Back in the late 1800's the mayor of Santiago wanted to do something with a pile of rocks, really a small mountain, in the middle of the city. It was considered an eyesore and troubled the sensitivities of the city fathers. Also, back in the 1500's Pedro De Valdivia, the father of Chile, had camped at the very spot so it also had some historic value. They came upon a plan to create a lovely and whimsical park. You see us here standing at the entrance of this park. Note the street dog at our feet. Chile has muchos perros everywhere. They are generally benign but soil the streets. Chile has guards everywhere. In order to enjoy this park you have to sign in and give them your Carnet which is sort of like a SS# in the US. Entrance is free however.
Nothing in the park is older than about 1880 but everything has been designed to look ancient. The park covers a very steep outcrop of rock and must have over a 1,000,000 steps. The steps are very uneven and dangerous. We climbed to the very top where the view of the city was wonderful. 
This is us after we reached the top and we don't look too exhausted so that speaks well for our healthy life style and youth and vigor!
This is the view from about half way up the trail. The park provides an escape from the noise and rush of the city. It is a favorite of lovers and everywhere we looked people were entwined in loving embraces. I didn't take pictures of that. 
Sadly, we noticed that many of the features of the park were falling into disrepair. We hope they don't let it crumble to dust and become the next generation's eyesore. 
These lilys grow like weeds in Santiago. This city has a slightly tropical feel to it with the palm trees and lush plants. Nothing freezes during the winter except the senior missionaries. When we arrived in winter there were some sad looking geraniums still blooming in the damp smog. But alas, summer has arrived and the grim winter is only a distant memory and a future dread. 
Children are the same everywhere. The amazing thing about the children here is that they speak such wonderful Spanish. If only we could. One of the things we miss the most is the opportunity to hold and love a little child. Grandchildren are the greatest sacrifice that a senior missionary makes!
One of the few advantages to living in a city of 7 million people is a metro system. They have a great method here called the BIP card, pronounced beep. You buy the card, after giving them your Carnet # or course, and you load the card with pesos. Then you use the card like a prepaid credit card and just scan it as you get on the metro (subway system) or bus. You can travel from one to the other or transfer to other busses within 90 minutes and there is no additional charge. 
The ride home is fast and efficient. Sometimes, the metro is so crowded that you literally get pressed in like a sardine in a can. Most North Americans find this very uncomfortable but the South Americans use it as a money making adventure. They either pick the pockets of the riders or entertain them with songs or instrumentals in the hope of a handout. Our ride home on this day was uneventful. Another day in paradise.
No comments:
Post a Comment