Sometimes, the best was to have a good time is to keep expectations low, which is exactly what happened to me with Santiago., Most guidebooks tell you to skip it or that it's ugly. I found it to be a fascinaning place and met the best people there so far in my trip. I stayed in the beautiful neighborhood of bellavista, which has old mansions and homes redone in bright colors. There was a lot of art, theather and fashionably dressed Chileans. The city is quite gay-friendly, and there are a number of cool bars. Pictures in http://picasaweb.google.com/chertar/Santiago#
I also took a day trip to Valparaiso, which is a costal city about an hour and a half away from Santiago, and is arguably one of the most beautiful cities in Chile, built in hills, somewhat like San Francisco, though more colorful.
After a week in Santiago, I took a 24 hour bus back to Buenos Aires. The bus was advertized as "first class" with full bed, champagne, movie. It turned out to be a moldy bus that reeked of gasoline... Luckily I had a good hostal in Buenos Aires and recovered nicely.
The use of color in Latin and South American architecture and exteriors is inspiring. I love the murals that you've posted in your Picassa!
ReplyDeleteAnd did you at least get some champagne on your moldy, gassy bus ride?
Merci de nous faire partager les paysages que tu vois. On voyage un peu avec toi et c'est tellement beau que ça nous ressource.
ReplyDeleteJ'adore les peintures murales "tags" sur les murs des maisons dans tes dernières photos.
Et la beauté pure des glaciers m'a ému. Merci tarik. Sam
Salut sam, merci. Je pense toujours à toi lorsque je voie des dessins ou murales de sortes. Ça fait plaisir de pouvoir partager. Gros bisous. Tarik
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