September 28, 2007
While walking around Buenos Aires and doing some local discovery, I shot a few pictures.
The first thing that you notice, is the amazing amount of beautiful women walking around.
And in the local eating establishments… They’re just everywhere…
Then there is the amazing architecture. You can see so many inflluences from other countries. This is the customs building.
A very french looking Department of Defense.
This is a statue to Christopher Colombus
This is the Central Mail office.
This is the Presidential Palace.
Nice view of the changing of the guard at the Presidential Palace. It’s nice to see some of the traditions.
Next month are the Presidential elections. There seems to be quite a few demonstrations. And, the local Police force is always ready to keep it peaceful.
Making sure that they put up a nice presence.
These guys are good. Very amiable and I enjoyed talking with them. I didn’t feel any tension or animosity. They were there for a show of force only.
The demonstrators gathered in the local plaza.
The demonstrators came armed as well. Many had baseball bats and heavy sticks. I’m guessing they were there for a show of force also… Though I felt a bit safer behind the police line… No violence, just a peaceable demonstration…
Capn Scott
September 19, 2007
You couldn’t have picked out a better day if you were given a choice. The skies were clear, the temperature was perfect and there was a perfect light breeze that opened up the flags just right. It seems that everyone was there. There was plenty of kite flying and kids playing. Over 500,000 people attended this parade.
The snowcapped Andes in the background really sets off the flag just perfect.
The press was there for interviews and coverage of the parade.
I’m not sure if this is supposed to be the way this works… The troops look at the horse, and the horse looks at the troops.
What’s a parade without marching bands?
An amazing amount of troops… All marching… Over 7,000 they say…
A military officer in full dress and a fine steed. Definitely a very macho look…
I’ve lived in many countries, but have never seen a President up close. Madame Presidente was so close at first, that I had to wait for her to get back into her vehicle for me to get the picture…
Now… That’s what I call a drum line…
These guys are a bit far from the water…
All in all a fantastic day. I’ve had a few request for more pics, so I’ve built a photo gallery and will be adding pics along the way. You can either click on the photo gallery link above the page, or click here
This is the Google Earth link for the parade grounds in Santiago, Chile
September 18, 2007
Figured I´d stroll around and find a festival… I ended up in Parque O´Higgins… Yep.. a good old irish name for a spanish park… (though, doesn´t beat the chinese restaurant in David named Don Jose)
There had to be over 10,000 people here.
There were local singing favorites…
A sign encouraging everyone to participate… I don´t think anyone needed any encouragement…
Okay… I want one of these for my back yard… With the outfit and all… (though… I didn´t get very close to him… I heard they bite…)
I stopped into one of the big tents to get a bite and enjoyed the dancing…
Lots and lots of dancing…
And everyone seemed to bring their own personal band…
Indians? a little unexpected… but I´m sure part of the culture…
Capn Scott
September 16, 2007
I arrive late on Saturday, and pretty much find a small restaurant and then retire to my hotel. On Sunday, I need to take care of a couple of necessities.I first purchase a pair of shoes that will be warm. These tropical sandals are just not gonna cut it. And, several pairs of socks. I haven´t worn socks for over 2 years. Then, my next purchase is a cell phone. And, during this time I begin snapping new pics.
Also, I seem to have arrived during the week of Patria. The time when all Chilenos celebrate their country…
The obligatory church shots…
I stroll through this mall and enjoy some of the dancing festivities of the week…
Great colors and great dancing…
They really have a formal look…
And, are definitely enjoying themselves…
The live band in the background is doing a great job…
Definitely a treat to watch…
Very cool… I think I´ve shown up at the right time… I wish I could say that I planned this…
Another great church in the center of town…
September 15, 2007
Ahhhhh… the day is here… I´m off to Chile…
So… I´ve taken alot of pics from an airplane… with pretty much none of them useable… Don´t know why I keep snapping the shots… thank goodness for digital…
Nice shot of the Andes…
The sun is getting ready to do the show…
We´re dropping down below this high level of clouds…
Amazing colors… and in between the levels of clouds with some of the smaller mountains and islands peeking through…
