190 CultureShock! Chile
are a good option. At the top are hotels, both modest and
luxurious. Many travel agencies in Santiago sell package tours
for those who prefer the convenience.Transportation
Trains in Chile tend to be slow and old, but are in the process
of being upgraded, particularly along the Santiago- Concepción
corridor. Better options are to either fly or take a bus. There
are a number of different bus classes. For long or overnight
rides, the most expensive class offers wide seats that recline
well over 45 degrees. The ride is very pleasant and is much
cheaper than plane fare. The ticket includes beverages (both
alcoholic and non-alcoholic), dinner and breakfast. There is
a bus attendant who fulfils your every need and organises
games for the passengers. Movies are also shown on board.
These buses normally leave in the evening and arrive early
morning and surprisingly you arrive refreshed and ready to
take on the day. Buen viaje!Sports
As mentioned above, many extreme sports are becoming
popular in Chile. If you are not a risk taker, you can enjoy
a number of traditional sports, although in general, Chile is
not a sports-crazed society.Soccer
Soccer (called fútbol in Spanish) is undoubtedly the most
common sport in Chile, or Latin America for that matter.
Almost every child learns how to play soccer and will
continue to play into adulthood. On weekends, organised and
informal soccer games are played throughout the country.
One reason why soccer is so popular is because everyone can
play regardless of income level. The game does not require
expensive equipment, a ball and empty field will do.
Every city or mid-sized town has at least one professional
soccer team. Chileans watched excitedly as their national
2010 World Cup team, led by the beloved Argentine
coach Marcelo Bielsa, made it to the second round of the
tournament. A new group of soccer heroes emerged such