Smog, national pride and wine

I can hear jackhammers and traffic in the distance as I write this blog, but Calle Helvecia is quiet on this sunny Saturday morning here in Santiago.

A few things immediately stand out about the city: The smog that immediately stung my eyes and caused me to cough in the car leaving the airport yesterday morning is oppressive, the Andes loom over Santiago (when one can see them through the smog) and Chileans are extremely proud of their country and what it has accomplished over the last few years. The Chilean flag is prominently displayed at several intersections throughout Santiago. And even employees at the supermarket near our apartment have the flag sewn into their shirts.

From the point of view of someone who has never been to the country, Chileans are certainly looking towards the future. They want to prove to the world they are a force with whom to be reckoned. And one can easily conclude Santiago´s increasingly impressive skyline proves Chile has arrived.

BTW Chilean wine, apricots and cherries are three additional things that make Chile great!



Sunrise off the northern Chilean coastline.



The Andes as LAN 533 approaches Santiago.



Santiago from Andres´ cousin´s car.



The Andes foothills from the roof of our building just before sunset on Friday, Jan. 7.



The Andes foothills from the roof of our building just before sunset on Friday, Jan. 7.