First of all, I am safe, happy, and healthy in Chile. Hostel living is such an experience. I've met so many different people, and to my surprise, many Canadians. The hostel we're staying is in the Bellas Artes (Fine Arts) district of Santiago so its got many restaurants, parks, and museums. Here's a view from the window next to which I'm writing this.
The large colorful mural is the backdrop to the subway station. Its quite an entrance.
Yesterday Miriam and I went to the Museo de Bellas Artes, which is just around the block. I'm terrible at describing museums in words but it was really interesting. There was one exhibit that was particularly unique. It had several different rooms and each room was the artists interpretation of a different section of the body, ie eyes, head, muscles. I tried to capture it but alas, I failed.
Hopefully my photography skills will improve with this.
We also walked around the park in the Bellas Artes area. There's a chocolate milk river that borders one side.
Mmmmmmm... natural nesquick.
Today, we had our first, and far from last, empanada of the trip. Two women were making them on the street right in front of us. I had an empanada de queso.
I love hot, fresh, greasy food.
After this nutritious snack, we went on a bike tour called "Parks and Politics." I learned so much from our tour guide. I actually have somewhat of a grasp of the Chilean politics now. Or at least part of the history. On September 11, 1973, the socialist-bordering-on-communist government was overthrown by a military junta led by Pinochet. During the military attack La Moneda (the building below) was air-raided and many parts were destroyed.
And now tomorrow, Miriam and I will be taking a 10 hour bus ride to Villarrica. I don't think I've ever been in a vehicle for such an extended period of time.
I'm enjoying your blog posts. Your 3-day trip to southern Chile sounded like a blast, and the photographs indicate that the scenery was nothing short of spectacular. We recently discovered Argentinian-style empanadas here in McAllen. Not the usual pan dulce that folks around here are accustomed to, but instead these empanadas include various selections of meats, vegetables, and cheese. During our most recent visit last week, I was talking with one of the restaurant's employees, and she said that several of their customers are from Chile, so the empanadas there are probably very similar.
ResponderEliminar