chandni
where are you originally from?
chile
people
how would you describe the people in your country?
friendly and resilient
on a scale of 1–10, how well do people in your country speak english?
5 – it is spoken more in santiago, the capital, not so much in the rest of the country
what’s a common word or expression people use in your country?
cachai – do you understand? get it?
how do i say hello, thank you, please, and sorry in your language?
hola/gracias/por favor/lo siento
what do people in your country usually do for fun?
chileans like to relax during the day and party at night, especially on weekends!
food
what’s the best local food to try? anything unusual?
best food is empanadas and churros. weirdest food is mote con huesillo (it’s a drink). definitely try the completo (chilean hot dog)!
what local drinks would you recommend trying?
best local drink is pisco sour.
what’s a typical breakfast like in your country?
usually bread with cheese and avocado, or eggs. with a juice.
culture
what’s the best festival to attend?
festival de viña del mar, or la tirana in the north of the country (where i am from).
which sports are people in your country most passionate about?
football (soccer) all the way!
what’s the craziest thing someone can do in your country?
extreme sports like paragliding, rock climbing, sand boarding, and motor cross
what activities or experiences would you recommend to visitors?
a trip to patagonia, no doubt. and san pedro de atacama.
are there any local customs visitors should be aware of?
none that comes to mind. people are very open.
places
what are some of the most incredible places to visit in your country?
san pedro de atacama, especially during the desierto florido when the desert blooms with flowers. it’s a rare and unique event that only happens in a few places in the world.
is there a lesser-known place you’d recommend? maybe a secret spot?
humbertone in the north, it’s an abandoned town (so called ghost town).
where can visitors find the best beaches?
iquique in the north!
if i only had a few days, which city should i visit?
santiago is the capital and there are more things to see for a short visit, and can go from there to the vineyards.
country
how would you describe your country in one sentence?
geographically diverse
how many days would you recommend spending in your country?
15-20 days would be best. it’s a long and spread out country.
when’s the best time to visit?
for patagonia it’s november, otherwise march is good. not too hot nor too cold.
what’s something interesting about your country that most people don’t know?
it is the longest country in the world.
what’s a common misconception about your country?
that “it’s chilly in chile”
travel
do you travel often? what’s your favorite place so far?
yes! been to 40 countries so far. i have too many favourites, but i love the diversity of europe and south america of course!
what do you love most about traveling?
i want to explore every corner of our planet, the different cultures, languages and the people. i love learning and the best way to do it is to get out of our comfort zone and just live! the world is too big to stay in one place.
about chandni
instagram: @symphonyofcolour
website/blog: my website is still under development but i will share my photography and blog here: chandnibharwani.weebly.com
e-mail: cabhar@live.com