April 2008 Winding up South America in Santiago de Chile

I've been holding off on updating my blog with the last of my South American photos cause that'll mean i'm 'moving on', now almost 2 months after leaving I feel the time has come to face some harsh realities.

The Chilean people I met were very friendly and welcoming, they do have a reputation in South America of being a little 'posh' compared to the other countries. The have a stronger economy and a heavy European influence though so I guess it stands to reason. They get all seasons, and have all sights to offer if one has the time and money, must add that to the list of places to see before I depart this earth! Scroll on for a little gander of the few days I spent in Santiago.



Overlooking Plaza de Armas from the hostel I stayed at


Creative juice heaven! All over this plaza there were artists doing their 'thang'. It took all my will to leave that place without an oil painting under my wing. I tried to do a bit of wheeling and dealing but the wheel wasn't turning. Artists hardly make anything on their work in relation to the hours they put in so its not really a good look to drive too hard a bargain. Wonder if they have end of financial year sales on now like they seem to all over Australia!

Legs Cafes are all over the city of Santiago, business folk go in there, queue for a ticket for a coffee then stand at the counter and await their overpriced coffee while oogling the legs of the girls serving them. There are no seats, standing room only. Imagine the amusement I created when I sat on the standing ashtray! To say I caused a commotion would be an understatement!

Now this fury fellow drew my attention and was very willing to participate in my photo shoot, bet he's good for business...soooo cuuutttteeeee

Day trip to sea side town of Valparaiso chile, can you tell which ones the Sailors are?

Nipping into a museum to gawk in awe at all the sculptures

Through another plaza to stop and take more 'artistic shots', this is a personal favourite of mine. Its and old building being reflected into a newer one beside it

My canine friend who followed me the whole 5 k's up the hill, when I stopped to take happy snaps he parked up for a rest. Apparently he has a reputation for escorting fellow walkers up the hill. Plenty of stray dogs in this city, but in surprisingly good condition.

...almost at the top and a view out over the city of Santiago de Chile, kind of hard to see through the smog but you get the idea

so there I was crusing up the hill and opted for a shortcut which I shall at this time refer to as the 'scenic route' and are met by another friend of the fury variety, who I all but stood on....can you picture the squish? Fortunately I can live to tell the tale that there was no squish!

I then approached the marvel Mary monument which numerous tourists were also there to see (but they took the bus or drove up!), ok so the budget ruled my days.....also overlooking the city of Santiago de Chile

Below the statue folk stopped to light candles, leave offerings and pray, this place felt incredibly sacred. The Chileans are very staunch Roman Catholics.

A final walk through the streets of Santiago to check out the sights, which include dudes with wheely shoe cleaning machines, the townsfolk were all up for a bit of a shoe polish, my budget didn't stretch that far....until the next chapter at least anyway!

And then came the last supper at the airport in Santiago prior to my USA departure, a very distressing and expensive time for me but alas all good things they do come to an end.....