La Moneda

I spend 6 days a week in this area, so I thought it was time to post some pictures and information about Palacio La Moneda, or more simply called La Moneda. Its original name comes from the Spanish word for coin, since the building originally opened as a mint and produced coins there from 1814 to 1829. In 1845, it became the seat for the government and the presidential palace. However, it no longer serves at the presidential residence.
It was here that Salvador Allende allegedly killed himself during the military coup, and the palace was partially destroyed and reconstructed in the early 80's. A more recent development has been the addition of the Centro Cultural, a cultural museum which offers guided visits, art exhibitions, and films. There are often special exhibits presented outside of the Palace as well, including the display of Fenix II, the one of the metal capsules designed for the rescue of the 33 Chilean Miners that was on display at La Moneda in late October.

 

A little boy chasing his dog around the lawn

Fenix II, and the lines of people that waited to have their photo taken next to it

Plaza de la Ciudadania, on the other side

Celebrating the Miners

I haven't been here in Chile long, but one day I will look back at my blog and remember this historic day. I'll remember that I was here in Chile the day that the trapped miners were rescued, and that along with everyone else in Chile and around the world, I stayed up late watching each miner be rescued one by one. I heard the horns honking in celebration around Santiago as the last miner was rescued. I'll remember that I lived here in 2010, the year of the earthquake, the bicentennial, and the year that the trapped miners were rescued.
I'm truly impressed and amazed by the strength and patriotism of the people in this country.
Thanks to everyone back home who's been asking about the 33 miners since they were discovered on August 22nd. Please continue to keep the miners and their families in your thoughts and prayers.
Viva Chile!