Chile 2011

March 8, Santiago, Chile 

Out of condo and into taxi to bus station.  Caught the bus back to Santiago.

Found a hotel, bit old and showing age, but fairly good location and relatively cheap.  Cheaper than the 1st place we stopped at.

Off walking around.  Took the funicular up the mountain to the Statue of the Virgin Mary.  Nice views of city, but the mountains around the city are in a haze.  Along the way stopped at street stall and had a 'completo'.  Very popular here, places everywhere to buy!  It is a hot dog/sausage smothered ( and over flowing with stuff) guacamole, tomatoes, mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and many other unidentifiable things!  I had the Italiano, with guacamole and tomatoes!  Really very good, and for $2, including drink, good deal.  Also it is the first time I have seen Canada Dry ginger ale!  Nice change.

Walked into the old city and the Armas Square.  Lots of great looking buildings around, most from the late 1700 and early 1800.

Walked by the parliament buildings through the square.  Very nice, round area, flanked by large flag poles!

Also had a photography display on the street showing the destruction and reconstruction after the earthquake in Feb 2010.

Took forever to find a restaurant with outdoor seating, except for the 'completo' places, but did find one!  A grill type place

March 6 & 7, Vina del Mar (near Santiago), Chile 

Did not do much at all these days.  Took a walk down the beach for a bit, and did a quick tour around the mall.  Just like any other mall, but with different stores!

And as usual, pisco sour for happy hour and then wine for dinner.  

Great meals!  Nice to have home cooked meals.