Santiago, Chile

The last stop on our trip was Santiago Chile.  Flying in from Mendoza was a treat in itself as we flew over the spectacular sun covered Andes Mountains.  Santiago is the capital city of Chile with a population of 7 million people.  Being the largest city in the country it is also the cultural, political and economic center of Chile.  Unfortunately since last October Santiago has been the center of huge protests against the government and the protesters have plastered the city with unpleasant graffiti.  Many hotels and businesses have even shut down rather than try and fight it.such a shame to see beautiful buildings defaced in this manner.  Everyone has the right to protest but to destroy public and private property is going beyond that right in my opinion.  As we drove to our hotel, the Cumbres Lasterria,which is in the middle of the old district, it was also quite evident that it was also in the middle of the protest area.  We did experience one protest of a couple hundred people marching up the street as we had dinner at a sidewalk restaurant but it was very peaceful.

We had a great tour guide, Raoul, who spent the day taking us around Santiago showing us the main sights.  We started off going up a hill in the center of the city which is composed of volcanic rock and is now a memorial park.  From the top we had panoramic views of the whole city and it was clear to see how Santiago is beautifully surrounded by mountains which makes it very picturesque but unfortunately causes a huge pollution problem due to cars, industry, and surrounding copper mines.  We visited significant buildings such as the Royal Palace and the main cathedral and the Main Square before having lunch in a traditional Chilean restaurant.  We then set off into the countryside to visit the Concha Y Toro winery.  In Canada we mostly get their lower end wines but they produce some very good wines and this winery is the pride of the country.  Interesting tour and of course we got to sample some wines.  We always enjoy driving outside the city as you get to see more of the landscape and the way of life.

The next day we spent time exploring the city on our own.  Lots of pedestrian streets which are always fun to stroll down and just people watch.  We had lunch in the Main Square, eating outside so we could just observe the activity.  Late afternoon it was time to head to the airport and start the marathon flights home.  

What an adventure we have had!  So many highlights but I know I will get a warm fuzzy feeling whenever I think of penguins!

Flying over the Andes Mountains 

View of the city with the mountains in the background 

Park at the top of the volcanic hill 

Up to the view point

Some of the graffiti defacing beautiful old building. The clean up is goi To take a long time. Other than some individuals most are leaving it for now because if they clean it it just gets repeated

This statue in the middle of the city is a monument to the war hero’s and has been completely defaced. No wonder so many citizens are upset

Inside the Bank of Chile. Historic and still functional today

Eric and Raoul going into the oldest church in Chile.  Built in 1610 it ha withstood many earthquakes 

The interior was simplistically beautiful and like nothing we had ever seen before 

Lovely cobblestone streets and sidewalks 


an example of good graffiti which is quite common in Santiago and adds colour and interest

The Royal Palace is no longer a residence but all official business is carried out here

Corner buildings were often rounded to make more room for pedestrians 

Inside the main cathedral a service was going on. The music was stunning 

All types of stalls are set up on the pedestrian street,some legal and some not.  Some of the vendors are ready to pack and run should the police arrive but they will just set up elsewhere 

A typical Chilean seafood lunch. I enjoyed octopus and we even had abalone which we have not had for a very long time

Being serenaded at lunch 

A fish stand in the large central market

Our visit starts

This cellar is where the high end Don Melchior wine is aged

They closed us in the cellar and put on quite a good presentation telling how the devil has prevented the cellar from collapsing during earthquakes thus protecting the wine

The alley outside our hotel was always busy with artists and vendors selling a variety of goods 

The graffiti on this building is art and is really quite eye catching 

This church has closed due to the damage done by the protesters 

Shoe shine men are traditional in Chile and are seen all over the city 

These chess tables were set up in the Main Square. When we came by later they were all occupied 

Artists working in the Main Square and selling their pieces 

This police van was usually parked outside our hotel as the street was the location of frequent protests 

Farewell to Chile 

Cheers to a fantastic holiday