Back To Santiago

This is La Casa Chueca.

November 13, 2009

Talca - Santiago

We headed back to Talca via the incredible dirt road and later cycling lanes.

After arriving at the bus station we got our tickets. From Santiago to Talco, our tickets were 6,400 pesos (about $20) paid by VISA plus 3,000 pesos for the bikes; the return fare was 7,000 pesos (cash only) but no bike charge. More of an art than a science...

Once we were in Santiago, we went to the second bus terminal (international) and bought our tickets for Uspallata for 24,000 pesos. Disturbingly, none of our VISA cards worked so we paid cash.

We headed back to the hostel following the bike lane along the boulevard and several parks. We have traveled this route several times and have seen some of the same street people on every trip. One man is sleeping by the bike lane; an old woman is sitting in the shade, reading a bible, her hand extended for donations. Every park is filled with couple making out - the time of day doesn't matter.

We have seen a number of demonstrations and wildcat strikes. No one can go to the local wilderness park - the workers have barracaded the gate and have set up a sound system that blasts Chilean music. There is an election looming for president and senate. we see signs everywhere (on walls, roofs,and along the bike lanes on Alameda).

I was having brake problems and stopped a passing cyclist for information regarding bike shops. After listening to my pitiful spanish for a few minutes, he asked, in english, "Where do you want to go?" I explained and he indicated that we should follow him. Victor, his name, is a sixth year engineering studentwho took us to the Engineering student union building where there is a bike workshop. He replaced my faulty brake pad and led us to a cross street with a bike lane that took us to back to our hostel. We gave the student workshop a 5,000 peso donation.

Karen is addicted to the local strawberries and stopped to buy some.

After arriving at the hostel, I gathered our laundry and headed to Roncagua and the laundry. What didn't know is that thetreet name changes and Vicuna MacKenna (our street). I went by it but was saved by the fruit salesman (see above) who redirected me. The combined laundry/dry cleaners was air conditioned and the attendant did everything but fold my clothes.

We headed back to Bellavista and after sometime decide to go to Galindo again. We have had great Chilean food here. Tonight was no exception; my beef filet and fries were great, as were Karen's reinata and salad.

At the hostel, we packed everything in anticipation of our bus trip in the morning.