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Published: August 14th 2013
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Santiago
It is wet, grey and very cold on our arrival. This city of 5 million people appears drab and lifeless as we drive through the streets on the way to our hotel, The Loreto. Our establishment is situated in Bella Vista area which is an older part of the city. Renowned for its bohemian lifestyle and arts culture.
We discover the power is out and the bars and restaurants are all closed only adding more to the dreariness of the streets.
We wander the streets, wrapped in our layers of clothes, umbrellas sheltering us from the rain.
Eventually finding a place to drink a cerveza and eat a sandwich.
The weariness of our long journey finally overwhelming us and we embrace slumber like the meeting of an old lost friend.
The new day brings with it not only the rejuvenation of a good night sleep but the sun.
From our balcony we can see the snowcapped mountains which surround this city. They are spectacular with the sunshine reflecting off the snow. We eat a hearty breakfast at our hotel and head off to discover the soul of Santiago.
Today the city is
alive and bustling. The passing of the rain my only answer.
The buildings in this area are all old Spanish style architecture and murals or graffiti whichever is your fancy adorn every spare space of the walls. My description would not do them justice so I will add a few photos.
Although surrounded by mountains Santiago is very flat. A Vernicular railway line takes you up one of only two rises in this city. It is 1000 metres to the top where a gigantic statue of the Virgin Mary, her arms outstretched, overlooks the city. Remember we are in South America where Catholicism reigns supreme thanks to the Spanish and the Portuguese.
Abandoning the train we decide to trek back down to the bottom, fitness being very important for our future endeavors.
Like most cities of the world Santiago has a hop on and off bus which takes you on a guided tour of the city. We have had enough of walking and decide to take this option.
We ride over the mangodora river, which is really a city drain, through Plaza De Armas, with its many stately old buidings. Art galleries and churches everywhere
on to the modern end of town with its skyscrapers and ritzy hotels and resturants. Modern housing and beautiful tree lined streets.
Santiago appears to be doing very well. With its stable government, since the overthrow of Pinochet, and the mining boom. Unlike Australia Chile has taxed the miners and put a lot of money into infrastructure. The only downside being it is quite an expensive city not much cheaper than Sydney.
That night we join the local nightlife for a few cerveza (BEERS) and eat the local dish of which consists of meat and onion on a bed of potato chips with a fried egg on top.
The people are very friendly and helpful even though the language is a bit of a barrier. Our Spanish does seem to be improving though. The locals do know how to party.
Tomorrow we fly to Peru glad we spent some time in this interesting city
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