone plans on being in Santiago, this is a party you need to go to.. sure beats hands down any after work function I´ve been to at the Loaded Hog.

Of course, everything here was double the price of everywhere else, but being the thrifty traveller I am I managed to do it as cheaply as possible.. my tips below.. all of which I managed to follow...
1. Go with Chileans who can get you on the list. Didn´t have to pay the CH2000 (NZ$6) entry fee.
2. Sneak in a $4 hipflask of rum and order cokes.
3. Steal the free peanuts on the fancy bar, take over some reserved seats and have a nice wee party.
4. See an ex-student who knows the manager and get free VIP passes.

Didn´t end up going into the VIP area as the only advantage I could see to this that it was in close proximity to the ghastly Mexican singer clad all in white. “She´s Mexican.. not Chilean” my Chilean friends told me a few times. Of course, music was so so. Mainly reggaeton... they did play some Shania Twain in the midst of everything. Amazes me that some Chilenos don´t know a word of English, but can sing the whole of “I feel like a women by Shania”. Mostly guys. Interesting....