Santiago part two

The view over Santiago from Cerro San Cristobal

The funicular

Our fabulous seafood soup at the fish market

Virgin Mary at the top of Cerro San Cristobel

Still playing nice - even after he made me walk up the hill in the heat

After two nights on the coast we headed back to the city with the aim of checking out some vineyards and a couples of tourist attractions around the city that we hadnt got to last time.

After much consideration, we decided not to do a vineyard tour, sorry to dissapoint those avid wine drinkers out there, but it was just too expensive and I have been on a few wine tours in my time. We decided that our money would be better spend on something that was new for both of us. Plus, i have drunk enough Chilean wine to know that it is good.

We stayed in a different hostel in a different part of town this time and it turned out to be such a great decision, considerable time was spent talking to our host Rudi and admiring his beautiful dog Julietta (F is in love with another women...). It makes such a difference to have a great host who wants to talk to you and help you out.

So anyways, we had a fabulous seafood soup at the local fish market before heading up Cerro San Cristobal. F in all his wisdom convinced me to walk up ... he was once again reminded that me and heat and exercise is not a great combination. I do just melt in the sun. However, the views from the top were sensational and really gave you a good idea on just how large Santiago is and its unique position surrounded by mountain. We watched the sun set and light the mountains red (awww) We caught a funicular down the hill and stolled back to the hostel for an evening of beers and good company.

Our final full day in Chile and Santaigo saw us take an interest in all the historic buildings, taking in ther race course, oldest church in Santiago, National Library. Check out the photos they are awesome!

Finally, we headed to Los Domonicos to check out the artist markets where my steal fast will power of the last few days caved and I invested in some jewellery. A plate of steak literally the steak took up 3/4 of the plate and was amazing!

And that was Chile.

I might come back and write a relfection on Chile and its life and culture in the next few days so keep an eye out.