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Santiago Travel Guide
Since the last few decades, the steady growth of Chile's economy has turned Santiago into one of the most prosperous and modern cities in Latin America. In fact, it accounts for nearly 45 percent of the country's entire GDP. Today, the city is a maze of high-rise architecture, modern suburbs, and superb shopping complexes. Perhaps the most telling sign of the city's progress is the Santiago Metro, the most extensive railway system in the continent which is used by 2.4 million people every day.
Santiago is also blessed with a spectacular setting, surrounded by the snow-capped Andes Mountains. This blessing, though, is somewhat of a curse as well. While its location may be good for sightseeing, it also has a tendency to trap pollution, something the city has plenty of. This causes the occasional incidence of smog. The city makes up for its noise and dirt with its quirky attitude, however.
Cultural Experience
Much like the rest of Chile, Santiago's culture is known for having heavy Spanish influences. Of course, the Santiago people speak Spanish and believe in Christianity, but it is in their festivals where this is most evident. These include such celebrations as the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and San Sebasti Feast Day.
A definite highlight is meeting the so-called “huasos” of the city - Chile's answer to the American cowboys. The cuisine is something to try out, especially at Santiago's Mercado Central, where some of the city's finest restaurants can be found. It also helps that the Chilean seafood is considered to be one of the best in the planet.
Activities Galore
Santiago is not just a place for staying the night and sightseeing. It is a place for action as well. Shopping in the city is perhaps the best in the country, with opportunities to buy traditional Chilean craft, fashion accessories, and modern goods. The nightlife is lively and buzzing, especially at Calle Pio Nono and Barrio Brasil.
A staple among tourists, though, is exploring the beautiful nature lying just by the city's outskirts. The Andean terrain is ideal for the avid adventurers, wherein one can go hiking, white-water rafting, mountain climbing, and skiing.
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News from http://news.ph.msn.com/top-stories/article.aspx?cp-documentid=3737940 Richard Branson unveiled Monday a commercial spaceliner offering tourists a cheaper chance to experience the thrill of weightlessness and view the splendor of the Earth from space. The British billionaire hopes to offer tickets aboard his spacecraft at a cost of 200,000 dollars each, giving adventurous ... Read full Blog post
Indonesia Eco Tourism
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San Gimignano and San Pellegrino
Night falls on the flourishing and industrious San Gimignano, its 72 towers stand on the low roofs of the houses lit by the moon. This is not a luxury travel spot but is something you don't see every day. In the distance the clatter of hooves echoed tired in the Via Francigena. The hand of the blacksmith stops beating, the frame of the weaver becomes silent, the streets of the tank only a concert ... Read full Blog post
An Aerial fiesta in Clark Pampanga
Its a party in the sky as multi colored hot air balloons piloted ny different pilots from various partso of the world participated in this annual gathering. As early as 5am, the 2,500 hectare aviation complex at Clar Economic Zone in Pampanga was already crammedi with excitement. Clusters of hot air balloon participants busily prepare their own balloons for liftoff as they need to take advantage of ... Read full Blog post
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