A TASTE OF SANTIAGO

We take the train to downtown Santiago and walk along Avenida Almaneda. We stop for lunch at one of the many restaurants along the avenue, find a table outside. and take advantage of the menu of the day.
For less than $ 5.00 we get a big chunk of tender beef, rice or fries and a salad, consisting of corn, beets, green beans and tomatoes. I substitute the rice for more veggies, and for an extra $ .40 cents we can have a glass of wine instead of a soft drink. I let Ramiro have my dessert, Bananas covered with palm syrup.
  

We continue to La Moneda Palace. There is  an exhibition of the HAN and QIN Dynasty of China; Very interesting,but not what we had expected.

Further down the long Avenida La Almeda is Santa Lucia, a hill with a beautiful view over the city. Every bench along the climbing trail  is occupied by two lovebirds. Even some of the same sex. Kissing is the main activity here, and you don't need to be 18 to participate. There are lovers of all ages. I wonder if some of them are cheating on their spouse?

It’s a long climb, but well worth it. Across from this hill, we see San Cristobal another hill to climb. Next time.
We treat ourselves to an ice cream on the way back.

I know there are a few Geocaches here, but I did not bring the GPS. A safety issue, which I don't think it is as much of a problem as they make it sound. I recall many years ago all the scare about Miami. We were terrified and promised ourselved not to get paranoid, take a chance, enjoy the adventure and pay attention. My brohter Fred and his wife Annemieke should were suppose to be here with us, but they were not able to. I'm sure the adventure would have been lived to the fullest and would have been totally different. Fred would have left Ramiro behind to visit with the family and be exploring.

It’s a long walk back all the way to the train station, but we bravely continue. There are people everywhere and in some cases we have to push our way through. I hang on to my purse tightly and watch my step at all times.
The big city is not for me. I prefer peace and quiet, but Ramiro loves it. Soon it will be my  turn to enjoy.

We enter the train 20 minutes before its departure time and watch the people as they enter. I am happy to sit for a while. Everyone has a cell phone and many a MP3 player.

The sales men with their snacks enter the train, singing their little sales pitch. Cola, Refreshments, Dulce, Papas Frites!They all have their own unique style. It amazes me how many people actually buy a snack or drink. Nine out of ten request Zero calories Cola or Sugar free pop. The Little bag of potato chip, I suppose, balance out the caloric intake.
We are totally pooped when we get home. There is wireless internet in the house so after tea I can relax in my own room, where it is nice and cool.