Santiago

a view of Santiago
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12/18 after 13 hrs in the air and 14 waiting for flights arrived

weather beautiful; sunny and warm

took tram in city park to top of mountain to see statue of Immaculate Conception; then took funicular down the other side of the mountain; only walked 5 miles today (updated to 8 mi  since we got lost)

back at hotel  we felt a small earthquake--building shook for at least 60 seconds

decided to walk to bellavista area for dinner; happy hour is a big deal--alot of people sitting at sidewalk cafes drinking 1/2 priced drinks and eating snacks;  went by an Irish pub that was jammed back; we had a drink at another cafe and then found an Argentian restaurant.  I had Eater Island tuna and John had lamb brought to the table on a sm charcoal grill to keep it warm.  Of course, a good bottle of Chilean red wine;  got lost walking home--walked thru some nice neighborhoods but totally lost and not on our tiny map; stopped at a restaurant to call for cab to take us back to hotel; hope to return to this French restaurant.

12/19 Friday started with breakfast;  then we ventured a subway ride and even had to change lines to Plaza de Arames(heart of Chile); then Pre-Columbian art museum which was awesome; lunch at small restaurant Zabo and had soda, salad, salmon with rice and vanilla ice cream for $7.50 US; then museum of visual arts which had some nice things; then museum of contemporary art and subway back to hotel;  only walked 4 mi so far today--

There are signs of Christmas, but not much--street vendors sell single sheets of package labels or a sheet of wrapping paper to just wrap a shirt size box;  some Santa decorations or holiday music