Friday, February 19, 2016
Friday 19 February 2016
Day 2 of our HoHo bus ticket so after breakfast we did half the circuit again, disambarking at the Museum de Bellas Artes in the lovely Parque Forestal. This museum displays a selection of works which depict the country's visual art's history. Was really lovely, the buildings themselves are worth looking at. Then went on to the Centro Cultural Palacio La Moneda which is a huge modern space under the Citizens' Plaza in front of Moneda Palace where the President lives. Had a delicious lunch in the restaurant there after viewing the exhibits. We will go to the changing of the guard at the Palace on Sunday. Then, I think, that may be the last of our cultural experiences for a while. From Monday it's back to wineries and tastings!!! Phew!!!
Back at the hotel to put our feet up for a couple of hours before going to dinner with friends. A few years ago in Melbourne we met the Consul General for Chile, Diego, and has wife Ambara, and they returned to Santiago 2 years ago. I kept in touch and tonight they entertained us at their house. We've had a great night, met their son Maxamiliano and their friend Mateus who was also a Consul in Canberra at one stage. It's very special to be entertained in a private home as opposed to a restaurant and we loved it.
Some pics from yesterday
Sunset from the Skydeck
Our Hotel in the centre
From the Skydeck, 63rd floor
Enjoying a pisco sour
Thursday, February 18, 2016
Thursday 18 February 2016
Feeling good today after a decent sleep. Tiredness set in after arrival yesterday at 11.30 am and by the time we got to our hotel and then the room at 2 pm it was time to have a nap. Got our act together and walked a few blocks to the Costanera Centre which is the largest shopping centre in South America. Not long opened, it is amazing - fabulous shops, eateries etc and there is a skywalk on top. We had a small glimpse of Santiago and liked it.
The hotel is in a great area, just on the city fringe, and room well appointed. It is actually a small suite with facilities for cooking but I left my skills at home and won't be stirring any pots until early April!
After breakfast today we bought a 2 day pass for the hop-on/hop-off bus. The weather is really nice, gets warm in the afternoon but mornings and nights are beautiful. We had several stops along the route, including Parque Arauco which is an open air shopping and dining area (worth another look probably), then went on to the Museum of National History, the Santiago Cathedral and eventually to the food market where there are many restaurants mainly serving fish. Checked them all out, as usual, got the best price, as usual (!) and finally settled on one. Had our first pisco sour since arriving, delicious as usual!!!!
Back on the bus, we travelled past some beautiful boulevards, parks and golf courses and also some not so savoury areas but in general Santiago is a lovely city.
Tonight we went back to the Costanera Centre & took the lift up 61 levels to the Skywalk. Wonderful view of the whole city and stayed to watch the sun go down then see all the city lights. Had dinner on the way home at an Italian restaurant.
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Wednesday 17 February 2016
Finally about to leave on our journey. So far so good, the RACV provided a Hughes hire car for pick-up from home to the airport & now waiting for a flight to Sydney for connection to Santiago.
Phew!! The flight was great but travel isn't what it used to be - maybe it's because I have reached a significant milestone but there seem to be more people, more 'do it yourself' booths and general chaos - Sydney International was never easy but it is hopeless now! Anyway, now ready for something stronger than a cup of tea in the Qantas lounge.
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