May 7: Santiago

After awakening this morning, we spent 2 hours on a bus to visit Santiago, the capital city of Chile.  An incredible fact about Santiago is that about 42% of Chile’s population lives in and around the city, which manifested itself in bustling crowds and nearly endless streams of traffic.  We had dressed up for the occasion because we took the chance to tour the Santiago Stock Exchange, the largest stock exchange in Chile.  Within, we learned about the inner workings of the Chilean stock market, share trading, and free market business.

Here is a picture of me, Dave, and Jeff as stock brokers:

After this, we visited the Metropolitan Cathedral of Santiago, which exhibited stunning architecture and intricately crafted shrines.  

After this, we visited the Museum Nacional de Chile, where we were able to explore the history of the country.  It was interesting to see how varied Chilean history is and how Chileans embrace so many different cultural and political aspects.

Next we visited the extremely crowded Chilean market and ate lunch at Donde Augusto, an amazing seafood restaurant.  While we were eating, singers with guitars entertained us with traditional music.  At another table, an elderly couple ordered crab that cost the equivalent of $200 . . . wow!

After lunch, we visited La Moneda, the presidential palace.  Though the president no longer lives in La Moneda (this has been true since 1856), La Moneda does act as the center of government.  The president and the first ladies offices are located in the palace, along with offices for all of the ministers and advisors.  I was extremely surprised that we were allowed to tour while the president was going about his daily work within the building.  It seems that the role of the president in Chile is much more closely tied with the general public than the president in the US.  Also, the first lady has her own cabinet in order that she may organize social programs for the country.

Our final destination before returning to Viña del Mar was Cerro San Cristobal, which was probably the largest hill I have ever been on.  We took an incline to the top of the hill, upon which was situated an amphitheater and a statue of the virgin Mary.  It was interesting to me to see how important Catholicism is to the Chilean public, especially as I am a Jew.  Also the view of the city from the hill was amazing:

Ultimately, it was an incredible experience.  I can’t wait to continue tomorrow!