Had our fist full day in Santiago today and visited Cerro Santa Lucia. This is a hill in the centre of the city that houses nice gardens, castle walls, a church and has awesome views of the city. It was once was the site of a hermitage then a convent and then a military bastion.
Guarding this park is a host of 'street dogs' that inhabit many parts of the city and seem like they have their own territory or 'patch'. I have not found these dogs threatening at all but they do occasionally bark at passes by that they do not like. What I found strange is the fact that these dogs are not 'mangey' at all like other feral dogs I have seen. They seem well fed and content sunning themselves in the sun or rolling around in the grass, like Melbourne pidgeons that are fat from the spoils of the city.
Coming back from our outing we decided to take the subway. This was not unlike taking the Melbourne City loop and fairs were paid on a BIP card (like our MYKI) but you don't have to touch off. This was reasonably cheap and cost around $4.50 for all of us.
Tomorrow we leave our accommodation for another backpackers and will visit a few museums and parks. Until then buenos noches!!