Santiago 1

We touched down earlier than scheduled this morning after the long flight from Madrid but waiting for a stand eat into part of that and then getting through immigration and customs saw to the rest.  Part of which was our fault as we had not filled in the customs form that was needed and were told so when we got to the front of the queue. The solution - go back, fill out the form and start queuing again! We were delivered to our hotel, which seems to be a pleasant small affair in a quiet district; the only iffy thing is that we have been given Room 13 (no time to be superstitious).  We freshened up and then set out on a wander round Santiago.  Some bits we remembered from our previous visit; others we did not.  The cathedral is buried under scaffolding and plastics as it is undergoing renovation; the main museum is closed for January!  We did go to the central market where there was a lot of fish and to the government area which has plenty of civic buildings in a 'colonial' style.  There are plenty of French influences and the train termini have a European look to them.  The central area is well flagged - loads on flagpoles and draped on buildings.  What we think is the former parliament building is well guarded by the army (and a cavalry regiment with boots and spurs) and has an array of flag poles on either side and on the main road near it is a flag of humungous proportions!  The change of temperature from home took its toll - it hit 35 degrees this afternoon.  So we strolled back along the river to the hotel for a breather before we look to go out for dinner.  A 6 a.m. pick up tomorrow is looming - but that should not be too bad on our first morning here.

We found a local wine bar/restaurant (eventually) this evening called Bocanariz.  Had an excellent Malbec (no, a Chilean one, not Argentinian) and a T-bone steak.  Perfect end to the day really.  The wine waiter used some gadget to get oxygen through the wine - made pouring it an art form!