Santiago

So, we have been in Santiago since Thursday, and although there isn´t really any “touristy” things to do here–or anything really at all–it is a really nice city. It is really pretty, really clean, and far more modern than anything we have seen! Unfortunately, I spent the past few days pretty sick, so poor Steve ended up staying in the hostel with me and watching TV all day and every day. At least our hostel has cable, so there was always a movie in English–with Spanish subtitles, of course!

Anyway, we finally got out into Santiago today and looked around the city. I know that stuff closes down on Sundays in Latin countries, but I didn´t think it would be quite so obvious in a city as big as this–WRONG. Everything was closed, and it was kinda weird to be walking around on such empty streets. We did find the main drag, however, and the Plaza de Armas, so we sat there for awhile, just people watching since that was where everyone in the world seemed to be. We also walked by the Presiden´t house ( of course we didn´t know what it was until I asked one of the many armed security guards!), but since Steve was carrying a knife, we didn´t think it would be a great idea….there were security guards everywhere!!

Looks like we are heading out of Santiago tomorrow and going toward the coast to a smaller town called Valparaiso. It doesn´t sound that great in the Lonely Planet, but every traveller that we talk to who has been there loves it and has only good things to say. There is also another town just north of it called Viña del Mar, and we may make a day trip up there or something, just to hang out on the beach! (I´m losing my tan, so it´s necessary!)

By the way, the pictures are of the President´s House, the reflection of some buildings off of the glass of another, and the Plaza de Armas…in case you were curious!