Sketch and photograph of the monastery apse
These past few days in Santiago really have been quite an experience. One of the things I had wished to do as we came here was to really become immersed in the daily life of the city as we explored its many neighborhoods. So far I would say that has been fully met. The free time we’ve been allotted, as well as the sites we have been fortunate enough to visit, have really made an immense impact on my personal experience in Santiago. First, the visit to Plaza de Armas was engaging to witness the local populace at the heart and life blood of city. During free time that same day it was captivating to reach the summit of Santa Lucia. The wind; the view; the overall atmosphere was a treasuring moment. The Benedictine Monastery was also a solemn experience, but while exploring through the back gardens it offered some of the grandest views I have yet seen. On another note, visiting Adolfo Ibañez and Universidad Catolicá were a unique time since we were able to witness the operations of not one, but two architecture programs and their comparisons with Knowlton. That same day the Parque Bicentenario was another treat that I was thankful to enjoy. The beautiful park was filled with numerous people and it’s rolling landscape offered and a fitting transition between the highway into downtown to offer a secluded reserve in the metro area. Finally, now that we’re headed off to Valparaiso to visit Pablo Neruda’s house, who before this trip was the only Chilean person I had ever heard of, as well as the beach, I am very much looking forward to setting my feet into the Pacific Ocean for the second time, and hopefully treat myself to some nice seafood.