Eric, The Food Won

I got food poisoning. When? I'm not sure, but I do know that it is unpleasant in South America too. I will be a lot more cautious in my food choices from now on, which probably just means until Saturday. Thankfully, I have lots of people looking out for me in this country so I have been well taken care of. I will never again underestimate the power of a fan.

Yesterday, before the attack of the food poisoning, we went to La Chascona, the house that Pablo Neruda built for his paramour and eventually 3rd wife. The house itself is incredible. He loved the sea and incorporated it beautifully into his home. In his library he created a room that feels as though you are on a boat and it creaks just like an old boat would.

He had a penchant for artwork and was friends with some of the great artists of the time. Diego Rivera, Frida's husband, painted this incredible picture of Neruda's wife Matilde. Picasso also painted pictures for him. His art collection is brilliant. He wasn't all serious dramatic melancholic poet though it appears as though he loved to party because he had bars all over, 3 in one house. He clearly was a true Chilean because he made his glasses colored to hide the wine and make the water less boring. He died of a broken heart 12 days after the Pinochet regime took over. I highly recommend visiting his home if you are ever in Santiago. He has two more throughout Chile which I hope to get to.

We then made our way to San Cristobal, the home of the Virgin Mary. It was lovely and hot and full of stray dogs. It provides a great view though, so it is well worth the heat.

Pictures to follow.