We have had a nice time in Santiago so far. The direct bus from Pichi to Santi was much better! When we got in our taxi to the hotel we had about a twenty minute drive through the city. Feels like a more personalized take on a European city. So much green space and lots of friendly faces. Buildings and architecture vary—colors, shapes, cottages, adobe, modern, etc. The mountains are visible and soooo tall. A bit of smog actually. Lots of barrios to check out! We got to the hotel and just hung for a bit. Got baos for dinner at Bao Bar. They were okay.
The next day, we got breakfast at the hotel and it’s lovely. Eggs, couscous, bacon yesterday and eggs, veggies, tomatoes today. Both days have toasts, yogurt, oatmeal, fruits, juices, coffee, pancakes, and pastries. Hotels are going places! We booked so late that only hotels were available, but still. This one in particular is called both Park Plaza Bonaparte Boutique AND Hotel Bonaparte.
Yesterday, we walked forty-five minutes to get empanadas at Doña Empanada, a place Becca from Pucón mentioned. The Aji Gallano was so yummy. Then we met up with Karen at Parque Metropolitano. SO amazing meeting up with her, in Chile no less, after all these years. What a stunning park. You can walk, run, bike, ride a trolley, or take two types of funiculars to the top. We saw the Carro San Cristobal, views of the whole city and mountainside, tried Mote con Huesillo (a peach tea with wheat berries/barley). Uber sweet but good. After we had our fill at the top, we walked down to the first funicular pickup and it was peaceful. Then we rode the rest of the way down. The three of us ubered to Barrio Italia and walked around. So many cool shops to stop in. Got a little pikachu keychain for someone special (smh) but pika became the star of all my photos for the rest of the trip and he even got his own book printed for his journey. We enjoyed dinner at a restaurant inside/behind Centro Gabriela Mistral, called Bar El Bajo. It was tasty. We got papas bravas, a shrimp dish I should have skipped (allergy) but it was delish, and an orzo pasta salad.We strolled a lil after and then ubered home.
On the 17th we finally connected with Madi!! Yay!! We are chilling at the Santiago Airport before we head off to Mendoza. Girls week! Yesterday we walked to Barrio Italia again and it felt deserted compared to Sunday. Things were closed so we couldn’t really do as much window shopping. We then got sushi and I ordered a “Green Roll” but they served me a “Cream Roll” instead. Both menu items apparently. Cracked me up too much. We walked back to the hotel and then went to Bar Liguria. Super yummy meal. Had chicken pil pil, lamb shank, and some herb stuffed pasta with fried lemon or orange peels that were somehow not bitter at all? and sopaipilla. Walked home and these past two days have really been upping our step count. Santiago is the city of dogs! All kinds pets as well, which is new. Bye!
We will be back in Santiago after a bit, but I will make a new post for it.
Madeline Daily 