Bellevista an Arty Barrio

It was a gloomy Saturday afternoon in Santiago so we decided to get out and shake it up a little. We drove to the funky barrio of Bellevista which is about 4 miles from where we live. This community caters to artist and features sidewalk cafes. We started our adventure in the European building which was built in the early 1900's by a French family and was later remodeled by a Russian family. It now houses little shops where artists sell their wares. We had a great visit with a Chilean man who had spent some years in the San Francisco area. He shared a little of the history of the house which is still owned by the widow of the Russian owner.

This is an example of the residences in the neighorhood. It is so charming and inviting. This neighborhood is quiet compared to other areas of the city. The streets are narrow and there are few cars.

Every available surface is used to artistically.

Even the fences are works of art.

We had lunch on the patio of Pablo Neruda's historic home site. He is a much loved poet who was very liberal and self focused. Some would not agree with my assessment. He has historic houses all over Chile, filled with his various collections of neat stuff.

This is a mosaic. These street art projects pop up everwhere in the barrio.

The federal police are on horses here which adds to the charm. Oh! Santiago, we are going to miss you!

Where friends meet.

These guys belong in the zoo. Which happens to be just up the hill from the barrio.

No day is complete without stopping at a side walk cafe for dessert. This little treat cost us about $6 each for an ice cream sundae. Everything here is mucho dinero.

This is Gail and Bryce shopping for finger puppets. Usually, Bryce isn't a shopper but he went crazy for these little things. He must be thinking about his little ones at home. I know he can hardly wait to get home and be with them all again.

This could have been a good picture. Instead it is a great picture because it caught who we really are. He is a clown and I keep him in line..... most of the time.

TO THE TOP OF THE ANDES

On a Saturday afternoon we and the Schows decided it was time to take a closer look at the Andes. For over a year, these mountains have watched over us bravely showing through the smog. The climate in this part of Chile is temperate so even in the winter the temperatures are not sever. It is a desert climate so you do not see evergreen trees. In fact, the mountains appear brown and somewhat barren.

Gail and I stop for a photo op the the way up the mountain.

Their trusty little car did a great job of getting us to the top and back.

In the city we have street dogs. In the mountains they have street horses. They actually belong to someone but roam the mountain like wild horses.

This looked like lots of fun. He had on skiis and landed smoothly and collected his chute.

Look closely and you will see the ski lines. North Americans come to Chile in the summer to ski in the Andes. You need to be really brave to do it though. Because the road up is narrow, windy, and has no guard rails. Happy driving!! Wouldn't do it for the world with snow on the road.

Once you get to the top you are greeted with all sorts of development related to skiing. Lots of condos and hotels.

It feels like you are at the top of the world. The mild temperatures make even winter skiing a pleasure I am told.

On the way down we stopped in investigate this. It turns out it is an ancient rock shelter.

These archeologist are pulling out artifacts that date to 7000 years ago. Mostly arrow heads.

The workers were students and teachers. They actually interviewed us to see how we responded to the site. I would say I would prefer the hotel on the top of the mountain to the rock shelter any day. It is an interesting piece of history and needs to be preserved.

On the way down to encountered several street cows also. This fine animal is lovely and seemed as interested in us as we were in her.

Santa Cruz and Pichilemu

We were invited to return to the Rancagua Mission during October to present at zone conferences. President Resek wanted our return visit to be interesting so he booked us at a quaint hotel in Santa Cruz which is a popular tourist get away.

This hotel is owned by two couples who have filled it with collections of antiques. They served a hearty breakfast and had a warm fire going in the evenings. It was a charming place.

We had lunch at a historic ranch which is now the play ground of the rich. It was off season so we had the place to ourselves.

Everwhere you looked there was some view to delight the eye.

The flowers were dazzling. So are the seniors standing under them.

We were the only ones using this private dining room. There was a warm fire burning in the fireplace. We and the Dixons enjoyed a quiet lunch.

This was dessert. In Chile it is all about presentation.

The cooks are in the middle and the waiters on the ends. They did a great job.

About an hour or so from Santa Cruz is Pichilemu on the coast. It is famous for surfing. And if you look closely at the picture you will see two people with surf boards down on the rocks.

This coastal area is very windy and has many cacti growing along the shores.

This local Catholic church in the country is a peaceful scene.

This is a common site in Chile. These are working riggs that haul all sorts of stuff.

This minature cathedral is actually a crypt. It is beautiful in its detail and design. It stood alone as a tribute to the departed family members. It is not part of a cemetery.