Coastal towns including Isla Nègra

The coast near Santiago inis a popular place for locals to go for weein Algorrobends or vacations and the towns were busy but not packed like they will be in summer,  starting in December.   Some towns had huge resorts and many cabins for rent.  Others were more working class and offered small cabins and camping.  Very interesting visit to several nearby towns on Saturday.

These albatross are on the roof of the fish market but it

was closed.  

 

These are the towns I visited with Patricio.  Great because he has a truck and drove us. 

This is Algarrobo.  Many of these towns have big beautiful beaches.  

Pedestrian walkway connects a huge beach with a large beach in 

Cartegena. 

 

Mosaic steps near the sea in Cartegena.  

Below, the spring parade in Algorrobo.  Carbineros (police) are a common site inthe streets in all towns.  The floats and costumes were very fancy.  

More Santiago scenes

Today I rode a funicular (People carrier up a really steep hill) up San Cristobal to enjoy the view and get to the giant statue of the Virgin. Funiculars were mainly built in the early 1900's and we have some in operation in L.A.

I also walked, rode a bus, rode the subway, went to the Arts district, hung out at Parque Forestal (huge park), people-watched at the Plaza del Armas, and bought things at a grocery store.   City life is all new and interesting to me and it was warm and sunny again today. 

Lunch is eaten around 2:30 or 3:00 and I ate dinner with Lis and Mauri at 9:00.  This is a new schedule for me.  I'm learning to like Chilean wine, which is served with all meals- reds and whites. When in Rome..... 

Funicular track as we went up

Amazing views at top

Stray dogs are sleeping everywhere.  They have nice temperaments and people walk around them. There are no dog pounds here.

 

The Virgin At least 50 feet tall. 

Cathedral is getting a cleaning. Mounted police on sidewalk. 

modern art in the Bellas Artes museum - huge pile of used clothing.  ??

Bikers rule streets on Sundays

Sundays are amazing!  Many streets,  including the 5 lane expressway into El Centro, are closed to traffic until 2:00 pm to allow people to exercise.   The streets got packed with bikers, runners, roller bladers, and walkers of all ages.

It was like an event was going on - with water and tire pumps, snacks to buy, and a party atmosphere.   Very fun and a regular occurrence.  So cool! 

Patricio was my tour guide so he pointed out various downtown points of interest as we rode in the crowd - really nice to get interesting info.  Then we rode up the biggest hill, Cerro San Cristobal, with the crowd.  We rode by a zumba class, a spinning class, and an aerobics class outside.  Sundays are happenings!

I love the sign at the top for bikers.... Wear a helmet, Respect pedestrians, Moderate your speed downhill. 

Riding up the cerro

Riding on a main street without cars

view from top of cerro (big-ass hill)

Scenes from a mountain trail

My new friend, Teri, is a teacher and loves hiking,  biking, running, and being outdoors!  She took me for a hike in the foothills close to Santiago.  Beautiful scenery and spring flowers.  

The trail was very dusty, few rocks or roots, and steep!  I learned that when someone asks if you want poles and she is carrying poles, to say yes to the question - even though Teri did not consider it steep. 

Afterwards we had a nice coffee, just like home. 

Dance the night away

Im here!  Flights all good and Claudia found me at the airport on Friday after I asked people to call her for me on their cell phones  so I could describe me and where to find me - twice!  

Pics of us at her house with her dogs in the yard and Claudia with her significant other, Patricio.  On Friday we talked in Spanish, I rode her bike to some large parks with mostly bike paths and people and flowers everywhere.  It's spring here!  

Ate lunch at Claudia's at 3:00, evening bbq outdoors with friends started at 9:00 pm and was great!  3 types of meat roasted on coals, potatoes and fresh salsa. 

And then.....Claudia and Patricio wanted to take me dancing.  I was exhausted but couldn't say no as they wanted me to have the experience.  Went to 2 clubs (started after midnight) and danced until 4:00 am!  I stayed awake!  So beat...

Clubs were interesting.  One was strictly disco - all the American 70's music.  The other was some American oldies (just like at home)  but the best part was the traditional music.-salsa, merengue,  cueca.  It was very fun and most men there can dance!   

More photos in next post.  

More about Isla Negra

I fly to Santiago Chile Thursday and will be in the city for my first week.   Ready and excited to go.!

My work exchange for weeks 2 and 3 of my time in Chile will be at a hostel on Isla Negra.  Mostly the things to do have to do with Pablo Neruda, great Chilean poet. I also found out it is a popular vacation spot for natives of Chile because it's beautiful. 

Here's more from Trip Advisor:   

  More than just a Neruda destination, one can take birding walks, do mountain biking, visit local wineries and get a taste of local cuisine at its best.  My three week stay in Isla was made much more interesting by tapping into these tours.  The people of the town are super friendly. And close by is El Totoral an historic community with a church well worth seeing and a weekend market. 

More about Patagonia

The area called Patagonia is in southern Chile and Argentina.  My tour is two weeks of hiking in and near mountains, glaciers, lakes and rivers.  I fly from Santiago to Punta Arenas (see it on the map) to meet my tour group.  From there we take a van to Puerto Natales to start the trip.  We finish in the same area and then I fly back to Santiago.  We are mainly in the area circled on the map that says Glaciers.  (scroll down to see photos).

 

We will visit Los Glaciers National Park and see amazing scenery there.


This is Lago El Chalten - another amazing place we'll visit (in Argentina). 


Below is a picture from Torres del Paine National Park