Iguazu: Land of Big Water

After my previous tour,  I had decided to tack on a couple of days in Iguazu Falls. I flew up from Buenos Aries on Friday and will fly back to Toronto via Sao Paulo on Monday. 
My first afternoon and night in Iguazu was fraught with worry and anxiety.  I was running out of pesos (the town only has two sets of ATM's;  one bank was closed for renovations and the other ran out of cash in their machines),  I wasn't sure if I could cover all activities in the park within the time especially with my limited Spanish,  and my room's air conditioning was broken and the replacement unit they brought in was not very effective and sounded like a cat continuously coughing up a fur ball.  This combination left my brain spinning over thousands of combinations for most of the night.  Not to mention  I was starting to think about my impeding return to reality.  I guess despite all this relaxation,  I can still get so tightly wound up that the most logical information can escape  me.  More work to be done on living in the moment and surrendering control.  
The next day every concern I had had melted away when I realized that my tour guide could help with my money concerns and the hotel promised to have the AC fixed.  Which they did.  Turned out they just needed to use a different clicker.  All seems so simple in the morning. 

My tour to Iguazu Falls will be done in two parts; Argentina side (up close) and Brazilian side (full panoramic).  Day one is Argentina.  I am the only native English speaker and one of only four taking the tour in English.  Good chance to remind myself that Spanish would be a great second language to have.  One of my other English receiving travel mates is Kaori from Tokyo.  We become fast friends and mangling all languages together. Along the way we also picked up Grace from Mexico City.  She is in her 60s and travelling alone since her husband had to jet off on business.  She is a hoot.  Together the three of us,  make our way along the walkways and out onto the lookout points
It is stunning.  Must be about 5 times wider than Niagara,  although not 100% continuous. But seems like there is water coming from everywhere.  I give the engineering team tremendous credit for their design of the park.  It builds your anticipation and keeps you moving without running into all kinds of other people. 
The tour day included a walkway out to the Devil's Throat (total rush),  the Upper Circuit which brings you on top all the major waterfalls (Two Sisters, Bossetti and San Martin),  the to the Lower Circuit at the bottom of the falls where the sound of the water is deafening at times. The grand finale is the Grand Adventure,  which is a jet boat ride that drives you directly into the falls themselves.  A total soak fest.  It was so much fun to be flying towards all this rushing thundering water with my new found friends,  Kaori and Grace. We screamed the whole way and dared each other to face the falls and let go of the handrails when we got close.  Total baptism by Mother Nature. 
Afterwards we squished our way back to the Grand Adventure buses all high fiving our bravery.  We were water warriors today!
When I got back to the hotel I had a much needed proper shower.  I sat out on the hotel terrace which over looks the Iguazu river,  enjoying a cold beer and watching the multitudes of birds.  Breathe and take in the moment. 
I treated myself to a lovely dinner at the sister hotel restaurant to mine.  My hotel offered a free bottle of wine for my AC inconvenience - mucho gracias! The meal was an incredible cap to the day. 

Day 2 of waterfall mania took me into Brazil.  This side of the falls is not as close up,  but gives you a view to show the true vastness of this 7 new Wonder of the World.  I opted for the very unstylish poncho today. The pathways on this side get you to some lookout points that are completely surrounded by the waterfall mist.  It is a spooky feeling to suddenly become overcome by the foggy misty as the wind shifts around.  At one point you are directly below one fall while standing on top of the next.
This side of the park only takes a few hours,  so that means there is plenty of time for shopping.  There is a massive Duty Free Shop on the way back.  The Argentinians are thrilled,  me,  not so much.  But I make due with a cafe con letche and empanada. All good. 
When we got back to town I walked out to Hito Tres Fronteras, which means where the three countries meet; Argentina,  Brazil and Paraguay.  The two rivers,  Iguazu and Paraná meet here as well.  
I finish my stroll with an ice cream treat and a stop at the grocery store for dinner options.  I'm going to forgo a restaurant tonight and hang out at the guest house.  Chilln before my marathon of travel tomorrow. 

Serene Salta

Our last stop in the north of Argentina is Salta.  I charming colonial town nestled into the low valleys of the Andes. 
We have a day and a half of free time to enjoy the town and surrounding areas.  On the day we arrive we get the lay of the land,  and the rest of my tour mates decide they haven't punished themselves enough and sign up for some further hiking the next day.  I have opted for a more leisurely pace of local gondola to a lookout point,  a selection of impressive cathedrals and  most importantly the ice cream shop in the main square.  I like to do what the locals do.  Nothing better than enjoying a cafe con letche while watching the little old ladies gossip after mass. My Spanish is no where good enough to know for sure,  but I'm certain there was a clutch of women commenting on the tightness of the pants of some others.  Hand gestures are so universal. 
As I walked over to the gondola,  I came through a large park that was a bit run down,  but obviously still popular with the locals.  I am impressed that almost every public space has some sculpture or art installation.   There continues to be a healthy acceptance of street art or graffiti.  It appears on every block,and no one has tagged or painted over it. As I wonder through the park I am deafened by the cacophony of birds and cicadas.  It drowns out any conversation or even personal thoughts. 
I am finally gliding my way to the top of the lookout on the gondola.  I get a car to myself.  The silence of this ride is much appreciated after the park.  It affords a remarkable view of the city and misty mountains beyond.  At the top is the requisite cafe,  souvenir shop,  and observation points. I stroll around taking it all in,  and I come across a series of man made waterfalls.  It is a cool reprieve on a very hot day.  I love the sound of the water bouncing off the rocks.  I find a tucked away bench where I can glimpse the views while surrounded by the rushing water.  I take a moment again to reflect,  breath and most importantly release.  The traditional places for worship in this part of the world are in those cathedrals I will visit soon down below,  but for me this is my alter and my faith; my moment to surrender.
As this is Sunday,  and I have a tight schedule of churches to visit before they close for 1pm siesta, I opt for the return gondola ride rather than walking down.  This time I share my   ride with a young family.  The little girl dressed in head to toe Minnie Mouse paraphernalia,  is far more fascinated with my freckles and blue eyes than she is fussed with the views.  She is nervously plucking up the courage to speak to me,  when she decides to go all in and fling herself in the arms of this spotted foreigner.  Her parents are clearly stunned and try to pull her back.  I'm quite happy to have the curious poking and giggling wiggler in my lap.   The parents then decide it's picture time and clearly this little girl knows how to work the camera.  Somewhere in Salta there is about 50 photos myself and the Minnie Mouse warrior.  Brave enough to overcome her suspicions and throw herself, literally, in the "picca" (her word for freckles) hands of the unknown.
I made the rounds of some lovely churches,  most of which where in full mass.  I respectively waited to take a few quick snapshots.  The interiors of these places can rival any art gallery; carved arches,  sculptures,  stainless glass and tile work - all amazing.
At last I reward myself with an ice cream in the main square.  Nothing like a cool treat on a shady beach. 
I head back to the hotel to enjoy a siesta while waiting for some of my hiker tour mates to return.  We later taken in the archeological museum where they feature the mummified bodies of Inca children sacrificed to bring good fortune to their tribes. I respect all forms of faith,  and have certainly seen my fair share of bizarre representations of it,  but these kids were creepy. Dressed up to please the gods and forefathers,  these children are then paraded around their towns,  heavily drugged and buried alive.
Time to lighten it up,  did someone say Artisan Market.  I round out my visit with another meaty dinner. I know all this steak is stressing my waistline,  but it is so yummy.  I promise myself that there will be nothing but green leafy veggies when I get home. 

Tucuman trekking

We only have a short time in Tucuman.  We did a bit of a walking tour the first afternoon and found ourselves at the main museum in town.  This was where the Declaration of Independence from Spain was signed to liberate Peru,  Chile and Argentina. They joined forces to defeat the Spanish,  but then fought each other for years after to severe ties from each other. 
The next day we headed for the hills again.  Not my favourite activity, but worth being out in nature for sure. 
We trekked for about 4 hours in the sun and high humidity.  Tucuman has sub tropical forests, so much of what we saw was up close dense vegetation.  It has been raining a lot,  so the mud made for some slippery slidy bits. 
Our destination was a late lunch of energy bars at a local waterfall.  We came across plenty of flora and fauna along the way.  The most distinct was a stray dog that seemed determined to lead us.  Our actual guide was a park ranger who didn't take to kindly to the dog as they are quite a pest in the park, but she realized quickly that she was out numbered by those of us that were happy to have a four legged leader.  The pup kept a close eye on all of us,  often running ahead to scope out the next ridge or path,  then looping back to trot along side the last person in the group, often me.  The dog made sure that the horses and cows all cleared a path for her VIP guests.  There were a lot of wild horses in the area.  I tried to tap into my previous Circle R Ranch experience to approach one of them.  He let me get a bit close,  but it was obvious that no one is going to control these animals.  They look in good health and they certainly have lots of good food options.  It was such an humbling feeling to be in the presence of these graceful and intelligent creatures.  They allow you within their space, not the other way around.
We made it to the much anticipated waterfall.  It was a perfect oasis at the end of a hot hike.  After a quick bite we made our way into the cool water.  A couple of my tour mates went all the way into.  They are the young yolo types.  Most of us,  just took off our sweaty sneakers and sox to cool our feet.  Ahhh! Sun on your shoulders,  cool water between your toes and the calming sound of water tumbling over the rocks.  Just breath and be grateful. 
Before boarding the bus back to the city we had one last handful of the wild blackberries and mulberries that were plentiful.  Nothing like stained fingers and lips from freshly picked berries.  One last moment with our doggy guide was a tough goodbye for us all.  She ran beside the bus for at least a kilometre before turning back. 
Our return to the hotel mid afternoon allowed for a good scrub down and a short siesta.  We headed out in the evening to find a place where we could watch the all important Argentina vs Brazil soccer match.  Got to support the locals.  We got ourselves some great steaks,  cold beer and a big screen TV.  Unfortunately,  it was not a great game,  but what do I know.  A few of us headed back to hotel bar,  which seemed to be a local bar for townies.  Lots of great charm. We caught the last minutes of the draw game.  However,  apparently a draw was still good thing in Argentina given the number of car horns and rousing applause the locals provided. 
This evening played out as we also learned about the tragic events unfolding in Paris.  I as I write about my incredible good fortune to experience new cultures, visit these remarkable places and turn complete strangers into close friends in less than a week,  I am also reflecting on how Paris,  a favourite destination of mine will never be the same.  I am grateful for having been able to travel so extensively and make this world seem so attainable.  I hope I will always have these opportunities.  My thoughts today are with all those that have been impacted by any form of violence.  Peace. 

From here to eternity on a bus

This tours includes several long distance bus trips,  but only one overnight bus.  I have done overnight buses before.  They are not great,  but always manageable. This one was scheduled to be 14 hours. This Tucuman place we are heading to,  better be worth being bent into the shape of a bus seat for more than half a day.  Deep breath,  there is something to be taken from this challenge. 
The pimped out bus from Santiago wasn't so bad,  so this should be fine.....
The seats were not as wide or plump,  and there was a definite air of 'we gave up'  a long time ago. 
As we get settled in and the bus pulls out of town,  the hostess comes on the speaker system to run down the rules.  Fredy translated the basics; don't walk around the bus while it is in motion,  please use your seatbelt,  and only go #1 in the toilet.  What? How does that work? I'm not sure about you,  but I can't necessarily shut off my bowels like a flick of a switch.  Certainly not for 14 freaking hours. 
We have been told that they offer a small chicken meal onboard,  but most of us opted to grab a Subway sub,  just in case.  The hostess put on a movie and began preparing for dinner service.  We all got a plastic tray and cup.  Then she disappeared  downstairs. What she came back with,  was an atrocity to mankind.  The sticker called it chicken roll. Minced chicken squished around bits of coloured chunks, presumably they were vegetables at some point.  The other offerings on the platter were all forms of white square bread-like things.  The tray was looking more appetizing than the food itself.  I could only bring myself to try the dessert looking item that appeared to have some form of dolce de letche on it. Mistake,  and now those bathroom rules were seeming even more impossible. 
I scarfed down my sub and a sleep pilling and prayed this night would slide by quickly.  I was lucky to sleep the majority of the way.
In the morning,  around 7:30 the bus started to make some very strained noises.  Perhaps,  someone hadn't obeyed the rules.  We chugged along for a bit,  but it was obvious that we were slowing down.  Finally we pulled over on the side of the highway and the driver and hostess disappeared.  They wouldn't let us off the bus to stretch our legs or make a break for it,  not a good sign. The drama was thankfully short lived.  We were back on the road within 20 minutes,  but we were not operating at top speed. 
To take our minds off the death trap ride we were on,  the hostess announced were were going to play a game... Bingo.  I swear,  I'm not kidding. 
She handed out cards,  which most people didn't take.  And away she went,  pulling tiny balls out of a plastic bag,  calling numbers.  At first she was quite enthusiastic,  she rolled her r's and emphasize the numbers.  But she soon realized that those playing were only humouring her and she picked up the pace.  Pretty soon she was firing off numbers like a machine gun; and no one was calling Bingo.  For the love of all things decent,  someone put her out of her misery.  Finally Bingo was called and a prize bottle of wine was awarded. 
Eventually,  15 hours after we left Mendoza,  we pulled into Tucuman bus station.  I have never been so grateful to get off a bus before. 
I don't think I will be standing fully upright until Tony,  my massage therapist, gets his hands on me when I get back home. 
God help me tomorrow when I have to do another one of the treks on the side of a mountain. 

Malbec mission

Argentina is well known for its Malbec wines.  I'm well known for my love of Malbecs.  I feel like I have come to my version of mecca. Mendoza province produces 80% of all of Argentina's wine. Hallelujah!

Today we were supposed to have a cycling tour of a couple of wineries in Mendoza,  but it was pouring rain and was a chilly 12 degrees when I got up. 
Thankfully our local tour guide and Fredy were able to flip the schedule and we did just a regular wine tasting tour.  Phew, wine crisis averted. 
We drove out to the first winery.  A cute small family run vineyard where one of the daughters of the owners, Veronica, explained that all of the wines we developed to represent the various family. The most common varietals are Malbec,  Cabernet Savignon,  Merlot,  Syrah and Savignon Blanc.  Veronica described her siblings,  parents and children as wine types. Mama is very fortified and is the grappa made as a pressed wine.  Always under pressure to allow the rest of the family to shine.  Veronica was Malbec,  well balanced, smooth and reliable.  Her brother was Cabernet Savignon,  harsher and best if blended with her sister,  Merlot who is more of a free spirit.  The father is the bottle keeping every contained and organized.  It was a sweet way to understand the different grapes and ways of blending.  I had to pick up one of their Malbecs to remind me of Veronica's passion for her family business. 
Next we went to Trapiche, which is a very large winery that exports all over the world.  I have enjoyed their wines many times.  They are the behemoth in the region. They had a slick tour,  but no where as touching as Veronica's description of her Merlot style husband.  Trapiche
did offer some very health pours,  so they were redeeming in that regard. 
Next we stopped in at a local olive oil production farm.  The smell was intoxicating.  The olives are still very young on the trees,  but the flower buds were starting to pop.  It was a combination of lemon and olives. We learner about the pressing g process and then did a tasting which highlighted the different qualities.  No surprise,  I preferred the spicier versions.  The body oils were also nice. 
The peak of the day came next with a stop at a local restaurant with the most incredible chacuteruie spread I have ever seen.  Eight kinds of meats,  six cheeses,  but then endless extra vegetables and spreads.  This was a religious food experience. 
We made it back to the hotel for a much need siesta. I'm starting to acclimatize to this South America lifestyle. 

Wine tours day 2

We are up to three earthquakes so far.  Another one shook me awake around midnight. 
Today we took to the bikes to make our way around three wineries.  It is super sunny,  a great day for a leisurely peddle in wine country. 
The tour company had harassed me for my height to ensure the bikes were properly fitted to our size.  So when we arrived at the bike place I kind of expected a bit of organization.  Instead the was a line up of bike and it was a free for all to get one that fit. Seats getting moved up and down. I pick one with a basket - Mary Poppin's style.  Then as we were getting ready to leave there was some ruckus about helmets. Apparently those were not booked.  The bike shop owner finally pulled out several helmets,  all of which had seen better days.  Safety first!
We set off down the street.  I was pumping hard,  but not getting very far.  I was searching for a gear shifter while trying not to swerve into traffic and watching my travel mates pull further ahead of me.  Ugh,  it sucks getting old.  No gears.  Who rides a single gear bike anymore? Then I noticed my knees seemed closer to my chest.  Not the optimal biking position,  slip,  there it goes again.  Crap,  my seat adjustment was obviously not tightened enough.  I have now slid down completely to the cross bar.  The rest of the group is quickly fading away ahead of me.  The van,  thankfully is behind me.  I pull over in hopes of a seat fix,  but instead the driver waves me into the van and tosses my bike in. So much for that experience.  By the time we catch up to the group,  they are entering the first winery. 
Like yesterday,  the first winery is a small family run business.  This is one of the only organic wineries in the area.  They even have a few hectors of biodynamic, which involves very specific management of the vines including only trimming or removing the grapes under certain lunar cycles. 
The wines were delicious,  but I am trying to keep my purchases under control.  I don't need to clink my way past customs when I get home. 
No more biking for me.  Apparently,  there is nothing to be done but ride in the van.  Oh well,  I tried. 
On the way to the  second  stop, the driver must of felt sorry for me,  or he just forgot I was in the back.  He started belting out Tom Jones,  'Sex Bomb' along with the radio.  How can you be disappointed with that,  Sex Bomb,  Sex Bomb! 😘🎶
The second winery was good,  delicious wines,  but it was a big industrial one.  They are all blending together. 
When we arrived at number three,  lunch was being severed.  Thank goodness,  I think we all need something to sop up the booze.  It was a fantastic lunch of empanadas,  stewed chicken and strawberry flan.  Of course accompanied with wine pairings. 
The tour and tasting after that was all a bit of a blur.  But we did come by some adorable puppies.  Who doesn't like a cuddly puppy.

Santiago to Mendoza

Today we make the ride over the mountains into Mendoza,  also known a Malbec Mecca!
The journey is expected be about 8 hours depending on the border crossing.  Get ready to be turned into a pretzel sitting on a bus for that long. 
Wait... this ride is cometely pimped out.  The bus has lounge chairs that rival the most comfy Lazy boy.  Nice and puffy,  leg rest,  almost full recline.  This is bus livin'. 
After we leave the Santiago city limits, we are quickly heading up into the ragged slopes of the Andes. Snow capped peaks,  winding switchbacks,  breath taking views of  burnt out wreckage of identical buses and eighteen wheelers.  Yikes,  these slopes are steep.
We get to the border crossing around noon,  there a several buses ahead of us.  We are told to stretch our legs for about 15 mins while the other buses pass through the check point.  This suggests that the crossing is pretty standard and not too complicated.  Oh,  my was I wrong.  We get out to walk around a bit.  Holy mole,  is it cold.  I guess I didn't translate the snow capped view into a  minus temperature with a wind chill factor.  Brisk! We get back on the bus only to drive 50 feet into the border crossing building, and get out of the bus again.  This is where it turns into a Disneyland ride queue, without Mickey to entertain us.  Every time you think you have made it to the actual entrance,  you turn the corner to find another queue.  We are lined up according to our seat number in one line to go through the 'exit Chile' booth.  As we shuffle through that piece,  we are then lined up to another booth,  which allows us to enter Argentina.  All this time,  standing in a wind tunnel of mountain fresh air.  One of my tour mates begins to self diagnose himself with altitude sickness.  He is checking his heart rate and pulse.  After the paperwork,  we are back on the bus to drive another 50 feet to baggage control.  Off the bus again.  This time with all belongings and the luggage is coming off for x ray.  We are directed to open our hand luggage so they can take a look.  It was very cursory,  but my clementines sadly didn't make the cut.  Our other bags make it through x ray,  and we board the bus again; only two hours gone!
A few more hours switch backing down the mountains and we arrive in Mendoza.  Our tour guide recommends we use a parallel market to exchange money into Argentinian pesos.  This means you walk around the main streets looking for a big dude who is offering "change" . We give it a try,  and make some of the best financial exchanges any of us have ever had.  Whoo hoo for the parallel market.  We have a nice meal and head back to a nice hotel where I get a king size bed.  I am the only solo female,  so get to have a room to myself.  Sweet. 
Tomorrow we start our exploration of the wine country.  I'm a happy chappie!

Santiago Day 3: Andes smandes...

Being on an "active" tour means you have to move your butt.  I kinda forgot to tell my butt that, or any other part of my body for that matter.  We left the hotel at 8:30 for a day of "walking" in the foothills of the Andes.  Or so I was led to believe by Fredy. 
We arrived at a parking lot full of cars with people unpacking picnic baskets and walking sticks.  How bad could this be...
Gorgeous day,  a little cloudy which helps keep it cool.  We met our trekking guide,  Felix.  Nice enough guy,  but did he just call himself a TREKKING guide? Spidey senses starting to tingle.  We are told that the first 20 mins will be the hardest part of the easiest part.  What does that mean? For those of you who know me,  you know I am more at home in the water than on the side of a mountain.  So,  you know this does not bode well.  Off we start,  my tour mates,  who are all at least 10 years younger than I, are chatting about how this is good prep work for their next marathons.  Oh shit!
I make it a respectable 50 metres (seemingly straight up) before I am drenched in sweat (so much for that sunscreen) and sucking for air.  Not a problem,  I have nothing to contribute to the marathon discussions anyway.  Fredy is mercifully staying behind me.  I guess it's easier to find the body when you see it plunge over the edge. 
Other tour groups are now passing us.  My group finally stops for a water break.  Are we there yet?
We continue on with several picturesque stops,  but I spend the whole time staring at my feet trying not to slip.  After about 75 mins we get to a lovely spot that Felix generously calls 'about half way'. Barely in kilometres, but no where near halfway in terms of effort. I haven't passed out yet - victory
There is a small waterfall, a stand of welcoming shady trees and some comfy looking boulders.  This is where you  need to decide your next steps carefully.  Continue up,  which apparently is harder than the first bit and at least 2.5 hours for those who can run a marathon.  I choose to enjoy myself rather than make a group of complete strangers carry my body off the mountain.  I wave them off and sit my ass down.  I watch other hikers come and go;  imaging what brought them here today.  I have to say,  the majority of them were doing the same as me; resting up and heading back down.  Felix had recommended an alternate path down,  so I got a more rounded view.  Anything other than staring at my shoes willing my feet to keep moving was going to be fabulous.  Before I headed down,  I took time to meditate on my incredible good fortune.  Here I am in a gorgeous part of the world with only myself to please. Gratefulness doesn't seem enough. 
I decided to take my time and savour every step and moment. Be in the presence of this incredible natural wonder around me.   It has been a long time since I have been out in nature by myself. I was rewarded within  the first couple of minutes with a fantastic swinging bridge.  All to myself. As I kept going I felt completely at easy surrounded by flowers,  birds, and the occasionally gecko-like creature.  Everyone who passed by had a friendly "Ola".  Some questioned my solo travelling style.  Or so my limited Spanish leads me to believe. 
I found a great lookout spot to stop for lunch.  A ham and cheese sandwich never tasted so good with such a majestic view.
As the parking lot below came into sight,  I became aware of an incredible humming sound all around me.  I was standing in a huge field of full bloom clover.  It was alive with bees.  Apparently honey is a big industry here.  I was amazing to be in a sea of flowers and busy bees.  Honey,  yum.  Crap,  hungry again. 
I finally emerged at the starting point.  It might not have been the "walk" that g adventures advertised,  but it was the best 5 hours I've had in a long time. 
I decided I deserved a well earned treat.  Café con letche and slice of apple and current pie.  Perfecto!
The rest of the group arrived a couple of hours later completely wiped out.  They had fun,  but I know I had the best this place had to offer me. Gracias Parque Aguas de Ramon. 
Tomorrow is an eight hour bus ride from Santiago across the border to Mendoza,  Argentina.  Hopefully that will be an uneventful ride into the land of wine.

Pisco sours and earthquakes

At 4:30 this morning everything was very jiggly. The walls creaked and the bed shook. I was suddenly taken back to my days in Japan when I experienced earthquakes on a somewhat regular basis.I didn't hear any alarms or people panicked on the street,  so I just rolled over and figured "Welcome to Chile".
The hop on  / off tour did not disappoint.  Got me around with just enough details to make me feel well informed.  One thing I noticed was the unbelievable amount of street art there is in this city.  Beautiful pieces in all kinds of places.  I wish I had more time to explore and appreciate them. 
I funiculared up the main hill in the national park to see the Santuario Inmaculada Concepción. I love a good funicular.  From the top, it gives a fabulous view of the city which seams to stretch on through this huge valley. It was quite foggy,  so no sights of the impressive Andes behind. I hiked down to enjoy some more of the views.  I had a few followers.  There are a lot of stray dogs in Santiago.  They kept me on track all the way back to the city. 
I had lunch in Barrio Bellavista.  Great atmosphere and lots of good options.  I was inaugurated with my first pisco sour. Yummers,  this will be the first of many I'm sure. 
My final tour stop was Mercado Central.  Got love a good market.  Lots of fish,  meats and veggies.  Making hungry again.  I walk back to the hotel via Plaza des Armes. A stunning cathedral with full mass underway was a lovely respite from the heat. 
Tonight I met the rest of the tour group.  Good bunch by the looks of it.  There are seven of us in total.  All Canadian girls,  save one guy from the US and one from the UK.  Plus our Peruvian tour guide, Fredy. 

Santiago day 1

Arriving through the clouds to look out over the snow capped mountains.  The jaggedness of the Andes is apparent even at 20,000 feet. 
Went with my instincts and booked a hop on /off bus tour for tomorrow.  Perfect way to feel out the top spots.  Since I only have one day in the city I needed a fast way to see it all. 
Got settled into my hotel room.  One of the smallest I have ever been in,  and I have travelled extensively.  Let's call it cosy.  Nice shower,  quick regrouping of the essential and off I went to explore. 
I barely had to go two blocks before I came across a city park, Santa Lucia Hill and Gardens, with all kinds of cool nooks and crannies.  Although I have to think that perhaps all of Santiago is in heat,  because most of the nooks were a rockn' with Chilean lovers.  Sheeish! The mood is heightened by wafting honeysuckle.  The whole place smells so sweet.  Makes me hungry and since I only had a handful of m&ms for lunch,  I'm getting a grumbly tummy.  Oh,  look... ice cream!
That tided me over to finish my stroll through the neighbouring streets.  Then back to the hotel for a rest,  my feet need to get used to all this work. 
Sorry,  to say my first real meal in Chile was Peruvian.  But,  damn it was good.  Steak on a bed of creamy fettuccine, not a vegetable in sight.  All washed down by a few yummy Peruvian beers.  I will need to balance that out tomorrow.  But for now,  I'm heading back to the hotel with a warm belly for a good night's rest.  Buenos nochas.