So where does the name Chile come from? Nobody is very certain. But one theory is that it comes from a lost native language and means cold place or land's end. In which case it would be appropriate as the tip of Chile - Tierra del Fuego, or land of fire - is very cold even now, in their midsummer.
Santiago, though, is rather warm, which is why I'm going.
For more information about words of Chilean origin have a look at this old post about mamihlapinatapai.
The hotel was not as described
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Oh my goodness, so "The hotel was not as described", LOL! I extend my deepest sympathies; would you extend yours to me if you knew how often--far more than I care to confess--your marvelous book ("The Elements of Eloquence") remains open on my reading table at home? ;-)
ReplyDeleteSorry to disappoint you, but Tierra del Fuego is part of Argentina, not Chile.
ReplyDeleteAs an Argentinian, I should know.
I'm a huge fan, by the way! Your books are awesome, I am an English teacher and an English-Spanish Translation student and they have helped me a lot during these last years.
Can't wait to read A Short History Of Drunkenness! It gathers all the topics I love, of course. Cheers!
Indeed it is in Argentina. As a Brazilian, I can play neutral party here, and say that I grew up thinking Patagonia was also in Argentina only... until I met a Chilean who gave me a good hour-long class on how Patagonia extends over Chile too... and how their Patagonia is so much better than the Argentine one.
DeleteThough unfortunately I have never been to either, yet.