Santiago

I arrived in Santiago on Sunday, but have been silent on the blog because I've had tons of problems here with the internet and have had difficulty downloading my photos, and didn't think my words could do this place justice.

I still can't seem to post my pics, but I have stolen some from Chris, and hope they will suffice for now. This place is great. Very different from La Serena, but not better or worse. Just a change! 

Our apartment here is two levels, with a kitchen, living room, dining room, and bathroom.

I am still loving the Chocapic, but I failed at turning Chris into a fan. :(

This is the cathedral in the Plaza de Armas. It's huge and beautiful. We went to mass on Monday night and I managed the Lord's Prayer and all the Hail Mary's in Spanish. Sadly, my Spanish has been weakening every day since then, as so many people here speak English!

Santa Lucia hill. It's beautiful, free, and apparently a very popular make out spot!

We did a tour that lasted ten hours. This was at one of the wineries. The air actually smells better here!

This was just outside Pablo Neruda's Valparaíso house. The guy had three houses and was planning to build a fourth just before he died. I wish we had been allowed to take photos inside the house. It was spectacular!

Chris' yummy lunch of conger (eel) soup and Chilean salad.

And my veggie risotto. Look at that view out the window!

Viña del Mar. I think this place is a bit more upscale than Santiago or La Serena.

A bunch of dogs just chillaxing. They don't have owners, but people look after them by feeding them and building houses (see background) for them.

A giant cedar tree. I'm standing at the base of the tree, but it's really hard to spot me!

Outside Pablo Neruda's Santiago house. Another gem! (The tour is great, too! So organized, and you go at your own pace! Plus, it's available in six languages!)

Pastel de choclo (or corn pie). Corn, beef, olives, hard boiled egg, onions, raisins, potatoes, and a bunch of sugar. It made me think of Rachel's trifle in that Friends episode. (You know, "Custard? Good. Jam? Good. Meat? GOOD!")

And of course, a little reading in the park. (That's apparently the face I make when I do a French accent.)

Tomorrow we head to Concepción for a few days. Hoping for good weather, but expecting it to be colder than it is here! (Santiago is much warmer than La Serena!) Cross your fingers!