March 22, 2008 - Mendoza, Argentina & Santiago, Chile

March 22, 2008 - Mendoza, Argentina
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I woke up later than expected but was ready and finished with breakfast by 8 AM. I paid up 550 Pesos (US$180) for my 5-night stay here and requested a taxi to take me to the Bus terminal. A Taxi arrived in less than 3 minutes and I was at the Bus Terminal by 8:20 AM. Today, I am being an INDIAN! The Taxi driver wanted some INDIAN Coins from me. I told him that India does not allow Indian Currency to be taken out of the country. Although it is a TRUE Statement, it is observed in breach!

I educate the Cabbie on the 25+ states in India with each state having its own language and cultural traditions. He is surprised. I have educated an Argentina in a small way for today.

I ran into Michel and Lisa (Swiss couple from my SALTA Trip) at the Bus terminal. They were also travelling to Santiago along with their Son - who has been travelling South America on a bicycle. Of course, he was taking the bus for the trip to Santiago!

They were travelling on the same bus as I was. We chatted until departure time. I was seated in the Cama Section while they took the Semi-Cama section. Of the 9 Cama seats, 6 were taken.

We traversed the same route I had taken 4-days earlier to visit Cristo Redentor and Puente del Inca. While other took pictures, I watched with bemusement :) (feels good to be snooty!)

The Andes is one of Nature's magnificent creations. I loved seeing it again for the Second time in a week. After passing Cristo Redentor, we came across the Argentine-Chilean Border tunnel. We crossed the tunnel, entered Chile and stopped at the Immigration centre 2 kilometres later and completed the Argentine (exit) and Chilean (Entry) formalities.

As always one of my gadgets was a cause for concern - this time it was my Tripod. I was asked to produce a receipt for it. I told them that I was from the US (as evidenced by my passport) and that I am not carrying the receipt with me and have been travelling for 4 months (as could also be evidenced by the first Chilean entry visa dated December 2007). I was let go. There was no hand examination of all my possessions like what happened at Puerto Natales and Punta Arenas. All bags were X-rayed here and only suspicious ones (like mine) were asked to be opened.

The descent from the Andes on the Chilean Side was lovely. I took as many pictures as I could. During this ride, I also finally finished Bruce Chatwin's "Travels in Patagonia". It is definitely a good read - if you can finish it in 2 or 3 sittings. We were served Lunch on the bus as well (those seated in the CAMA section). Lunch was HAM and CHEESE Sandwich along with a Soda. I went upstairs to the SEMI-CAMA Section where Michel and Lisa were seated and gave them my Sandwich. I had the Soda and a bag of Chips for Lunch!

We started seeing a lot of Vineyards as we progressed towards Santiago.

March 22, 2008 - Santiago, Chile
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We reached Santiago bus terminus at 4 PM. I bid adieu to Michel and Lisa and their Son. I took a taxi to my Hostel - Rio Amazonas. The cost was 2850 pesos - US$7 approximately. The Hostel looked like a dump from the road, but is a 100+ year old historic building with terrific interiors. I am paying 13,500 Pesos (US$ 29 Approx.) per night for a Single room with Private bathroom and breakfast.

I headed out of the Hostel around 5:15 PM and headed to the Plaza de Armas which was packed with people. However, all shops here were closed. I walked to the suburb of Bella Vista. I passed by the Zoo there and took the funicular railway to the top. There was way too much smog for a decent view of Santiago from the top. I took the funicular back down and walked around Bella vista. I found a very nice wine shop (El Mundo del Vino) and purchased a Map detailing the Chilean wine growing regions.

I headed to the Indian Restaurant located within the Majestic Best Western Hotel for dinner. While the food was standard issue Indian, I had a TRAPICHE CARMENERE Reserve (2006) that had a light nose, 13.5 % Alcohol content, was Medium Bodied with a Medium finish. Overall the dinner and wine were all right.

I walked the 8-10 blocks back to the hostel. The front desk clerk was quite helpful with assistance on Wineries and Vegetarian Restaurants. The hotel provides free e-mail for a maximum of 30 minutes (or was it 15?). I had a quick check of my e-mail, before going to bed.