Argentina vs. Chile
After spending only a few hours one afternoon in downtown Mendoza, I began to see why people prefer Argentina to Chile. So, to help fuel this on-going rivalry. I will add my two cents with the reasons why Argentina is better than Chile.
1) Fewer stray dogs. Most Argentines keep their dogs as pets (at least in the cities).
2) Less holes in the sidewalks. In Santiago, some sidewalks had big holes and I´m surprised I made it through that city without falling into one. At least in Argentina, the greatest danger you face on the sidewalk are broken tiles.
3) Sweets that actually taste good. Argentina has a plethora of sweets. Hello dulce de leche and alfajores. Good bye tasteless Chilean sweets.
4) Stores that actually let you browse. In Chile, you have to tell the store clerk what you want, then she gives you a ticket. After that you pay and receive a receipt. With that receipt you can now collect your goods. Is that a make work scheme or what? On the other hand, it does streamline the process for the store.
5) Money that I can understand. The Argentine pesos is in units of $1. The Chilean peso starts at a $1,000 for about $2 US. It is through the kindnesss of strangers and people working at tourist attractions, that I did not loose more Chilean pesos, the first day I was there. For example, I tried to pay $12,000 pesos for a ride that costs $1,200. I was thinking that Chile is as expensive as everybody said.
6) Less garbage on the street. In Mendoza, the garbage was up off of the streets in metal bins or in garbage cans. The garbage in Santiago was spilling off of the sidewalks and into the streets.
7) Being able to go to a public restroom without having to pay! This is a big one. In Chile, most public restrooms are staffed. This is probably a good security measure but it's hard to always have to pay when you are out sightseeing.
8) In Mendoza, there are no beggars on the street. Only men selling roses!!
All in all though, I had fun in Chile and would like to go back one day and see more of the country. Ciao for now, Chile!
1) Fewer stray dogs. Most Argentines keep their dogs as pets (at least in the cities).
2) Less holes in the sidewalks. In Santiago, some sidewalks had big holes and I´m surprised I made it through that city without falling into one. At least in Argentina, the greatest danger you face on the sidewalk are broken tiles.
3) Sweets that actually taste good. Argentina has a plethora of sweets. Hello dulce de leche and alfajores. Good bye tasteless Chilean sweets.
4) Stores that actually let you browse. In Chile, you have to tell the store clerk what you want, then she gives you a ticket. After that you pay and receive a receipt. With that receipt you can now collect your goods. Is that a make work scheme or what? On the other hand, it does streamline the process for the store.
5) Money that I can understand. The Argentine pesos is in units of $1. The Chilean peso starts at a $1,000 for about $2 US. It is through the kindnesss of strangers and people working at tourist attractions, that I did not loose more Chilean pesos, the first day I was there. For example, I tried to pay $12,000 pesos for a ride that costs $1,200. I was thinking that Chile is as expensive as everybody said.
6) Less garbage on the street. In Mendoza, the garbage was up off of the streets in metal bins or in garbage cans. The garbage in Santiago was spilling off of the sidewalks and into the streets.
7) Being able to go to a public restroom without having to pay! This is a big one. In Chile, most public restrooms are staffed. This is probably a good security measure but it's hard to always have to pay when you are out sightseeing.
8) In Mendoza, there are no beggars on the street. Only men selling roses!!
All in all though, I had fun in Chile and would like to go back one day and see more of the country. Ciao for now, Chile!
posted by Susanne M | 8:03 AM
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