I love Santiago!!!

Trip Start Dec 16, 2007
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Trip End Jul 09, 2008


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Friday, February 22, 2008

I absolutely love Santiago!!! I had such a wonderful time exploring the city and itīs beautiful buildings and museums. On my first day I tried to see as much of the city as possible. I stopped briefly at the National Library because the building is just so beautiful. Nearby there was a market like area which led to quite some time wandering the numerous craft, jewellery and random knick knack stalls. Then I came upon possibly one of the greatest gems of Santiago, Cerro Santa Lucia, one of thee most gorgeous city parks I have ever seen. It was full of beautiful fountains and lovely gardens and several tree lined pathways. It was like a mini paradise right in the middle of the city. Then I walked up to the contemporary art musuem, again another gorgeous building. I waited until Sunday to go inside since the musuems are free then, which naturally led to a museum blitz. While I quite enjoyed the exhibits on Norwegian architecture and the photography exhibit, some of the displays such as the strings of coloured lights and tetra drink packages or the pile of sawdust still donīt quite do it for me. Next stop was the Plaza de Armas which was bustling with activity including several local artistis displying their work and piles of cafes. Also home to 2 great museums both of which I visited during my Sunday museum blitz.

After a quick empanada stop it was time for what became the highlight of my day. A visit to the most opulent palace I have ever seen, the Palacio Cousino. Modern Art Museum
Modern Art Museum
 Built between  1871-1878, this palatial estate was home to the Cousino family whose wealth came from silver and coal mining. It was ridiculously ornate with everything done by hand. Hand painted tiles from Italy, hand embroidered silk and velvet curtains and upholstery, hand carved doors, ceilings and cabinets, velvet wallpaper, gold thread in the curtains, marble floors and a grand marble stairccase with 20 different types, a 13,000 piece chandalier...just unbelieveable! Last stop of the day was the Palacio de la Moneda, site of the 1973 coup.

On Saturday I decided to go to the nearby bohemian town of Valparaiso. Upon arrival I was taken by its charm. All the colourful houses built into the hills overlooking the sparkling blue water. First on the agenda was La Sebastiana, one of Pablo Nerudaīs homes. I can honestly say it is one of the quirkiest houses I have ever seen, and with a fantastic view of the city (worth the 2.5 kn walk straight uphill). After descending I mainly jus wandered the city taking in the atmosphere. The many painted murals and tiled lamposts were great.

Sunday morning found me in the bohemian barrio of Bellavista, an area of Santiago with colourfully painted buildings and trillions of sidewalk cafes offering every type of cuisine possible. Another reason to be in this part of the city is La Chascona, another one of Pablo Nerudaīs homes, originally built for his mistress who eventually became his third wife.The house was fantastic, built in 3 parts. The original part was built to replicate a ship like feel so all the room were narrow with low ceilings and portholes for windows. When Pablo actually moved into the house the second part was built, this time to replicate a lighthouse, it was higher up on the hill and overlooked the city. I just loved his eclectic style of decorating. Not to mention his incredible poetry. Afterwards I visited the National History musuem which is one of the best Iīve been in chronicling Chileīs history from itīs ancient native cultures up until the coup The paintings alone were worth the visit. Last musuem of the day was the Pre-Colombian art museum which showcased pottery, ceramics, figureines, woodwork, stonework, textiles, ornaments etc. from several of the Pre-Columbian cultures. Santiago is such a great city!!!   
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