Soon after we decided to take this trip, Arlen gave me Rosetta Stone- Spanish Chapters 1 – 3 for my birthday (April 27th). In the next 8 months we completed only a few Spanish lessons as busy work schedules and travel planning always seemed to take presendence. After landing in Santiago, Chile and realizing we were in a city with a population of 6 million and were the only people who speak English, we realized this may not have been the best decision. Needless to say, we sucessfully made it from the Santiago airport to our apartment via bus and 2 subways. After taking a much needed nap we ventured out to explore the city.
Best part of the day: While venturing through the city we found a huge park with a big “hill” and walkways and bike paths to the top. We made the 45 minute hike to the top and were able to see how vast and expansive Santiago really is, and even catch a sunset view on the way down.
Other random thoughts: 1) there are stray dogs everywhere – most are roaming the street or napping, but upon closer look I saw one that was dead 2) Chileans show all their emotions, including PDA, couples are making out all over parks and public street corners and 3) no one speaks English.
Top floor of our apartment in Santiago – looking over the city
From the top of Cerro Santa Lucia (park in the center of Santiago). We called it “Lovers Lane” as dozens of couples were laying on the grass making out : )
We made it to the top of San Cristobal Hill!
Beautiful sunset!
And another . . .
Karen studying aboard . . . Barrio de Belle Vista – this barrio is a ghost town during the day and really comes to life at night
Our next day we caught the AndesMar bus which took us over the Andes Mountains and into Mendoza, Argentina (about a 7.5 hour bus ride). This bus ride is famous for the winding curves (29 to be exact) which get you over the Andes Mountains and into Argentina. At the top of the mountain the bus breaks for a quick trip through Argentina border customs (2 hours) before heading down the other side of the mountains. Well, after our stop we realized that there was something wrong with the bus. Since all instructions are spoken in Spanish, we hear a translation from another passanger that something may be wrong with the brakes. Not comforting. Either way, after a short wait, we are herded back onto the bus with the assurance that the bus’s suspension may be out instead and the brakes are okay. Apparantly we don’t need suspension to get down the other side, it will just be bumpy. With not many other options we hop on and after watching the movie “Hall Pass” on the bus (in English!) pull into Mendoza. We made it!
It’s a 7 hour bus ride, what else to do but take pictures?
Karen making friends with the locals
This is how you get to the top of the Andes – 29 curves!
- Chilean Flag at the top of the Andes
At the top, made it to Argentina!
Next up: Mendoza wine country!
Karen
PS: Thanks to Arlen for all the great shots (he made me write that 
)
Sounds exciting! Love the update. Buy me shot glasses!
Lisa
Once I figure how to ship anything home, and how much it costs, I will definitely try! Karen
Sounds like a great adventure. I can relate well to broken down buses and dead dogs with my time in Mongolia. Makes you realize how much American’s love their animals.
haha, I’m sure this is just the beginning. . .
Hi Arlen and Karen, Your blog is great , your future as a travel show commentator has a good start Karen. Good job on the pictures, nice quality and variety Arlen . What arid looking mountains .You’ve
gotten a smooth start on your adventure.
Happy wine tasting in Mendoza country. We will be watching the the blog . Love Pat
Thanks Pat! We have a ways to go before our travel show, but it’s a work in progress. We’ll try to post a video soon so you can let us know if we have what it takes.