We were surprised this morning during our first walk to see buildings with lots of graffiti, homeless people and dirty streets. Not the best start to a trip to one of South America’s booming cities.
We questioned our guide who said that this all came about from October last year when the riots started, mainly from dissenting young middle class people who want the current President to leave office. Once our trip started we saw areas of the city which were untouched by the riots, probably due to police presence.
The founder of Chile as an independent nation was Don Pedro de Valdivia and his statue stands in the Plaza des Armas. He was the first Governor of Chile in 1541.
Also the Chilean crest is made up of a young dear, the sacred Condor and a five pointed star representing the Southern Cross. it was designed by an English artist in 1834
Also in the Plaza des Armas is the Presidential Palace
The Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral is to be found in behind the Presidential Palace was destroyed by two earthquakes and finally rebuilt by 1799. It was designed by an Italian architect.
Santiago has a large park( Metropolitan Park) which overlooks all aspects of the City. We tried to show that this 7million populated city is a rapidly developing centre for South American trade.
Tomorrow we are moving on to another part of Chile and are being picked up at 3.30am to make a 6.30 am flight. More then or Lesley will know where she is going!!
Any evidence of Covid 19? JUst been to France and place empty