3/7
Today we had an escorted tour of Santiago. The city of 7 million is quite modern with many nice buildings and parks. It however suffers from lying in a bowl which traps the auto emissions. The Andes are only visible during a few days a year. Chile is fortunate to have the Andes as they are able to use rain and snow melt to generate 80% of their electric needs. We walked past the government buildings, central fish market, the stock exchange, and the Presidential Palace where mounted police serve mostly a ceremonial role, and into the Catedral de Santiago. This structure was built by the rich order of the Jesuits and displays a wealth of gold, silver and marble. The Jesuits were so wealthy and powerful that the Spaniards arranged to have them driven out of Chile. We last travelled to the most exclusive residential area of Santiago where the very rich live over looking the rest of the city. A stop made at a lapiz lazuli where Miriam bought some gifts. Returning to the fish market we enjoyed a meal of sea bass just outside of the market and then did a walk through. The fish market is huge, as are the fish. It was established within what appears to be a train station with ornate iron latticeworks but was originally to be an arts and crafts center. Having the afternoon free, we walked to the University area where Miriam bought a ring for herself and I bought my obligatory coffee mug from Chile. A long walk brought us to our hotel to gather our bags and head for the airport. After a four hour flight delay in Lima we arrived home to San Francisco and the good old USA.
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