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There is a huge art exhibition being staged
outdoors in one of the city's most prestigious squares.
This enormous monochromatic backdrop has more to the eye than
first seems. It has some colour fringes which led me to believe that it
should be viewed through those 3D glasses with one red and one greeny blue
lens. This policeman clearly was not so equipped. |
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Art takes many forms, and some of the forms on display
are designed to provoke shock, horror, disgust or a combination of all
three! |
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Mavis, look behind you! |
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Quite. |
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Into the grounds of the Presidential palace... |
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...where the well dressed military personnel are ready to
oblige tourists. |
'In Santiago at the Presidential Palace you
call our "Carabineros" or Policeman "Military Personnel": Our Policemen wear
an olive green uniform our military wear usually a slate gray uniform.' [a
correction from a site visitor which I am happy to put right]
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Our tour also included a visit to the city's
impressive museum where we were brought up to speed on Chile's history. |
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Back in the Plaza, colourfully dressed
children are everywhere.
Colour is important to Chileans, in their
costume and their homes, as we were to see in the south of the country. |
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Chile is, of course, a Spanish speaking Catholic country.
Note the juxtaposition of old and new between an ancient cathedral and a new
office block. |
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Inside the Cathedral, the richness of texture, colour and
careful lighting are immediately apparent. |
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Old and new together.
Far right: A magnificent frontage to the
main Post Office: Correo Central. |
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Our tour takes us to a high point in the
city. Unfortunately, it ain't such a great view today. You can see one big
city, though. The population has increased from about 1 million in the early
1950's to about 7 million at the time of writing.
It's a popular spot for energetic bikers,
though. |
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Our first meal in the city is delicious.
Once again, it's thanks to Paula's personal recommendation.
The Presidential Palace by night.
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The city's scrupulously clean Metro. |
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The 8 o'clock clock. |
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