Santiago de Chile Week 1

  Santiago, Chile
Saturday, December 6, 2008

Santiago is great, being the first stop in South America, it seems a nice way of easing into it! Whilst some may accuse it of having a 'mall culture' (true in some respects), there is still loads to see and do. The hostel is great (especially the pancakes!) and is convenient for downtown Santiago and the transport links to other places.

As it will be Christmas soon, there are loads of decorations up and it is great seeing Christmas trees up in the middle of the summer!



Downtown Santiago is very much like any financial/ shopping area in a big city but with the added bonuses of a spot on metro system and some reasonably nice park areas like the Cerro Santa Lucia and San Cristobal (areas where everyone seems to head to when the weather is nice!) Took the funicular upto the summit after some lads from the hostel had a spot of bother on the walk up. Its a pretty spectacular view from up there, on a good day (i.e. less smog) or at sunset even more so.

 
 


Have also been out of Santiago on the obligatory wine tasting tour (at Cousin Macul, which is just inside the city limits) and also to see the ocean at Isla Negra. Pablo Neruda's house is ace, ecclectively decorated but some absolutely amazing views from it. Got a bit lost on the way back into Santiago but thats the whole point isnt it? :)

 

Easter Island tomorrow for some diving methinks. All the best to everyone back home....

*hugs*
Richy