We arrived in Valparaiso Chile this morning. This port city is known for its steep funiculars, some made out of wood, and colorful cliff top and side homes. Valparaiso is the Chilean Naval Headquarters since 1817, and the second most populated region of Chile.
Left the city on a bus tour for the day in the capital city of Chile, Santiago. The Executive and Judicial branches of the Federal government are in Santiago and the Legislative branch is in Valparaiso because it was felt that the average could get to Valparaiso more easily to meet with their representatives. There were two coups attempts, the first in May 1973 that was not successful. There are plaques in the sidewalk outside the Presidential Palace to honor those who tried to protect President Allende during the coup. The second coup September 11, 1973 was successful. The Presidential palace was set on fire by bombing from the Chilean Air Force. It was felt that he died by suicide. See pics of the Presidential Palace, Department of Justice, their version of Wall Street. Another interesting fact is that the Chilean flag with the Presidential crest always flies over the Presidential Palace whenever the President is in the country, not necessarily in the palace.
Also we visited a cathedral with Mass in progress, but apparently Chilean people are not as religious as those in other Latin American countries. (You may want to fact check me on this information). I was able to put a 1000 pesos note into the bucket of a begger outside the church. I found this note on the street a few blocks back.
Next we visited an artist Mercado and Joan was able to buy an alpaca wool poncho. Lunch was in a food court, and as usual I had to sample a local cerveza with a pasta dish. What was I thinking?
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