Day 99
DECEMBER 8, 2019
VALPARAISO, CHILE
This is a tale of two cities.
Valparaiso (pop. 1,350,000) is the principal port city serving Santiago (pop. 5,600,000). Valparaiso suffered a magnitude 8.8 earthquake in 2010 that lasted three minutes and the city has not recovered. Many, many commercial, retail and residential buildings remain derelict and deserted. If that weren't enough, the current unrest which began seven weeks ago has shut down the country's economy and unemployment has skyrocketed. The wretched poor and homeless immigrants are trying to raise money to eat by selling their personal effects. It's a sad and serious state of affairs. Political graffiti is everywhere, I mean everywhere. It defaces everything, including the beautiful graffiti that was so admired for its beauty in the past.
A few kilometers down the road is Vina del Mar, an affluent suburb that reminds one of South Beach, Florida. The grand Casino and highrise condominiums, the beaches and tony restaurants all scream the good life.
According to our guide, China has become the greatest influence in the country's economy.
The largest copper mine in the world is now controlled by China - copper is also the largest contributor to Chile's GNP. Banks, airlines and many vital industries that were capitalized are now controlled by China.
Chile is making history. There is a call for a new constitution. The world's 56th richest man is the country's President and his tenure is in doubt. Interesting times.
But wait! There is music. While we are passing in the shadow of the late Inca empire, it's an opportune time to enjoy some music that emanates from this very area. The appropriately named musical group named CUSCO plays "Inca Dance".
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLiLMboE9I8
VALPARAISO, CHILE
This is a tale of two cities.
Valparaiso (pop. 1,350,000) is the principal port city serving Santiago (pop. 5,600,000). Valparaiso suffered a magnitude 8.8 earthquake in 2010 that lasted three minutes and the city has not recovered. Many, many commercial, retail and residential buildings remain derelict and deserted. If that weren't enough, the current unrest which began seven weeks ago has shut down the country's economy and unemployment has skyrocketed. The wretched poor and homeless immigrants are trying to raise money to eat by selling their personal effects. It's a sad and serious state of affairs. Political graffiti is everywhere, I mean everywhere. It defaces everything, including the beautiful graffiti that was so admired for its beauty in the past.
A few kilometers down the road is Vina del Mar, an affluent suburb that reminds one of South Beach, Florida. The grand Casino and highrise condominiums, the beaches and tony restaurants all scream the good life.
The largest copper mine in the world is now controlled by China - copper is also the largest contributor to Chile's GNP. Banks, airlines and many vital industries that were capitalized are now controlled by China.
Chile is making history. There is a call for a new constitution. The world's 56th richest man is the country's President and his tenure is in doubt. Interesting times.
But wait! There is music. While we are passing in the shadow of the late Inca empire, it's an opportune time to enjoy some music that emanates from this very area. The appropriately named musical group named CUSCO plays "Inca Dance".
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLiLMboE9I8
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