Images And Memories

.
On the street in Santiago, Chile. Our superb guide and now personal friend, Luis Gumucio, told us (if I got it right) that these people were waiting in line for a bank to open so they could get the equivalent of Social Security benefits. Apparently you can get the money by check or direct deposit, like here. Some people do not want to maintain a bank account but can get the funds in cash at a bank. These people are a little slice of Chilean society.

Seeing Luis again is reason enough for us to return to Chile. He is a Renaissance man. He plays several musical instruments, is knowledgeable in a wide range of Spanish and English literature, teaches language and violin, is an expert in life insurance management and decided to do a little tour guiding on the side to meet a few interesting people. I'm glad he did. We met one.

STL DPB On The Road: In The Cathedral of Santiago

.
A lot of people take their Catholicism seriously in Chile (although a lot of others don't these days). We visited the dark and cavernous Cathedral de Santiago on Plaza des Armas, the main town square. We like this city. It has energy and beautiful people, a successful blend of European and indigenous ancestors.

A pleasant day trip is planned for today, down to the Pacific coast to visit Valparaiso and Vina del Mar.

There are more pictures on Flickr here.

Bonus photo: political discourse in Chile.

STL DPB On The Road: Santiago de Chile

.
Okay, so here's the previously undisclosed location. Three nights here then over to Argentina with stops in El Calafate and, of course, Buenos Aires.

We got to the hotel early afternoon and then went out for a wander. Our first impression is that this a modern, mostly prosperous city. The metro area has more than 5 million people, a third of the whole country (well, it is the most strangely shaped country on earth). Prices aren't bad by American standards. It has a great (and very cheap) Metro, which took us near to a funicular up San Cristobal hill. On top there's a sweeping view of the city and a very large statue of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. There''s a picture of it on Flickr here.

Even though we just got here, we've seen some of the best graffiti anywhere. And these beer delivery guys work hard on a hot day (about 90 F. or 32 C.).