Mercado Central & San Cristóbal Hill

This afternoon we travelled to the Mercado Central de Santiago. The outside of the market is the color salmon which is the same as the train station. This building used to be a train station, however is now home to the central market.  This specific market is a traditional market for purchasing fresh fish. Typically families will come here for holidays in order to purchase large quantities of fish. It is also common for larger families to come and buy a months worth of food. By buying this food in large quantities it is much cheaper and fresher than going to the super market.

At the fish market we were able to get empanadas for lunch. Most of us ate either a cheese empanada made with a type of pastry which is much more soft and greasy, or the tradition empanada of Chile Pino al horno. This empanada has onion, garlic and meat and it made in the oven. 

Not only is this is a fish market but there were also shops for souvenirs and restaurants. These serve their customers the fresh fish directly from the sellers in the market. This is to promote fresh and local foods. Many Bryant students were able to purchase souvenirs from the central market. The small shops had everything from jewelry, to traditional gifts such as Chile t-shirts and hats. 

We have learned that it is common for vendors on the street to come to the market to purchase foods and gifts in large quantities and are able to sell that at a higher price to make a bigger profit. Across the bridge from the fruit market. This market is not a tourist area, however some Bryant students were able to cross the bridge and purchase from fresh fruit to eat during the remainder of our trip. 

After we went to the fish market we were able to climb the San Cristobal hill, which lies 300m above the rest of Santiago. It is the second highest point in the city after Cerro Renca. 

The bus was not able to take up to the top so we went by foot. Along our journey we had many stray dogs following us for the walk. Every time a car passed by the dogs would bark at the cars to get their attention. After an hour of hiking we made it. The view was breath taking, we could see Santiago from all directions with the Andes Mountains in the background.