I had developed the incorrect impression that Chile’s capital, Santiago was very much the poorer relation of Buenos Aires. In fact, it has much of what BA can offer but without the prospect of being mugged, dissed or stepping into dog poo on every corner. Smog rules this city the same way it does in Athens and Mexico City (I think) which is a pity, as the Andes Mountains would otherwise provide a stunning backdrop to proceedings. The city can rightly pride its artistic self because the street wall art and paintings, sculptures and contemporary art relief work that can be found in many of the metro stations, for example, means that no art gallery need be entered on a hot sunny day in order to get a daily uplifting and thought provoking fix around town.
The city walking tours are a great way of appreciating this manageable city with its busy markets (I just loved the dedicated avocado shop), well maintained squares, new and old photogenic buildings extremely friendly inhabitants. Even the street dogs are super friendly and look healthier than any others I have seen anywhere in the World.
However, it is a pity that the completed work on an upstream dam has resulted in the city’s main artery, the Rio Mapocho, to not be the river that it once was, as something went badly wrong in either the planning or execution of the restoration process.
Due to my needing to get a move on in my Northerly migration through South America, I cannot spend enough time here, but it gives me yet another good reason to return to this wonderful town and country.
Peace
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