San-Ti-Ago.. Spanish for Whale's Boob.

Since my return to the bustling metropolis of Santiago and the Arniboldi's family home, I have appreciated the finer aspects of non-hostel life. Like a shower without Athlete's Foot visibly evidenced on the floor, sleeping with more than 3 feet between me and the most proximate slumberer, hot water, food cooked by someone not named Stu, transportation in passenger vehicles and not death traps (South American Buses), sober people, and most obviously, Pedro, the 15-year old Arniboldi.

When I arrived to the house after a 14 hour bus ride, 30 minute train ride and a 45 minute bus ride, I was greeted with a big hug and "stupid gringo" comment from Pedro, who was still in his Pajamas. It was 11AM on a school day. Pedro decided school could wait, as he was feeling a little bit under the weather. I maintain that he stayed home to make sure I arrived safely. He denies this with the fiery spirit of a Gnome. Like Trauco.

As previously mentioned back in March, Pedro is a great kid and rather funny. His classmates would agree with this assessment as they have voted him "the best friend" superlative at school two years running... Until this year when Pedro's best friend took over the honor, and thusly delegating Pedro to second or third best friend. When pressed on his feelings toward his friend's theivery, "stupid asshole" was the first phrase out of his mouth, followed by; "we are no longer friends."

This was followed by Pedro and I looking for the Great Wall of China on Google Earth for over 1 hour. You would think this would be an easy landmark to find. You would be wrong. On the bright side, I finally know where Mongolia is.