First Look at Santiago, Chile
After a week in Buenos Aires, it was time for Marc and me to head to Santiago in Chile for the second full week of our summer vacation 2017. Of course, Chile being in the Southern Hemisphere, it was winter there. Surprisingly enough, their winter was so, so mild it actually felt like early spring just like it was in Buenos Aires.
There were times I felt overdressed wearing a peacoat. Anyway, we truly lucked out the entire time we were in South America because the weather was so nice making our sightseeing so pleasant and easy. Who wants to walk around and sightsee in the rain?
On our first full day there, we went to the nearest metro station from our hotel and bought our fare. We bought our ticket for the Moneda station. I can no longer recall with certainty how much the fare was per person. I believe we had to pay 1340 Chilean pesos each time we took the train.
Sta. Lucia was actually another station which took visitors to the historic city center.
I was surprised to see many newspaper stands. Actually, many sold magazines more than newspapers. This humorous paper with the image of Donald Trump was sold everywhere. I found it truly funny.
Palacio La Moneda. It was only when we returned to the US did we realize there was a museum open to the public at this palace. In its basement to be exact. Didn't get to see it. But, the façade alone which we saw a number of times was quite impressive. What a sight!
Palacio La Moneda
In front of the Palacio La Moneda
Murals were everywhere in Santiago. This was the first out of the many we saw in a non-descript street.
Empanadas were everywhere. Not only were they popular in Argentina, they were all throughout Chile too.
Basilica de la Merced, Santiago
Facade of the Post Office at Plaza de Armas in Santiago
This was the museum at the Plaza de Armas.
The Cathedral of Santiago
Souvenirs for sale
Care for some fish? Seafood galore at the Mercado Central.
El Museo de Santiago
The absolutely fantastic Costanera Center at the Costanera high rise, South America's tallest.
Me inside the Costanera Center where we ate dinner every single day. This mall was replete with high end stores and restaurants. The food court here was excellent serving dishes from all over the continent.
Inside the Double Tree by Hilton, Providencias
The view from our hotel room