It has been a long time since I have been in a city that I really loved. They are usually big, impersonal and busy. Santiago is nothing like this! It really seems to be a city for the people.
You could barely tell that there are around 6 million people living here. There are so many parks! And open spaces and wide roads!
(Jam session in the park)
We arrived on a Sunday and it seemed that the entire city was out enjoying the sun. People were lying in the park, walking their dog or riding their bike. It was magical to see. Every Sunday they close off major roads in the city so that people can cycle in safety throughout the city. Such a good idea.
We spent a lot of time marvelling at the city, looking at the beautiful old buildings and sitting in the park watching the world go by. We rode the subway which was such a novelty for me – clean public transport that actually runs on time?! I must have looked ridiculous grinning like a lunatic at such a treat.
(At the skate park with a board that is bigger than him!)
(Book fair complete with book readings in the park)
We took the trolley car up the hill to a giant statue of Mary with a church/auditorium on the top. The view was incredible. If you are into going to church, this would be the place to do it!
The main church in town is quite impressive. The difference with this one was that you could go under the alter area inside the church to see the tombs and catacombs underneath.
We couldn’t quite get used to the amount of daylight. The sun doesn’t go down till 9pm meaning that everyone eats really late. We would try and stretching it out, but we would be starving by 8.30pm and by the time we were going home everyone would be starting to come out. God forbid you go to a club before 1am!
(Getting used to eating at strange times…)
