Santiago, When it Rains

[Santiago, Chile]

for those seeking variety of adventure, Santiago is perhaps one of the top locations to settle.  from any given point, it’s an hour’s drive to premier skiing, surfing, trekking, and climbing and not inconvenient plane rides to Easter Island, Patagonia, Mendoza, and San Pedro de Atacama.  the city itself its tucked neatly between the two cordilleras of the Andes Mountains-- a sweet little perk to city life is a 360 degree view of the spectacular. unfortunately, for the majority of the year, the mountains are greatly distorted by a thick layer or smog.  many days they are unrecognizable; particularly in the wintertime (beginning in may) when the chilled air causes the smog to thicken.  the mountains keep the city protected from extremes of weather and, unfortunately, systems that would usually bring rain.  as a result, since February, the city has seen fewer than a handful rainy days.   

rain in Santiago is treasured for two reasons.  the first, somewhat obvious reason is of course that rain means water.  it means happy plants and animals.  the second is that rain clears the skies of pollution; if only for a few days.  the difference in air quality is staggering.  i imagine it would be similar to what a smoker would experience were he able to breathe through clean lungs.  not only can one feel and breathe the difference but one can literally see the difference in air quality. and the previously unrecognized view of the Andes smacks you in  the face.