Chile, a beacon of development in South America, is renowned for its copper production and succulent cherries. In my field, it’s also a significant player. This business trip to Chile was a stroke of luck, as I had just secured a ten-year U.S. visa the week before, which opened the door to this journey.
Holding a U.S. or Canadian visa grants you the convenience of direct entry into Chile, whereas obtaining a Chilean visa can be a lengthy process. Upon arriving at the Chilean airport, I experienced a two-hour wait for my luggage, a small but telling sign of the country’s operational pace.
However, what truly impressed me was the strong sense of gender equality evident in the airport’s advertisements and restroom signs. Many of the ads featured women prominently, and LGBT elements were seamlessly integrated. Several flight attendants were openly part of the community, and the women’s restroom sign depicted a figure in pants with a slim waist, rather than the traditional dress.
To avoid being overcharged, it’s wise to head straight to the official taxi dispatch counter at the airport, bypassing any unlicensed drivers who might approach you.
Upon reaching your hotel, you’ll notice that amenities like slippers and toothbrushes are not provided. My hotel was quite pleasant, and after a quick call, they promptly brought me a toothbrush. However, slippers were nowhere to be found, so I relied on a pair of disposable slippers given to me by a Juneyao Airlines flight attendant.
These trusty slippers have been with me since I got my U.S. visa in Guangzhou, through a 36-hour KLM flight, all the way to Chile, and now they’re starting to show their age. [Laughing and crying]
It’s also essential to learn a few basic Spanish phrases, as English proficiency here is quite low. Nevertheless, the people are incredibly polite; whether in the elevator or hallway, they greet you with a warm “hola” and bid farewell when parting ways.
In summary, I never imagined that post-graduation life would lead me to such a global adventure, traveling the world on company business trips. Life is always full of surprises and beauty, gracias.
