Santiago, Chile

It was early morning when Kenny and I disembarked the cruise line and boarded the bus.  The day would be spent with about 35 other passengers and our bubbly tour guide.

Santiago was about two hours from the San Antonio port.  Our guide was so enthusiastic as she talked about Santiago and her love for this wonderful city.

Some interesting facts that our guide told us about the country of Chile and Santiago:

* Population of Chile is 17 million and the population of Santiago is 7 1/2 million.
* 80% of the terrain is mountains and hills.
* Size of Chile = 2,653 miles north to south and only 110 miles east to west.
* During the 20th century, Chile has been struck by 28 major earthquakes(force greater than 6.9)
* Chile is known for their wineries.  There are about 400.  Most of the wines are exported to China.
* Economy = 50% of it is copper and the other 50% is fruits/vegetables, exporting wine, fishing and software
* Santiago is the capital of Chile.
* Nothing is free.  They pay for education(elementary to college).
* Main roads are private.
* Religion = 65% are Catholics; 25% are Protestants; 10% are Muslim
* Divorce Rate is at 70%
* National Sport is Chilean rodeo.  A waso is a Chilean countryman and skilled horseman, similar to the American cowboy.
* Expensive to live in Santiago.  More economic to live outside of the city.

As we drove to the city center, Plaza de Armas, our driver took us on a scenic tour through Santiago Metropolitan Park.  This park is located within the city and it is one of the largest urban parks in the world.  This park has two large, open-air pools, a cable car that takes visitors from the base of the hill to the summit, zoo, botanical garden and a children's park.  As we drove up to the summit, the views of Santiago were breathtaking.

We walked the grounds of the presidential building and then proceeded to the Stock Exchange to see the historical Trading Floor.  From there, we walked to Plaza de Armas, which was the original center of Santiago.  This is where the people use to gather for visiting, entertainment, dancing and singing.  We then toured the Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral.  This cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of Santiago de Chile.  The construction began in 1748 and ended in 1800.  Kenny and I toured the church and were in awe of how massive and ornate this cathedral is.

Back on the bus and the driver drove us to Santa Rita winery, which is about 45 minutes from Santiago.  This winery was founded in 1880 and is one of the most prestigious and traditional wineries in Chile.  Santa Rita 120, a delicious range of bold and well-balanced wines, is one of their best.  How did they come about in naming it Santa Rita 120?   The story tells that Bernardo O'Higgins and 120 men hid in the Santa Rita wine cellars, during the bloody battles of the Chilean war of independence.  The story explained that it was these brave men, who inspired the Santa Rita 120 brand name.after fighting against the Spanish army for National Independence.

After having lunch and a tour of the winery, the bus headed to the international airport to drop off the passengers that were flying back to their homes.  Kenny and I got a taxi to a hotel, as we wanted to explore Santiago for a few more days.