Santiago!

A bit behind again with blog posts - wifi just isn't that reliable in South America. After we left Ecuador and the Galapagos we headed back to Chile. We spent four days in Santiago and loved the city and neighborhood where we stayed (Lastarria). I'm sure Carol's blog will have a bit more info. but here are some of my photos.

First breakfast in Santiago - Allison was very happy to find out that waffles and ice cream are a breakfast choice here!

Climbing a tree in the central park

Statue of Mary overlooking Santiago

We rode the funicular to the top of the park - beautiful views of the city!

A few from the city:

Notice the name of this climbing gym in Santiago!

On our second day in the city we went to Barrio Italia - another unique neighborhood with row after row of converted industrial spaces into small shopping alleys and malls. I loved this neighborhood. We ended up buying some clothes as possibly we didn't bring enough in our 20" carry on suitcases?!

And then on to the tallest building in South America and the attached shopping mall - shopping on a different scale.

Escalator bank

Admiring Santiago from above

On another day we visited the Museum of Visual Arts - a block from our apartment.

Cooling off in the fountain - it was hot in Santiago

Beautiful cafes and restaurants - one day at lunch we noticed most tables all eating the same entree and drinking the same drinks...  We then discovered that many restaurants in Santiago offer a lunch special which includes a cocktail, a glass of wine, a soup, entree and desert for about $10 us.  They know how "to do" lunch!

Another park in our neighborhood, Cerro Santa Lucia, with a fort built in the 1800's and the crazy stairs to get to the top.

Fort from down below

Not sure these would pass inspection in the US 

Our last night in Santiago.  Carol tried the pisco sour (Chile's national drink) and Allison had the mojito (sin alcohol!). 

Next stop: Easter Island!