Big City Cheeelay.
Trip Start
Sep 15, 2008
1
40
122
Trip End
Jan 01, 2009
Santiago,
Chile
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Once at the main bus terminal we headed to the Metro for a ride towards the city centre of the Lonsdres neighborhood. Thoughout our stay in town the Metro made getting around quick, easy, and cheap.
First impressions of the city: modern, clean, expensive, and with significantly lighter skin toned inhabitants. There is also a very strong mall culture with mall after mall in the city centre. The city was also the first of our trip to be in full Christmas bloom - decorated trees and carols being played in the stores (definitely made us think about the Christmas season back home which we will be missing).
Our first night was relaxing with a $2 bottle of red Chilean wine after an awesome sushi dinner
Seafood Lunch
. Another difference in Santiago is that life happens much later. Dinner is 8pm at the very earliest and it is common to be closer to 11pm. We have turned from early rising trekkers to sleeping in late and staying out way past our bed time.In the morning we decided to follow the Footprints Guidebook suggested itinerary for 24 hours in Santiago. First stop was the ridiculously posh Cousino Family Palace, built in the 1800's. The Cousino's were a Spanish family who, through marriage, entered the silver mining industry. After silver it was copper, shipping, and wine. Floors of marble from 7 different countries, rugs from Persia, Cabinets from England, and a gold leafed ballroom were some of the more extravagant touches. It was also the first house in South America with central heating, an elevator, and electricity.
The next stop was the Mercado Central where seafood is the main event. The Mercado is a large fish market with very nice seafood restaurants in the middle (styled like Granville Island but a lot nicer). Lunch was scallops, giant mussels, and a massive crab cake.
We were supposed to walk up a small hill for a view of the city, Cerro San Cristobal, but instead were distracted by the shopping possibilities
Big Mussels (the lunch)
. After checking out about 50 stores and several malls we dined at one of Santiago's finest - Burger King!Now we have heard rumors on the blogosphere (always wanted to use that word) that there are also Starbucks in Santiago. First thing the next morning we made it our mission to find a latte. Success never tasted so good - Toffee Nut Latte for Arik and a Caramel Macchiato for Charis.
After that we packed our bags for the second half of our stay in the city...livin life in the lap of luxury.
Comments
you guys rock!
if you go to argentina..lots of wines bars and latin dance lessons (people go there to take lessons)and the best beef rotisserie! same late night eating, as well as sweaty dancing- nice idea for couples- muy caliente!
Re: you guys rock!
Hey Celina - thanks for the note, it always feels good to have people who read the blog comment as well! We've actually been in Argentinean wine country for a few days. And the late nights and good wine are definitely true. Heading to BA tomorrow where we will pick up some Tango shows!