Day 01 Santiago de Chile

Our much awaited tour started in London on Friday evening – I had a surprise – a pint of beer and a burger was cheaper at Heathrow Terminal 3 than in central London ! That was a pleasant surprise. We stopped over at Madrid for two hours and changed flight for a 13 hour journey across the Atlantic and over the Andes into a very fog covered Santiago. The last hour flying over the Andes offered spectacular views from air.

The Andes from air

We were received by Grace who drove us to our hotel at the very heart of the city on Almeda (right beside the San Francisco Church) and left us to do our own bit for the day. The Plaza San Francisco Hotel is slightly colonial in style with period furniture and earthy shades right through – as an ex-hotelier the polished brass everywhere gave me a lot of pleasure! We were out by mid-day (local time) walking on San Antonio towards the Mercado Central. Santiago is a bustling city of 6 million very warm and hospitable Chilenos and on this Saturday afternoon there seemed to be a competition for them to out shop the other. The walk through this ‘pedestrian only’ shopping street led us towards the river Mapucho and a walk through the markets (Mercado Central and Vega Central) was an insight into Santiago’s wholesale vegetable, fruit, meat and fish markets – very interesting.

Street Market - Santiago

In the not too distant skyline the snow covered Andean peaks fight for visibility through the smog that casts an everlasting blanket over Santiago. I am told that only a good downpour is good enough to give the city a clear look. Walking through Bella Vista we realised that this bohemian neighbourhood of Santiago wakes up only after sundown. Full of colourful buildings, restaurants, night clubs, boutiques, its worth a visit – definitely at night. Looking for food which by then was the only aim for us we got drawn to a purely commercial tourist eatery at the foot of the Cerro San Cristobal (the highest hill within the city). The food though good and fresh did not match up to the $73 we paid – avoidable. Only on the way back did we see the parade of eateries with authentic local fare on display – we know where to go tomorrow.

Bella Vista District - Bohemian Santiago

We took the funicular at Pio Nono to the top of Cerro San Cristobal for an over view of the city and a clear view of the surrounding Andean peaks – but as pleasant as it was up there, the smog couldn’t leave us alone. I can imagine the gorgeous sights that will be on a clear sunny day – no harm in imagining! The journey back was through the other side of the Bella Vista district , once again over the Rio Mapucho we walked through a vibrant green stretch – the Parque Forestal, lined with attractive apartment buildings – some colonial, some artdeco and some just modern – it is also where the young Santiguinos in pairs seemed lost in themselves which the passing world describes as PDA (public display of affection)!

Santiago smog from Cerro San Cristobal

Now back at the hotel, penning my thoughts down, I am suddenly looking forward to the dinner – hoping for something more authentic – we should be hitting Plaza de Armas in half an hour. Tomorrow is another day and you will know about it in time. Buenos Noches!

Click here for Day 2 >>