The Search for Santiago: The patchwork city (Day 2)

Were you ever involved in a patchwork quilt as a child, where each child was given a section (or patch) of the quilt to decorate before it was sewn together at the end? The result is always eclectic, as the ideas of 50 separate people are melded into one with complete disregard for any form of unity. This pretty much sums up Santiago. From the modern architecture and perfectly manicured gardens of the cities corporate centre known affectionately as San-hattan (due to its similarities to Manhattan) to the bar lined and graffiti covered streets of Bella Vista and the 100+ year old churches scattered throughout. Although, with such diversity, you would think the city would provide numerous opportunities for tourists........ but the city has become to modern and expensive. Everything that could be considered cultural has been significantly impacted by the North American-isation that comes with having money.

The Search for Santiago
Just at the end of the alley way (Simpson Street) in which our hostel (Footsteps) is located is a small music school. The artistic energy emanates from here throughout the day with an array of alternative looking students often seen in the neighbouring park drumming, playing guitar or harmonising the lyrics of their favourite songs together in an open circle. Further down Ramon Camicer Av., at the southern end of this park, a giant skate park exists where dread headed youths kill time by ollying, grinding and coaxing nubies into quite impressive stacks. Was fun to watch and listen, but there was nothing exceedingly unique about these sites.


A short  ride on the Metro Underground to Alcantara and it feels as if you have been transported to New York. Massive modern buildings erupt from perfectly maintained street and their bordering  gardens. After meeting with the some members of the Chilean AMEC office, we slipped down the bustling street dodging stressed looking businessmen and woman dressed in business attire to find lunch.... two $8 sandwiches. Budget? What Budget?

Bella Vista, with its older buildings and traditional architecture, is by far the most interesting area we managed to find during our exploration today. As we wander through the cobble stone streets a middle age lady approaches us, informs us of a poetic society and shares a poem she has written in both Spanish and English (it sounded amazing in Spanish). The most notable thing about Bella Vista is the beautiful old architecture of the buildings lining the streets and the graffiti that adorns it. The buildings may be old and many are in disrepair but we finally feel as if we have connected with the city and its people in someway, as if we have finally found the soul of Santiago.

Niki's bits.... The combination of jet lag, and an expensive & boring city = grumpy niki.. Annd it seems i'll need to know more Spanish than just "where is the toilet"....