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Published: September 18th 2014
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Another wonderful sunset last night. It doesn't get dark until after 9:00 PM, even later in the South, so the days are long.
They have a very charming habit here of kissing everyone. I was rather startled my first day when I was introduced to co-workers of Patricia's husband and I was immediately kissed hello and goodby by these perfect stranger gentlemen. I am now getting used that it is expected and I am even getting used to kissing back instead of just going through the motion of letting my face skim their face.
So far, today, I went to a really fun City Tour. It was just Patricia and I with the driver and a guide, a young woman who was very nervous at first and then just decided to have fun with us. I knew Patricia lived in the latest and most modern neighborhood, with lots of skycrapers and stylish areas, but we also went to some of the oldest, most ecclectic, cosmopolitan and historial areas.
We went to one who used to be the richest neighborhood at one point and now all those mansions have been taken up by shops and universities. There was a
student strike recently, and a lot of the buildings were covered with political graffiti. The shops, for the most part, cater to wholesale businesses that purchase cloth and other materials.
We went to one neighborhood that palestinians, Koreans and other ethnic races established and it is like a maze of narrow streets with every kind of clothing shop imaginable. Most of the clothes, made in their own shops, are available at very reasonable prices with stalls on the sidewalks and just a pure laberynth of temptations.
There was the area, Bellavista, where the bars, nightclubs, restaurants of every class, and every other type of entertainment are. I was told if you are looking for going a la carrete, (just party until you drop), this is where you go to. One of Palo Neruda's homes, La Chascona, is in this area. A very interesting building, like all his houses were.
I went to the counterpart of Jackson Square here, the Plaza de Armas, where the cathedral, the cabildo and other official buildings are.
We visited the Palacio de la Moneda. The original mint that became the presidential home until one president decided he was not leaving his
house and is now just the oval office per se, not the residence, of the president.
It was wonderful.
Then we went to have another awesome lunch at another awesome popular spot, Bistro Km.0 at the W Hotel, and I am in dear need of a nap after a couple of pisco sours. I think we are going out again in a little while to visit the area's shopping center and do some errands until Laine gets home later on.
Aw! I am watching some people cool off on the rooftop pool of a nearby apartment. It is warm!
PS: Gather your best diets people. I am going to need one when I get back.
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