10/10 addendum from Jim

Well, thought I'd add my 10 pesos (i.e., 2 cents) worth -- gee we feel rich with these 10,000 peso bills that are worth $20. Anyway, Santiago is one of the prettiest cities we have visited -- lots of parks, tree lined streets, fountains -- very European feeling -- and a background of the snow-capped Andes. Did the city tour this morning (including a painful stop at a lapus lazuli place -- lapus is only found in Chile and Afghanistan, so of course M. had to shop for jewelry here and guess that is better than a trip to Afghanistan. right now). Then we went down town and toured on foot. Went to the presidential palace. The Chileans decided pres. makes enough to pay own rent, so it is only an office now, but all can just walk thru. We even peeked into the outer office of the president but did not see her. She commutes like everyone else. Heard lots about Alliende and the coup (buildings around still have a few shell marks) on 9/11/8? when the military and Gen.Pinochet backed by the US threw out the elected govt. Then we strolled down to the main city square and enjoyed the beautiful spring day watching the pigeons and the kids at play. Then took the metro (subway) back to hotel and taxi to the Catholic University of Santiago Clinic for some embarassing photos. Tonight we had a quiet evening -- found a newly opened cafe near the hotel and had the most wonderful 4-cheese pizza we've had since Roma and maybe even better. The owner had just come from NYC, so we enjoyed talking with him and promised to reccommend the place to our tour director. Tomorrow we get out of Santaigo to go over to the coast to Vina del Mar and Valpariso so that should be fun. Then it is on further south the next day.