Three days Santiago. Seems enough for me. It's a big city, yet an other one... Not bad, though. A bit smoggy at times, but mostly alright. Nothing wrong. Nice people. Liked it more at night, as my photographs may reflect. Nice museums - especially liked the one on pre-columbian cultures in South America (very good exhibits!).
Had a funny conversation with a nice Bolivian doctor last night in the restaurant who had come to Santiago for a Herbalife convention. Asked him what Herbalife was. Seems that I actually missed in the past that I urgently need the 84 special ingredients for my nutrition which only the Herbalife products contain! How I managed to get as old as I am is a miracle... The funniest part was when he explained to me how I could earn up to a million dollars and more a month by joining the "family"! Yet an other pyramid game. And fairly successful as far as I can tell from the number of "members" he mentioned (was it 900.000 worldwide?). In the restaurant were many other Herbalifters - from Chile, Colombia, Venezuela. Obviously making enough money from their distributions for long journeys to such "extravaganzas" as the convention was called. Very nice chap, the Bolivian doctor, but very fanatic, too. Dollar signs in his eyes... At least a free Spanish lesson for me.
Have been pondering an Aconcagua attempt for several days. Finally decided against it. Too much gear I would have to organize (rent or buy). Not a difficult climb in itself, but very cold - hence the equipment necessary (mountain tent, very warm sleeping bag - going to -30 degrees, plastic climbing boots, mittens, crampons, ice axe, and a lot more...). Too much effort. And then the altitude (i.e. time required to aclimatize...). But I am still tempted. Anyone possibly interested in changing my mind and teaming up?! Or any other (not too technical) mountain?
So today Valparaiso. First impression - OK. Yes, it is a nice city on funny hills. Yes, its architecture is slightly chaotic and relatively old, odd, and colorful. And a port. Impressed? Not so much. Nothing wrong, though. Good place to hang out for a while, I guess. At least smaller than Santiago, but still quite big. Staying with lovely Signora Maria, a tiny but very cozy room near the center. Good to have my own room for a while!
