Today I set my alarm for 8:00 but woke up at 7:30. We had breakfast and then left for more sightseeing around 10:00. (Nacho likes to sleep late)
We took the subway (metro)to the Santa Lucia hill that Pedro de Valdivia (a conqueror of Chile) climbed and founded Santiago. The hill became a fort. I think we must have gone up 500 steps to get to the top. The steps near the top were very uneven. There was just a small rail to hold on to. We took lots of pictures at the top. When we got down to the bottom, Dale and I were walking up a small set of steps to have our picture taken. The next thing we heard was a LOUD boom. It made us jump. Apparently every day at noon, they shoot a canon from the top of the hill. Holy Crap!!! Marisol’s dad had a good laugh because he knew it would happen.
At the bottom of the hill
More than halfway to go
View from the top
Next we went to the National Museum of Fine Arts. When we took the tourist bus yesterday, there were two museums included in the pass and this was one of them. We walked around for a bit and Marisol called and said she could meet us. After the museum, we walked to an ice cream shop. They have different types of flavors of ice cream. I had chocolate with orange pieces; Dale had manjar, a sort of chocolate flavor.
At the museum
Marisol and I took the metro back to her car parked at Hoyt’s Cinema. Dale, Nacho and Dario also took the metro with us but then went to a firehouse. All firemen in Chile are volunteer.
At the firehouse
When they got back to the house around 3PM, we had turkey and mashed potatoes. Adrianna is a very good cook. Then a siesta.
We went to the Carabinero’s hospital and then drove around the Carabineros Officers Academy.
We went to a really cool restaurant called Ocean Pacific that had rooms shaped like the inside of a boat. There was a whale skeleton in one of the rooms. The tables had clear glass with a view of something underneath. Our table had a missile under it. We started off with Pisco sours and an appetizer of six different types of seafood - fried shrimp, fried loco, another type of shrimp, crab, mussels with onions, ceviche of salmon & reineta. I ate shrimp chupe, Dale had king crab chupe, Dario had locos, Nacho had a Csldillo de Congrio (soup) and Marisol loco chupe. We also had two bottles of wine.
walking through a hall
Our table
The chupes came out flaming
Got home around 10:00PM.
10-18-09
I slept in today until 8:30AM. We had breakfast.
Then we went to the Monasterio Benedictino de la Santisima Trinidad. They have a 200 year old monastery that is very modernistic. The main lighting for the sanctuary comes from natural light. The building was designed in such a way to allow natural light into the building without being obvious.
The outside of the monastery
The inside with all natural light
Then we went to the grocery store at a mall. There was a Dunkin Donuts and Dale got a coffee and two donuts. I think the donuts taste the same. Dale didn’t think so. The coffee was different though.
We dropped off the groceries and went to Marisol’s work at the senior living center. She showed us around. It is a very nice place. They have about 150 residents and there is a waiting list to get in.
We drove west to Pomaire. This is the area where ceramics are made. There is a main street in town where there are many shops that sell ceramics and other artisan goods.
A typical looking building where the shops are
Inside a shop
We ate lunch around 3PM at San Antonio Restaurant. We started off with chicha a sweet, fruity alcoholic drink and a huge piece of empanada. I was full after this but still had my main course yet. I had Pastel de Choclo but it wasn’t as good as Adriana’s. Dale had pig’s leg and rice. Dario had pork chops and French fries, Nacho had the same as me and Marisol had pork ribs. We were too full after that for dessert.
at the restaurant with our chicha
I guess I should say that Marisol’s mom was away at Easter Island for work this week. She will be home on Saturday night.
There are a lot of stray dogs that just wander around the streets.
We are just chilling at home tonight.
I won't have any more updates before I get home.
We are on our way to the beach house today. They don't have internet access there.
It's been chilly here. The highest temperature since we've been here has been about 75. At the beach, it's supposed to be in the 60's. Unusual weather for them this time of year.
By the way, they have a maid here (not made - as Marisol pointed out to me :) )
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