Sunday, May 30, 2010
My Giant
This was at an authentic Terracota Warrior exhibit held at the Museum located directly under La Moneda.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
A Santiago Must.
You know how when you go to New York City you have to see the Statue of Liberty or in Paris the Eiffel Tower is a can't miss? Well, in Santiago we have those too, though to a way less cooler extent. This post will be focusing on Plaza de Armas and La Plaza de la Constitución.
First, Plaza de Armas is a very important and historical square, located in the city center, which has been around since the days of the colonies. Various major churches, office buildings, museums and the Central Post Office are located in the square. Plaza de Armas, cultural and tourist center that it is, is the place where dozens of public folkloric activities and/or performances are held. For instance, Andre and I have attended the Santiago Book Fair, some local Cueca shows (the national dance) and saw a one off performance of the Nut Cracker by the National Ballet Company, back in December; all at Plaza de Armas.
This was an amazing performance celebrating a Mapuche (Chile's native people) holiday. The music was loud, the colors were vibrant and the dancing was contagious. This was the most fun we had that weekend.
Then you have Plaza de la Constitución, home to La Moneda; Chile's Presidential Palace.
The area is not particularly interesting at first glance, but do a little research and you'll uncover some interesting facts. For example, did you know that during the Pinochet led military coup of 1973, he bombed La Moneda to get to Allende? There is also an astoundingly large museum directly under La Moneda which often hosts very important exhibits. Some recent ones include, a large Frida Kahlo & Diego Rivera collection and an ancient Chinese art expo which featured as its highlight various authentic Terracota Warriors.
The actual Plaza de la Constitución is found directly behind La Moneda and it's really just a park, albeit a nice one. It's clean, has a lovely water fountain, a few statues scattered along the lawn, a myriad of flags and a great view of the back and inside of La Moneda.
One of the most striking things of living in Chile is the overwhelming police presence. In most places, my inner revolutionary would immediately burst into an outraged rant, but not here. Chile has a reputation for being one of the safest countries in Latin America and that is mostly due to the Carabineros. The Chilean police organization is famous for its strictness and incorruptibility.
They are extremely conscious of their public image, which is why they are always polite, dressed immaculately and aren't allowed to even smoke a cigarette while in uniform because it sends the wrong message. After living in DR, NYC and BA, this is the first time I can say I have a true sense of safety as offered by the city or country.
Why do I bring this up? Well, you can imagine that La Moneda, being the Presidential Palace and an invaluable historical landmark, is pretty well guarded on any regular day. But what about when a foreign dignitary pays a visit? Thankfully, I had the good fortune to witness and photograph such an occasion. Enjoy.
Here we have now ex-President Bachelet hosting a visit by Paraguayan President Fernando Lugo.
First, Plaza de Armas is a very important and historical square, located in the city center, which has been around since the days of the colonies. Various major churches, office buildings, museums and the Central Post Office are located in the square. Plaza de Armas, cultural and tourist center that it is, is the place where dozens of public folkloric activities and/or performances are held. For instance, Andre and I have attended the Santiago Book Fair, some local Cueca shows (the national dance) and saw a one off performance of the Nut Cracker by the National Ballet Company, back in December; all at Plaza de Armas.
This was an amazing performance celebrating a Mapuche (Chile's native people) holiday. The music was loud, the colors were vibrant and the dancing was contagious. This was the most fun we had that weekend.
Then you have Plaza de la Constitución, home to La Moneda; Chile's Presidential Palace.
The area is not particularly interesting at first glance, but do a little research and you'll uncover some interesting facts. For example, did you know that during the Pinochet led military coup of 1973, he bombed La Moneda to get to Allende? There is also an astoundingly large museum directly under La Moneda which often hosts very important exhibits. Some recent ones include, a large Frida Kahlo & Diego Rivera collection and an ancient Chinese art expo which featured as its highlight various authentic Terracota Warriors.
The actual Plaza de la Constitución is found directly behind La Moneda and it's really just a park, albeit a nice one. It's clean, has a lovely water fountain, a few statues scattered along the lawn, a myriad of flags and a great view of the back and inside of La Moneda.
One of the most striking things of living in Chile is the overwhelming police presence. In most places, my inner revolutionary would immediately burst into an outraged rant, but not here. Chile has a reputation for being one of the safest countries in Latin America and that is mostly due to the Carabineros. The Chilean police organization is famous for its strictness and incorruptibility.
They are extremely conscious of their public image, which is why they are always polite, dressed immaculately and aren't allowed to even smoke a cigarette while in uniform because it sends the wrong message. After living in DR, NYC and BA, this is the first time I can say I have a true sense of safety as offered by the city or country.
Why do I bring this up? Well, you can imagine that La Moneda, being the Presidential Palace and an invaluable historical landmark, is pretty well guarded on any regular day. But what about when a foreign dignitary pays a visit? Thankfully, I had the good fortune to witness and photograph such an occasion. Enjoy.
Here we have now ex-President Bachelet hosting a visit by Paraguayan President Fernando Lugo.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
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