Santiago!

My first full day in this S. American capitol city was a rainy one.  I walked around to get my bearings and just enjoyed being in a place with paved streets.  I have been to this city several times, but this is the first time in 31 years that I have really spent some time here.  The city has grown and changed a lot in 31 years, almost all for the better.

When the rain and cold got to be too much on day one, I took refuge indoors.  One of the good things about a large city is there is always an art museum.  The better thing about Santiago is that it is free!

The musuem did not allow picutres of the art, but the inside of the building was very pretty.  I loved the staircase.

Santiago is a city of contrasts:  both modern and historic; traditional and progressive; technological and environmental.  Just walking around you are treated to wonderful sights.  It’s also incredibly clean.  I am glad I came here.  This is a city where I would enjoy spending a long time.

Seeing this building made me think of home. Yes, San Francisco, Santiago has THE SAME BUILDING!  Same architect and everything.  Google it. Only difference is that Santiago has a prettier backdrop.

Another day was spent going up to the mountains.  To get to the first snow field, Farellones, you have to climb fast.  Santiago sits at just below 2,000ft and Farellones is at about 8,000 and only 36 km (22 miles) away.  The road is all switchbacks and each “curve” is numbered.  There are 40 in total.  It is not a road for people prone to motion sickness or with a fear of hights.

Once you get there, it’s worth it.

And yes, St. Joseph and The Penguin had fun too.  The Penguin more so than St. Joseph (he liked the desert). Penguin was so happy to see snow!

A final day in Santiago was spent taking the hop-on, hop-off bus.  They can be very useful to get to places public transport may not go.

Our next stop is Valparaiso on the coast.