"City of Blue Skies and Smiles " a Santiago Travel Page by SabrinaSummerville

Feeling just a little bit unnerved after the sniffer dogs in Valparaiso (see tips on that city - not yet built, but I'll come back and refresh when they're done), I faced Santiago with some slight trepidation.

Our post cruise coach glided through pretty countryside as we took the 90 minute journey from Valparaiso to Santiago and I found myself in a South American paradise.

My lasting memories with be of clear bright blue skies, fresh air, hot dry sun, beautiful buildings and millions of brightly coloured flowers.

After checking into my hotel I wandered out into the lush gardens, sighed, and thought "I could stay here forever."

As a City, Santiago is both sophisticated and stunning. Nowhere do you got the smoggy cloggy feeling that abounds in most other big Cities.

As you walk you are surrounded by historical buildings, beautiful scenery, abounding colour, and of course the towering Andes overlook it all.

There is a lot of "cuteness" about Santiago - from the bright yellow fire hydrants (pic attached) to the rickety bockety ramshackle news stands that look every bit like a shack but still busily ply their wares.