It was fun to start this blog on Saturday but yesterday the internet died in our apartment. We hope they have it fixed this evening! Meanwhile, we had an amazing day on my birthday. From 11 to 2, Fernando took us on a tour, first climbing Santa Lucia Hill where the Spanish set up in 1540 before foundingi Santiago in 1541. Then the 3 of us had lunch near our apartment hotel and we had time to ourselves until 5 (I relaxed by exploring the supermarket nearby for more staples for the week and LaVerne managed to speak to Rich, as it´s his birthday too.).
At 5, Maria Inés and her grandson, who is 15, took us into the mountains for a panoramic view of Santiago (which is always largely hidden by smog but it was still good to see!). then back to her home and her daughter´s home next door, for tea in the garden. After 8 we set off to find the restaurant where 6 of us had dinner from 9 to 11 and we were home and ready to collapse by 11.30. A GREAT day. A special treat to meet a family and see their home.
In a city of 6 million, there are buses EVERYWHERE. It seems that hundreds of apartment buildings have been built in the last 10 years or so, partly to replace old buildings that don´t stand up to earthquakes, partly to accommodate new arrivals, and partly for a greater sense of security.
I took LOTS of photos and was trying to upload them yesterday when the internet connection vanished. I´ll post this now and hope that I can add some photos to our account of Day 3 this evening!
