Day 53 - Santiago, Chile

We struggle a little to get up today due to a bit of a sleepless night due to jet lag. We have breakfast at 10pm but then Nat has another nap whilst I do some more planning. We end up heading out at about 1pm and head to San Cristóbal Hill which is a short walk from our hotel. This is actually the view of it (on top of the hill) from our hotel roof top.  

On its summit, 300 meters above the city, there is a sanctuary dedicated to the Immaculate Conception with a 22 meter statue of the Virgin Mary, an amphitheater and chapel. It is accessed by a furnicular railway. 

Fantastic views as we rise to the top. Unfortunately it is really dusty / polluted today which massively reduced the visibility. We should be able to see the Andes across the other side of the city but have no chance today. It actually reminds us of Delhi with the smell in the air and the thick dust that forms a film over our teeth and gets into your throat. No locals 'hocking up' and spitting like India though!

Nat in a rare bit of colour!

It is really gorgous at the top. This is the amphitheatre which currently looks down onto a pretty cool nativity scene. 

We stop off for a game of spot Jesus. 

Greeted by Mary at the top. 

MAN!! (Mary, Aaron, Nat) 

Now I am not usually into my chapels but this one is particulary impressive, pleasant and peaceful. I think it's because they play choir music in the background and it has so much character. A lovely little retreat from the busy city. 

We then head back down for a walk around the city. 

From a chapel to a cathedral. The Santiago Metropolitan cathedral is located in the city's historic center and faces Santiago's Plaza de Armas. 

It's a gorgeous, huge building. What we like about it is how social yet peaceful it is. There are doors to access it on every side with people coming and going, but it is deadly silent in there so acts as a lovely retreat from the hectic and dusty city outside. Great ceiling too. Reminds us a little of the Sistine Chapel. 

Absolutely huge Chile flag on top of Palacio de La Moneda which is where the President of Chile is based. La Moneda is huge, taking up a whole block and was originally the colonial mint (moneda means coin). 

We then walk back to the hotel across the roaring river. Nat needs a sleep again as she is flagging. 

Whilst she sleeps I sit on our lovely roof terrace with a couple of beers and carry on making plans on where to go and what to see in Ecuador, Brazil, around Buenos Aires and southwestern USA (and recommendations gratefuly receives). 

That evening we head to a great place called Patio Bellavista which is like Covent Garden - a maze of really cool and lovely restaurants and bars, hidden roof top bars and small boutique shops.

View into the main square of the complex. 

So busy and a great atmosphere. The Santiagans sure love going out. 

We eat at a gorgeous little restaurant rhat very much reminds us of Greece called Cebicheria Constitution. We have an absolutely delicious mixed seafood Ceviche. It is gorgeous. 

After we have a night cap (or at least I do as Nat is off the booze) at BK Stage bar which is a great little gig venue. We watch a bit of the band then head back to the hotel. 

I have found a Spanish phrase book in the hotel that I have borrowed whilst we are here.

Some bits are very handy for Nat... At least the second one down also helps us book a 2.30 appointment!

I get the feeling it's a little out of date though!!

This confirms it. 

At least if all else fails we know how to ask for an English speaking Rabbi and find a synagogue. 

PS. Forgot to say. On the flight on the way over our mate Michael's (Lynne's brother) documentary that he edited on Kumbh Mela was on! Really interesting program. Well worth a watch.