Santiago

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We took our last overnight bus ride from Pt Varas to Santiago. Looking back over the trip, we can’t believe how much distance we have traveled on public transportation in addition to the one plane flight we took from Pt Iguazu to Salta. Also, in the two large cities of Buenos Aires and now Santiago, the subways were an outstanding way to get around. Special props go to Santiago, who with its expertise in mining, have created a clean, non graffiti filled, efficient, inexpensive public transportation system within the city for 6 million people. It is very unfortunate that the large cities of the US don’t have anything quite as enjoyable to use.

We found Santiago to be a very beautiful and vibrant city. Construction of large office and residential buildings is going on in the entire city. Interspersed with these modern buildings are government, churches and residences from the 1800’s. We are staying in a B&B in the Republic area that was built around 1900 with lots of character. We went up one day to the Cerro San Cristobal which is like a miniature Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro. Some nice views of the city and the snow capped Andes, but unfortunately, those same mountains create a place to capture all the smog generated by the six million inhabitants similar to the problem in Los Angeles. I understand they are starting to implement some smog controls for industry and autos.

We also went to Cousino Macul which is a medium sized winery in the suburbs of Santiago. This winery has been in operating since the 1850s. Actually, we were not too impressed with the tour or with the wines, compared to the experience we had in Mendoza.

Well the trip is almost over since we leave Santiago this evening. Heading for one last parilla at Las Vacas Gordas. Hate to see when we get home if we ourselves have become gordas as well. Got to hit those courts!

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