Friday, 29 April 2011

Santiago... Wait I´m in a civilised country again!

What good things do I have to say about my stay in Santiago de Chile? Well it´s really just another city like any other big city in the world! I was pretty dissapointed by the lack of things to see and do. The cathedral on the Plaza de Armas was beautiful on the inside but no so much on the outside. I dragged Michael inside and he was pretty much in awe for a few minutes. I climbed up the Cerro San Cristobal, which is a park on a mountain in the city. There´s an outdoor church type space at the top with a huge Virgen and offers great views of the city and mountains in the background. However it was very misty when I went up there. I was also pretty shocked to cross the road and actually have cars stop for you at the zebra crossings! That´s something I havn´t seen in a while and funnily enough had gotten use to it!
We stayed in Moai Viajero Hostal, just outside of the center, which was really nice. The staff were very kind, there was a huge living room area with a wide range of dvds, a playstation room and a kitchen. We watched a few movies, played some games and I cooked lasagna one night. I would generally be ashamed of staying in like that but really Santiago is not that interesting! And it was nice to relax for a couple of days. They also had a fat rabbit which ran around the house and a dog called Pépé!
We left last night (Thursday) for Pucon, further south in Chile, where I am now. It´s pretty chilly down here but beautiful. It´s an alpine little town filled with small wooden cabin style houses. Tomorrow, we´re going to climb the smoking Villarrica Volcano which you slide down once you reach the top! Can´t wait! Then we´re off to Puerto Montt and Torres Del Paine.

Miss you all xxx

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Qu´est ce que j´ai de bon a dire sur Santiago de Chile? Eh bien, pour dire la vérité ce n´est vraiment qu´une ville comme les autres! J´étais assez décue car il n´y a pas vraiment grand chose a faire. La Cathedral sur La Plaza de Armas est tres belle a l´interieure, moins a l´exterieur. J´ai entrainé Michael avec moi et il était assez surpris par sa beauté. Je suis montée en haut du Cerro San Cristobal, qui est un parc au fait sur une montagne dans la ville. Il y a une sorte d´église sans toit tout en haut avec une statue de la Vierge et de belles vues de Santiago. Par contre c´était assez brumeux quand j´y étais.
J´étais vachement étonnée que les voitures s´arretent quand tu traverses la route. C´ est seulement apres que je me suis rendue compte que j´étais dans un pays civilisé... ca fait un moment!
On est resté dans le Moai Viajero Hostal, juste en dehors du centre, qui était super sympas. Les gens qui y travaillent étaient tres gentils, il y avait un grand salon avec pleins de dvd, une salle de playstation et une cuisine. On a regardé quelques films, joué quelques jeux et j´ai fais une lasagne un soir aussi! Normallement, je ne resterais pas comme ca dans l´hostal a rien faire, mais franchement Santiago n´est pas tres interessant. Et c´était sympas de juste relaxer pendant quelques jours. Ils avaient aussi un gros lapin qui se baladait dans l´hostal et un chien qui s´appelle Pépé!
On est parti hier soir (Jeudi) pour Pucon, dans le Sud de la Chile, ou je suis maintenant. Il fait assez froid mais c´est tres jolie. C´est une petite ville pleine de petites maisons/cabines en bois. Demain, on va grimper le Volcan Villarrica, que tu descends a la glissade une fois arrivé en haut! J´ai hate! Apres on va a Puerto Montt puis Torres Del Paine.

Vous me manquez tous xxx

6 comments:

  1. good to hear you have had a relaxing time cos seriously angelique the more i read your blogs the more hardcore your travelling sounds!even though so amazing it must be absolutely EXHAUSTING!!!so you guys need to take it easy!i can't wait to hear your next adventure..p.s. once again i LOVE all your pics!!!!!:) :D mwah x
    sophia

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  2. Hi Angélique.
    Taking a little time off our busy schedule to catch up with your blog. I have read a little bit about Pucon and it sounds like a place for adventurers. I guess that now you qualify as one.
    Sliding down the side of the Villarica?? Is it what they call "canopy"?? Tell us more about it when you have done it.
    Puerto Montt...going further and further South. Make sure you wrap up, sounds very cold! I read that this is the largest salmon aquaculture in the world! As you are not so keen on fish, make sure they smoke it for you!
    Lots of kisses from all of us in Pignans.

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  3. Papa can you please find out if Torres Del Paine is actually open at this time of year? chad told me the bus stop runnin there on april 30th, which is today. we can organise private transportation but i think thatll be too expensive.. please email me what u find xxxx

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  4. Here's what I found :

    When is the park open?
    All year, between 8.30 am and 8 pm.
    How do I get there?
    By Bus
    Buses run direct to Puerto Natales from Puerto Montt, Punta Arenas and, in Argentina, El Calafate, Río Turbio and Río Gallegos. From Puerto Natales buses to the Park entrance take just over two hours.
    What is the weather like?
    Unpredictable. In summer 100 mph winds are not unusual, and when the wind blows from the Patagonian Ice Cap temperatures can drop 10 degrees Celsius in minutes. On the other hand, hot sunny days are also common. Generally, summer temperatures range from 41F (5C) to 68F (20C) and winter temperatures from 28F (-2C) to 43F (6C). Waterproof, windproof clothing is essential for trekking.

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  5. Loving all the pictures you have taken so far and everything sounds pretty cool! Haven't finished reading yet but will be interesting to find out what the Volcano is like!
    Mainly I wanted to add that I hope you took pictures of the rabbit for me! I love them :)

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  6. G'day Angelique

    I'm way behind. We had a long weekend here due some young couple getting married in London. Apparently 2 billion worldwide watched the wedding and all the associated kissing and 'wow what a lovely dress' and similar comments that I chose not to hear by switching off all but the rugby and avoiding any newspapers. We now apparently have a new Duchess who may one day become Queen. 'Scuse me whilst I stick my fingers down my throat. No offence if you're a monarchist. Needless to say, I'm not.
    Have to say that this trip is going to make a man out of you. One helluva' jaunt and certainly one experience you will never forget no matter what you achieve in life. Think I'm gonna' think of you as Superwoman from hereonin.
    They sure as eggs make you Freychet's tough cookies. I shouldn't be surprised, your grandmother in Sarras was made of steel and was very much the matriarch of her great brood. Not sure though if she could've crossed that great continent you currently are. Actually, how do you fancy politics - British politics that is? I'm sick and tired of listening to the puerile comments they chuck around the House of Commons like paper aeroplanes. Can you do a crash course and assume the job of PM. You get a couple of months off in the summer during which you could take off for Afghanistan and shoot the s--t out of their incumbent bandits. They've got goats too!!
    Sorry, know very little about the route you are following but I do know that back in Chile's history there was an Irish influence. Think it was a chap, became quite famous, some place named after him in Santiago. But, as Chile don't play rugby I haven't pursued any interest.
    I see that you're out of touch for a while. Hope your trip enjoyable, all goes well and you and Liv are quite safe. Have a mountain of work to get thru' so must leave you. Fascinating following your travel reports. Doubt New York will have much to offer after this trip of yours apart from shopping that is!
    Lotsa love.
    Brian

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