Santiago…Parte Dos!

Over our next several days in Santiago we covered many if the highlights and gems of the city.
Our 1st stop:
The colorful neighborhood of Bella Vista.

This artsy part of Santiago holds music, art, freedom, and expression as its foundation. Strolling this neighborhood is a can’t miss for me if you ever find yourself in Santiago.  

Maybe it was the gorgeous weather, colorful buildings, or the ease of which I felt comfortable, but this neighborhood felt like Austin to me. And in that moment we stopped,  grabbed a michelada, and welcomed that feeling;) 

This colorful district is also the proud owner of one of Pablo Neruda’s 3 famous homes.
“I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where. I love you simply, without problems or pride: I love you in this way because I do not know any other way of loving but this, in which there is no I or you, so intimate that your hand upon my chest is my hand, so intimate that when I fall asleep your eyes close.” – Pablo Neruda

Look him up….he’s a poet…and he’s awesome;)

Our next stop:
The Vega Mercado
In this partially open air market you can find just about anything you might want. From tools to school supplies to toiletries, you can wheel and deal your afternoon away. The main attraction here though is the fresh food!!! The gigantic fruit and vegetable stands will have your fingers ready to pick and your tongue ready to taste!

With every turn of your head, all you could see was a rainbow of colors!!

TIP: Do not miss out on buying paltas (avocados) here. We bought one bigger than my hand!!! Es MUY delicioso!!! 

And our last stop:
Santa Lucía District
This little area holds 2 things you should not miss! First, the Terraza Neptuno.

This fountain holds an old beauty that non of my pictures truly does any justice. Adorned with 2 attached staircases that act as the wings to this fountain…makes it so angelic.

And directly behind Terraza Neptuno lies Cerros de Santa Lucía.

This walk up to the top will take you about 15-20 mins but at the top awaits one of the best views of the city.
CAUTION: The steps are pretty steep and are basically just rocks,  but if you use the handrail and walk carefully you should be just fine;)

AT THE TOP! Sweaty and slightly winded we were rewarded with this view;)  You can faintly see the snow capped Andes Mountains looking over the city.

Going down is just as dangerous…but you gotta get a pic right?!?

***Our time in Santiago is up and we must go, but this city will stay with me. VAMOS!