Contrasts and the City

After spending only a week in Santiago, it has become evident that it is a city of contrasts. Buildings dating back to the colonial era stand alongside modern skyscrapers; dense urban communities abut acres covered with nothing but trees. Most upsettingly, desperately poor poblaciones lie alongside affluent neighborhoods. On Sunday, a sociologist highlighted this disparity during our bus tour of the numerous little boroughs found throughout the city.

Prior to departing, we shopped and lunched in Los Dominicos, a charming marketplace boasting handmade Chilean crafts. Not only did we browse through lapis lazuri jewelry, copper goods, and leather goods, but we also had the opportunity to see an unusual pet shop selling "pavo real" (or royal turkeys AKA peacocks for any anglophiles reading my blog).

We began in the most affluent region of the city, Vitacura, which boasts designer stores and highrise apartment buildings. However, the development is not overwhelmingly as lively green parks are interspersed throughout. This area is also home to the United Nations operations in the city and various consulates and embassies.

We continued onward and eventually arrived in my new hometown, Nunoa. While I was unable to see the actual apartment, I enjoyed seeing the surrounding neighborhoods. Shops and restaurants dot the region. According to the sociologist, it is also home to numerous professors and a square reminiscent of Harvard Square. Hopefully, it will have a vibe similar to that found near Tufts with a Chilean twist.

After visiting several more neighborhoods, we eventually arrived at one of the poorest poblaciones in the city. The shanties (for lack of a better word) lacked running water. Ironically, they also lacked electricity, although high tension wires literally ran through the middle of their houses. While the situation in such a neighborhood is obviously bleak, there seem to be a few bright spots. Without any reasons to stay inside, groups congregate and chat around outdoor fires. We also stumbled upon a soccer game played with obvious intensity and passion on a dirt field. Soccer, or more accurately futbol, is obviously loved throughout Chile. We rarely venture anywhere without encountering an impromptu game. Although I enjoy seeing these games, it bothers me slightly that girls never seem to be playing given the proven benefits of athletics in both physical and emotional development.


Monday, we attempted to gain a better understanding of the economic realities resulting in the sharp social divisions highlighted in the tour. An economist and a former Chilean presidential candidate each spoke for several hours on Chilean economics and the challenges facing the nation as it attempts to develop into a more equitable society without sacrificing environmental standards.

As the charlas proved complex, all were grateful to finally have some free time to change money, buy cell phones, and explore the city a bit more independantly. I joined several others in running errands and climbing to the top of Cerro Santa Lucia for some incredible views of the city below.

Last but not least...more pictures!
Aconcagua Valley: http://picasaweb.google.com/ChristyChile/AconcaguaValley#