There was a time in the U.S. when banning alcohol sales on Sundays was common. Welcome to an election Sunday in Santiago. As we understand it there is normally no such Sunday rule in Chile except on an Election Day, which is once every four years. Timing, as they say, is everything.
We think Sundays would typically be quiet anyway; only a handful of restaurants are normally open. We ran into one American who was bummed because a nearby watering hole run by some expats that normally would have been open and piping in the NFL via satellite had to close for the voting. I’m kind of bummed too; would have been cool to while away an hour or two in South America watching Norte Americano football. Oh well, at least we had the foresight to buy a bottle of wine at one of the wineries we visited yesterday.
We did do one of the “must-do” tourist things, which was to visit the shrine at San Cristobal, which is essentially a large statue of the Virgin Mary perched, big surprise, on the top of a mountain. The energetic, and there were many, biked or walked up. With many more days of touring to go, we opted for the funicular. Why are these shrines always on mountain tops? I guess to get the faithful closer to God. Or to make one really thirsty for a cerveza, which of course you can’t get because it’s an Election Day!Tomorrow we are off to the high desert, which was the point of this trip to begin with. We have an early call but looking forward to the next phase.
It's What We Do 
Jim – don't sound so disappointed in not watching a game -, after all, look where you are and what you're seeing. This is a great photo of Pat-looks like you two are bicycling.I believe the statues are always oon the highest mountain so they can be seen by everyone far and wide!!!!!!! At least they have a funicular – I'm surprised you two didn't hike up!! you know I would have.enjoy tomorrow as it will be a very special day -hope the citizens will be happy about the election results.lmom
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There “he” is, our little Italian boy.
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