RECEPCIÓN A SANTIAGO!

IIPM PUBLICATION

Nestled amidst the astounding Andes, miles of mountains suddenly giving way to sea-n-sand… and the rocky snow-scape to the verdure – that’s geography’s Gemini – the two faced Santiago! One of the fastest growing economies of South America, the largest city in Chile and its capital, Santiago (founded by conquistador Pedro de Valdivia in 1541) remained overshadowed by the Spanish dominance and stunted under the Peru viceroyalty… and though the scars of the Pinochet dictatorship still remain etched deep in its history, Santiago has finally come alive!

As you walk past the ancient ruins while treading upon the shadows of skyscrapers, you suddenly become witness to the old and the new world standing together. Indigenous markets with hawkers selling everything from pins to ‘Pisco Sours’, litter the streets, while street performances, music and art festivals carry on all days throughout summers! Such cultural and architectural diversity… and you were wondering where Santiago gets all its spirit from!?!

Lest Aunt Marge or little Joanne complain about returning home with nothing but tales for them, do not forget to visit the lively Los Dominicos market to hunt for those not-so-costly souvenirs. The place is suited particularly for the hind-sighted, for they’d surely have run bankrupt by the end of the budget trip. Do not be deceived by the looks of it mind you… the place isn’t as inexpensive as it seems! Nevertheless, a little knowledge of Spanish and a warm smile can startlingly help the prices go down!

Get going to Santiago all through the spring (September-November) to catch the perfect weather, though there’s really no time when the place doesn’t hand out a sight to behold! Mark an end to your trip with that heavenly (quite literally) dinner at the Camino Real where the city spread down below is like a star filled sky…. And at the end of it, even without you realizing it, you’ll magically be a part of this enchantment called Santiago!

For Complete IIPM Article, Click on IIPM Article

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2007

An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative