I can only blame my genetic predisposition to labeling broad swaths of the planet with the same cultural brushstroke for my misconceptions about Chile. As an American, when I think of South America certain images come to mind. Call it a form of cultural racism, but I can’t help it. I’m not exactly sure what I expected to find when I explored Santiago, Chile for the first time, but a beautiful and modern city was not on the short list of expectations I am sorry to say.
Driving around town I was mesmerized by the Spanish architecture juxtaposed against modern glass and steel buildings. It’s also a fiercely green city with parks and trees everywhere serving as the lungs of the city. Here is a look at my exploration of the city in photos, and I hope you’ll be as surprised as I was.
