Aneya & Lauren: The Park.

Aneya: A beautiful cafe/ library in a park in Santiago
Lauren: Some parks here have gym equipment, complete with aerobic and toning machines.
Aneya: The machines could easily be confused for a children's playground.
Lauren: Aneya and I love the parks here. They have a variety of trees, tons of walking space, fountains, and libraries, cafes, and gyms -- for free. You have to pay for the coffee/tea/pastry you get at the cafe, but there are tons of free libraries peppered throughout the many parks around the city.

Aneya: Lauren and I stumbled across the free gym one day on the way to our free dance class, also in the park. The class had been cancelled (due to the recent earthquake) but we were advised to use the colorful machines located next to the playground. A free gym? Yes, please!

Lauren: The libraries are pretty luxurious, with leather couches and sofas, a large book selection, balconies with tables for your coffee or tea, and you can check out any newspaper from the front desk.

Aneya: The library was so nice, it was unbelievable. We didn't actually know it was a library, we saw people sitting outside and figured it was a cafe. And it is. The first floor has deep leather couches, and people bring their laptops and spend hours there, just like at a Barnes and Noble or Starbucks in the States. But here, it's a big, open space with a beautiful view of the park which is really nice. And then upstairs is the impressive library.

Lauren: There are also free public gyms across from children's play gyms, so while your kids play you can work out. It's an incredible public service. There are also cheap bike rentals run through the city where you can pay $2 for a month's worth of bike rentals. Just pick one up, and drop it off at any city-run bike stand.

Aneya: Just another impressive, free public service that Santiago has to offer. Gracias!

-- Aneya & Lauren