Chile (full name Republic of Chile) is a state located in the southwestern part of the South American continent. The territory of Chile stretches for four thousand three hundred kilometers from north to south along the Pacific coast.
Two mountain systems stretch across the Republic of Chile: the first is the Andes mountains in the east of the country, the second is the coastal Cordillera in the western part of Chile. The Republic of Chile borders Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru. The waters of the Pacific Ocean wash Chile on the western and southern sides.
On March 11, 1981, the country adopted a Constitution after a referendum. The President is the head of state. He also heads the government of the republic. The president's term of office is limited to four years. The President cannot be re-elected for a second term.
The National Congress is the highest legislative body of the Republic of Chile. It consists of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate (the National Congress is bicameral). The Chamber of Deputies consists of one hundred and twenty members. Each of the sixty constituencies in the Chamber of Deputies is represented by two people. Members of the Chamber of Deputies are elected for a term of four years.
The Senate consists of thirty-eight members. Half of the senators are re-elected every four years, and half are given terms of office for eight years.
The highest executive body is the Cabinet of Ministers (headed by the President). Spanish language is officially accepted. Eighty-nine percent of the population are Catholics, another eleven percent are Protestants. The national currency of the Republic of Chile is the Chilean piso (equal to one hundred centavos).
Administratively, the territory of the Republic of Chile is divided into fifteen regions, which in turn are divided into fifty-three provinces and three hundred and forty-six communities.
The population of the Republic of Chile increased from 12.3 million people in 1983 to 16 million people in 2005. The average life expectancy of men is seventy-two years, the average life expectancy of women is seventy-eight years.
A varied climate is a characteristic feature of the Republic of Chile. This is due to the large extent of the country from north to south. After all, Chile stretches for four thousand six hundred thirty kilometers (that’s two thousand eight hundred eight miles) from north to south and only four hundred thirty kilometers (that’s two hundred sixty-five miles) 430 km from west to east. The northern region of the Republic of Chile is recognized as one of the driest on the planet. True, due to the influence of the Humboldt Current, the temperature softens somewhat. In the city of Antofagasta, the average January temperature is approximately twenty degrees Celsius plus, and the average July temperature turns out to be thirteen degrees Celsius plus. January temperatures in the city of Santiago range from plus twelve degrees Celsius to plus twenty-nine degrees Celsius, and July temperatures range from plus three degrees Celsius to plus fifteen degrees Celsius. Temperatures drop as you move south. Moreover, in some places it sometimes snowfalls. In Punta Arenas, the average annual temperature is approximately seven degrees Celsius plus. An even subtropical climate is characteristic of Easter Island. It's quite hot here. The amount of precipitation also varies in different parts of the country. In the north of Chile, only approximately 11 mm of precipitation falls per year, while in the south of the Republic up to 2,500 mm of precipitation falls per year.
Santiago is the capital of the Republic of Chile. Moreover, it is the largest city in the Republic. It is located in the central valley of Chile. The founding date of Santiago is considered to be February 12, 1541. The Spanish conquistador became its founder, Pedro de Valdivia, the first governor of the country. The city was named after the patron saint of Spain, the Apostle Saint James. However, the settlement that appeared in the winter of 1541 on this territory was practically destroyed in the fall during the battles with the Araucanians. On July 14, 1810, an uprising took place in Santiago with the participation of the masses. This uprising became the starting point for the Chilean War of Independence. The war ended only in 1818. Santiago became the capital of an independent state. The Chilean capital is located at an altitude of approximately five hundred and forty meters at the foot of the Andes. The area of Santiago is approximately six hundred square kilometers.
Santiago is a city of numerous attractions. Historically, Santa Lucia Hill is very significant. Its decoration is a wonderful old castle. Santiago was founded in the Mapocho River valley at the foot of the Santa Lucia hill. The central square of the Chilean capital is Plaza de Armas, where there is a monument to the founder of the city. The monument to Pedro de Valdivia was erected in 1960 in honor of one hundred and fifty years since the declaration of independence of the country. The Plaza de Armas is surrounded by many important buildings. This is the Palace of La Moneda, the largest Cathedral in the Republic, the building of the Royal Audience, the Municipality, and the House of Governors. On Mount San Cristobal there is a white stone statue of the Virgin Mary. Anyone can use the lift to climb the mountain, which offers stunning views of the local surroundings. For city dwellers, Mount San Cristobal is a preferred place for walking. And this is not surprising, because there are swimming pools, a botanical garden, a zoo, walking areas, restaurants, townspeople, and a wine museum. The name central park is quite appropriate for this place. One of the best on the continent is the Municipal Opera and Ballet Theater, located in Chile. It was built in 1857. Many famous artists (including Placido Domingo and Anna Pavlova) performed on its stage. This theater is one of the National Monuments of the state (since 1974). One of the most vibrant areas of Santiago is the Bellavista district. It is better known as the "Paris Quarter". There is a crafts fair and a huge number of restaurants for every taste. A large collection of paintings by both Chilean and European artists is presented in the Palacio de Bellas Artes. The Chilean capital has a considerable number of museums. Among them are the Santiago Museum, the Museum of Modern Art, the Museum of the Pre-Columbian Era, and the house-museum of Pablo Neruda, the famous Chilean poet.
The Republic of Chile is one of the most interesting countries on Earth. The reasons for this are the majestic mountains, the most beautiful landscapes, the richness of natural complexes, the multi-thousand-year history of the country, the colorful local population, and much more. The most famous and beautiful natural attractions of the Republic are lakes Chungara, Miskanti, El Tatio geysers, the Atacama Desert, the Parinacota volcano, the mysterious Easter Island, Paathgonia. The archaeological sites of Sapauira and Copaquilla are widely popular.
Arica is the northernmost city of the Republic of Chile. The city is located near the Chile-Peru border, on the outskirts of a desert region. The city’s special attractiveness for tourists is explained by the unique combination of the nearby heat of the Atacama Desert and the mild, warm climate of the city itself. Among the local attractions, the following are especially popular: the colorful Azapa Valley, Morro Rock, Fort Alacran, Arica Fortress, St. Marcos Cathedral built in 1876, the central square of Plaza de Armas. In the immediate vicinity of Arica are the town of San Miguel de Azapa, distinguished by its picturesqueness, the oasis of the Pica Valley, the outskirts of the Atacama Desert, and the Mamina hot springs. In the city of San Miguel de Azapa you can visit the amazing Museum of Mummies.
The Atacama Desert is a natural landmark of the Republic of Chile. But this is not only one of the most interesting places in Chile. The Atacama Desert is one of the driest, and therefore lifeless, places in the world. Indeed, the desert may not know rain for several centuries in a row. Despite all this, the region has gained a reputation as an archaeologically significant region, rich in majestic landscapes and unique wildlife, and this despite the climatic conditions. It would seem that the climate is not conducive to life here. The average annual daytime temperature is thirty-six degrees Celsius plus, while at night the air temperature can drop to zero degrees. At the same time, air humidity is 0%. The flora of this region is represented by more than one hundred six and ten species of cacti, and the fauna is represented by approximately two hundred species of animals. As for the animal world, it is mainly represented by insects and reptiles. The smallest water mixture and mists are all the moisture that representatives of the flora and fauna can count on. However, the main attraction of the Atacama Desert is the “desert bloom”. It is associated with a very short-term supply of moisture. The latter usually occurs in September or October with the arrival of humid air masses from the Pacific Ocean. Small oases found in the desert are reminiscent of the ancient Aymara and Chinchorro civilizations that once existed in these territories. Almost everywhere in the desert there are traces of their cultures.
The Altiplano Highlands is one of the most beautiful places in the Republic of Chile. The average height of the highlands, which occupies the eastern part of the Aatkamy desert, is four thousand meters. At an altitude of approximately two and a half thousand meters, desert vegetation on the mountain slopes is gradually replaced by forbs. Thus, it seems that the rocks are covered with some kind of wonderful carpet. This is what gives the area such a colorful appearance. The Altiplano region is distinguished by its unusual fauna, adapted to the highlands. In view of this, it is not at all surprising that there are a large number of nature conservation areas and national parks here. The main natural attractions that numerous tourists flock to see are Lake Chungara, the volcanoes of Chungara, Parinacota, Sajama and the ever-smoking Guiatiri, Isluga National Park, and the Lauca Biosphere Reserve. Lake Chungara is one of the highest mountain lakes on Earth. It is located at an altitude of more than four and a half thousand meters and covers an area of twenty-one and a half square kilometers.
The city of Valparaiso is the main port of the Republic of Chile. In addition, Valparaiso is the second largest city in the Republic. Local residents “remade” such a long name into a more simplified version - they call the city nothing more than Valpo. This city is located Valparaiso, one hundred and twenty kilometers northwest of the Chilean capital. You could say that Valparaiso is the starting point for the colonization of Chile. Ships departed from the port to new countries and islands. Currently, the city is a place where the mixture of cultures and peoples is very clearly visible. But this feature is, to one degree or another, characteristic of the entire territory of the country. At the present stage, Valparaiso is a typical city of the Republic of Chile. However, the city is also one of the most intriguing places on the South American continent. The territory of Valparaiso is limited to a narrow strip between the hills and the coastline. Despite this, a huge number of winding streets fit into the city's intricate historical center. The latter is surrounded by suburban houses spread along the slopes. Many stairs and small pedestrian paths lead visitors and townspeople to these houses. The center of Valparaiso is rightfully recognized as Plaza Sotomayor. There is a monument to Captain Arturo Pratt on it. Among the main local attractions are the following: the city pier Muelle Prat, the Maritime Museum, the Museum of Art, the Natural History Museum, the Parliament building, the fountain on Victoria Square, the Cathedral, and numerous funiculars. There are a lot of restaurants in the city to suit every taste, and on the aforementioned pier there is a rich market buzzing almost all the time.
Viña del Mar is the main beach resort of the Republic of Chile. It is located ten kilometers north of the city of Valparaiso. “Garden City” is how this place is usually called. The reason for such a beautiful name lies in its natural attractions (a huge number of alleys of banana trees and palm trees, as well as wonderful landscapes) and the subtropical climate, which is very conducive to relaxing here. Indeed, the main attractions of Viña del Mar are the many parks, beaches with pristine white sand and stunning ocean water. Restored colonial mansions house numerous museums. This resort has the country's National Botanical Garden. Hundreds of species of exotic and native plants grow on an area of sixty-one hectares. There is the Museum of Culture, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Municipal Theater, the Wulf Castle, the Vergara Palace with a luxurious garden, the unique Flower Clock, and even a casino.
Puerto Montt is the gateway to the Lake District. This city is one of the most interesting cities in the country. Why "Gateway to the Lake District"? Because just north of this city is the “Seven Lakes” region. But there are not seven lakes here, but a whole system. Lakes have different sizes: from small to large. The most famous lakes are the following: Llanquihue, Villarrica, Rinco, Panguipulli, Calafken, Pelyaifa, Rignihue, Rango, Rupango, Lacar, Pirehueico, Neltume, etc. The first three lakes are the most popular. Villarrica is not only a lake, but also a volcano. At its foot is the resort village of Pucon. This place is ideal for yachting, thanks to which Pucon was chosen by wealthy citizens of the Republic of Chile. In the immediate vicinity of Lake Neltume, tourists can admire the Huilo Huilo waterfall, the highest waterfall in the country. The city of Puerto Montt was founded in the mid-nineteenth century. The founders of this city were German colonists, which is why its appearance is closely related to German architecture. Pointed tiled roofs of "beam" houses, characteristic weather vanes, their crowning wrought iron grilles of decorative balconies, impeccable cleanliness on the streets - all this proves the above-mentioned feature of the city. The main attractions of Puerto Montt are the wooden port and, of course, the Cathedral, built in 1856. The cathedral is made of mahogany. The cathedral is located on the main square of the city. However, a significant part of tourists arriving here have as their goal visiting not so much this city as its surroundings. And this is not surprising. Their landscapes are famous throughout the country. We are talking about lakes. The reason for their formation is ancient tectonic processes. When there were huge glaciers here, and now, surrounded by coniferous and deciduous forests, many lakes supplied with the purest water delight the eyes of their visitors. The local landscapes are so stunning that they create associations with the lakes of Finland and Karelia.
Punta Arenas is one of the most amazing cities in the Republic of Chile. Punta Arenas is located in the hills on the shores of the Strait of Magellan. Once this city was one of the largest American ports. However, with the opening of the Panama Canal the situation has changed somewhat. Currently, Punta Arenas is considered one of the most colorful cities in Chile. Luxurious palaces and mansions retain the imprint of the city's former grandeur. Of particular interest are the economic zone Zona Franca, the business district, as well as the Regional Museum of Local Lore. Among the natural attractions, the most notable are the Milodon Cave, the penguin colonies in Otway, the famous Big Falls, and La Cruz Hill. From the top of the latter you can take in the stunning panorama of Punta Arenas. The northern part of Tierra del Fuego and the strait are also visible from La Cruz Hill.
Patagonia is a densely populated area. Exactly the opposite. Two inhabitants per square kilometer is the average population density of Patagonia. Patagonia occupies part of the South American continent. This area is located south of the Bio Bio River in the Republic of Chile and the Rio Colorado in Argentina, and includes low plains, plateaus in the east, and the Andes mountains in the south and west. There is no exact definition of its boundaries. Some scientists also include Tierra del Fuego as part of the territory of Patagonia. Approximately thirty percent of Patagonia is now national parks and reserves. This fact does not come as a surprise. Almost complete isolation from the rest of the South American continent led to the formation of unusual forms of life. The rather late colonization of Patagonia made it possible to preserve unique species. San Rafael Lagoon National Park is one of the main attractions of Patagonia. The height of the ice tongues - the “children” of the San Valentin glacier, descending into the bay, reaches several tens of meters. Other pearls of Patagonia include the islands of Guamblin, Magdalena, De Wollaston Alakalufes, Bernardo O'Higgins, Alberto Agostini, Keulat National Parks, Torres del Paine National Park. The latter is listed by UNESCO and is famous throughout the world. Thermas Islands de Puyuhuapi, Risopatron, General Ibáñez and others are also extremely picturesque; floating icebergs create a stunning view. Patagonia is one of the best places on Earth for sport fishing.
1520 is the year of the discovery of Tierra del Fuego. The discoverer of this archipelago was Magellan. However, due to the harsh climatic conditions, the colonization of Tierra del Fuego began only at the end of the nineteenth century. The first ranches were built on the archipelago by settlers from the Balkans and the British Isles. Currently, Tierra del Fuego is the largest sheep breeding center in the country. The largest city in the archipelago is Porbenir. The name of the city translates as "fate". Porbenir, perhaps, can be called the most isolated settlement on the planet; moreover, it has retained the appearance of the beginning of the last century. The city relies on fishing and sheep farming. There is a local history museum and the beautiful Beagle Canal. From its shores you can look at the harsh waters of Antarctica and the island of Navarino.
Easter Island is a famous island in the Pacific Ocean. It is located approximately three thousand eight hundred kilometers west of the coast of Chile. The area of the island is one hundred and seventy-one kilometers. The island was discovered in 1722 on Easter Day, which served as the basis for its name. The discoverer of Easter Island was the Dutchman Jacob Roggeveen. Easter Island is the top of a huge underwater mountain rising above the ocean waters. There are three volcanic craters and not a single lake or river. Its history is rich (which is the main asset of the island) and at the same time tragic. In fact, more Oceanian people live on Easter Island than Chileans. How it could happen that Pacific islanders ended up in this isolated part of the world still remains a mystery. Another mystery is the mystery of the “moai” - the mystery of the colossal statues. The materials for their creation were tuff and hard volcanic basalt. The weight of many “moai” exceeds two hundred tons, and the height exceeds twenty-one meters. The method of transporting these statues from the inland quarries to the coast remains a mystery. The “Moai” are installed in a certain sequence, but what this sequence is is unknown to modern science. Currently, Easter Island is actually a national park open to everyone. Every year it receives a large number of tourists who love the unknown. Everything on the island is natural and simple; you can hardly find five-star hotels and gorgeous beaches on its territory. True, this circumstance is not a reason that will stop the flow of visitors. After all, there are so many interesting places on the island! Among the attractions of the island (with the exception of the “moai”) are the following: quarries on the slopes of the Rano Raraku volcano, Ahu Akahanga, the Ahu Tahai fortress, the Rano Kau volcano, the Apu Vinapu temple, the ceremonial village of Orongo, Anakena Beach. And although the beaches on the island are deserted, for many this is more of an advantage than a disadvantage. Moreover, these beaches have extraordinary pink sand.
Chileans wear national clothes every day. The overwhelming number of local residents (and Indians are no exception) prefer modern European clothing. Sometimes it is only complemented by the Chilean variety of poncho, which is called “chamanato”. Chamanato is a short cape. The woolen cape is very bright and is endowed with a wide variety of patterns. The actual national costume is worn only by participants in rodeo competitions - young people. The essence of these competitions, which attract residents from all over the area, is to show their skill in wielding a lasso. Thus, young people demonstrate the skills of how to lasso a bull at a gallop.
Decorative folk art is a source of special pride for Chileans. Craftsmen of the Republic of Chile make metal jewelry, carpets, blankets, woolen ponchos, wood and ceramics (brightly colored small vessels and animal figurines are especially beautiful). Jewelry and trinkets are very elegant, which is why they are in demand.
Chileans are very friendly. That's true. Moreover, this fact applies even to mountain Indian tribes. Their excessive cruelty is a lie that has been attributed to the Indians for a very long time. Residents of the Republic of Chile are very welcoming to tourists. Moreover, they are distinguished by their naturally reserved character. If necessary, Chileans will help both in case of language difficulties and in case of everyday difficulties (for example, in finding a hotel).
Chilean national cuisine is unique in many ways. This peculiarity comes from their combination of traditional national recipes with recipes brought here at different times by settlers from different countries. And the topographical diversity of Chile is also reflected in Chilean cuisine. The basis of the national cuisine is fresh fruits and vegetables, beef, seafood (and local seafood products are rightfully considered the most delicious on the planet). The influence of European culinary traditions is more noticeable in the Central Valley, while the variety of ingredients for cooking in the mountain regions is very limited. What is common in cooking throughout the Republic of Chile is the abundance of corn, yams, potatoes, peppers, and garlic in food, with potatoes and rice being important components of the vast majority of Chilean dishes. Seafood and fish are another staple of local cuisine, and coastal areas are especially abundant in them. Exotic dishes of the Republic of Chile include the following: huge lobsters, shells baked in cheese, sea urchin soup.
Tea is a traditional drink in Chile. In any establishment of the Republic you can taste mate, green or black tea if you wish. Pisco is a traditional alcoholic drink. "Pisco" is prepared according to ancient recipes from grapes specially grown for this drink, and is a kind of liqueur. Pisco is usually drunk with plenty of ice, Coca-Cola, beaten egg or powdered sugar. Chilean wines, made from selected grapes, are also widely popular.
Chile is one of the most interesting countries in the world. A thousand-year history, majestic mountains covered with snow, pristine beaches and an amazing variety of natural complexes - these are the main arguments when choosing this country as a place to visit. Chile is extremely rich in natural attractions, including Lake Chungara, the Parinacota volcano, the Atacama Desert, the El Tatio geysers, Lake Miscanti, the mysterious Easter Island, as well as Patagonia - the southernmost region of the American continent. There are ski resorts in the local Andes, and just a few kilometers away is the sunny Pacific coast. The historical sites of Chile are known in many countries of the world - the granite “towers” of Torres del Paine, the archaeological sites of Copaquilla and Zapauira.
Climate of Chile
The length of the country from north to south for more than 4000 km allows it to have almost all types of climate. In the north, the climate is desert, temperatures range from +12°C to +22°C, precipitation is 50 mm per year. In the central part - Mediterranean type. In the south it is humid subtropical, with high precipitation (2500-7000 mm per year, +3+14°C). There are places in the Atacama Desert where not a drop of precipitation has fallen for centuries. In other areas of the Atacama, short winter rains cause an incredible explosion of flowering in the spring - the "blooming desert" phenomenon. As altitude increases, daytime temperatures increase and nighttime temperatures decrease. In the Altiplano region, even in summer, night temperatures can be below 0°C. Here in the summer there are sudden severe thunderstorms and hail - the so-called. "Bolivian winter"
Money of Chile
The Chilean peso is equal to 100 centavos. In circulation there are banknotes of 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 2,000 and 1,000 pesos, coins of 500, 100, 50, 10, 5 and 1 pesos. Payment for goods and services in US dollars is possible.
1 UAH = 100 CHL
Traditions of Chile
Like all Latin American countries, Chile celebrates a huge number of holidays and festivals. In January, noteworthy are the Angola Folklore Festival, the Valdivia Classical Music Festival, the Joranadas de Villarrica Music Festival in Villarrica, the Festival del Juaso in Ovalle, the International Folklore Festival in San Bernardo, the Feast of St. Sebastian in Yumbel. Of interest are the Semanhas de Frutillar (harvest festival) music festival in Trilha, the Costumbrista Festival in Castro in February and the Tongoy Jazz Festival, which are held at the end of the local summer (February). No less colorful are the festival of De la Canquin de Vica, the International Exhibition of Los Andes, Derby Day and Viña del Mar (March), the traditional religious festival of Fiesta de Quasimodo (April), the religious festival of Fiesta de Quasimodo La Tirana (July 12-18), Independence Day celebrations, St. Francis of Assisi Day (October), La Fiesta Grande and Fiesta de la Virgin del Rosario in Andacoglio (late December). The International Equestrian Championship is held in Viña del Mar in January. The two main horse races of the year - the Derby (Vina del Mar, January) and El Enasayo (Santiago, October) attract a huge number of participants and spectators.
Cuisine of Chile
The national cuisine consists of an abundance of pepper, garlic, potatoes, yams, corn and other vegetables. Rice and potatoes are present in almost every dish. Among vegetable dishes, the most popular are saltado stew, corn porridge and pastel de choclo casserole of corn, meat and other ingredients. Meat products are extremely varied. On the plains and coasts, they are based on beef, pork and poultry; in mountainous areas, lamb and pork, as well as llama and alpaca meat, are more widely used. It is worth trying the chicken noodle soup and potatoes "cazuela de ave", grilled meat "asado", stewed meat with vegetables "locro", meat or fish fried on hot stones "curanto", beef with fried egg and potatoes " lomo-a-la-pobre", steak with potatoes, onions and egg "beef-a-la-pobre", various steaks (including the famous "Santa Carolina"), grilled liver with "parillada" sausage, pies or pancakes "empanadas" or their enlarged version "calduda", corn tortillas with meat filling "churasco" and beef tenderloin with "maltado" spices.
Sights of Chile
Arika
Arica is the country's northernmost city, lying on the outskirts of a desert region near the Peruvian border. The amazing combination of a mild, warm climate and the nearby heat of the Atacama gives the city a special appeal. The attractions of Arica include the central square of Plaza de Armas, traditional for all Spanish colonial cities, with the Cathedral of St. Marcos built by Eiffel himself (1876), the Arica fortress (now the Museum of History and Weapons), Fort Alacran, the fish market, the Morro rock - the place decisive battle of the Pacific War, as well as the picturesque Asapa Valley and the luxurious beaches of Asapa and Henrietta. Nearby are the hot springs of Mamina, the oasis of the Pica Valley and the picturesque town of San Miguel de Azapa with its famous Museum of Mummies (dating from the 17th to 2nd millennium BC).
Altiplano
The Altiplano highlands are one of the most beautiful regions of Chile. The attention of tourists is attracted by the famous biosphere reserve of world significance Lauca and the Isluga National Park, one of the highest mountain lakes on the planet - Chungara (located at an altitude of 4514 m), the surrounding volcanoes Sajama (6250 m), Parinacota (6100 m), Chungara (6001 m) and the ever-smoking Guiatiri (6070 m), on the tops of which lie the ruins of small fortresses, the unique Salt Mountains and the famous salt marshes, the El Tatio geysers lying at an altitude of over 4000 m, surrounded by the volcanoes Mulas Muertas, Incahuas and Ojos del Salado, Laguna Lake -Verde with amazing turquoise water, ancient petroglyphs of the Pintados and Lluta valleys, the town of Chiu Chiu with a picturesque colonial church and the pre-Columbian ruins of Lasana.
Santiago de Chile is located in the valley of the same name, sandwiched between mountain ranges 100 km from the ocean, and is considered one of the most unusual capitals in the world. Skyscrapers made of glass and concrete blend harmoniously with 18th-century churches, the fashionable districts of Providencia and Las Condes are adjacent to the slum areas of Callampas, and residents wear both modern business suits and traditional tribal clothes with equal pleasure. At the same time, the standard of living of the local population is one of the highest on the continent.
Vina del Mar
Chile's main beach resort, Viña del Mar, is known as the "Garden City" due to its beautiful scenery and many alleys. Horse-drawn carriages run between the colorful mansions of the last century, the luxurious beach and the river bank. Tourists are attracted by the ocean shores of pure white sand, numerous parks and museums in former colonial mansions. It is also home to the National Botanical Garden, the first casino in Chile, the unique Flower Clock, the Vergara Palace with a luxurious garden, Wulf Castle, the Municipal Theater, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Culture.
Puerto Montt
Puerto Montt, founded by German colonists in the mid-19th century, is considered one of the most interesting cities in Chile. The appearance of the city is more typical of German architecture: “beam” houses with pointed roofs and weather vanes, ivy-covered balconies, impeccably straight and clean streets. The city's attractions are the Cathedral (1856) made of mahogany and the wooden port. The surrounding area of the city is famous for its beautiful lakes with crystal water, surrounded by deciduous and coniferous forests.
Villarrica National Park is a bizarre mixture of relict mountain forests and lifeless lava landscapes. Nearby are the narrow Lake Carbugua, hot springs and Eagle's Nest Falls.
Chiloe is one of the largest and most interesting islands in the fjord system of the southern part of the country. Isla Grande de Chiloe, as the Chileans call it, is a picturesque hilly island overgrown with forests and herbs. The local fishing towns of Ancud and Castro are very colorful: the silhouettes of houses are always “blurred” by fog, but on rare sunny days the picture becomes completely unusual - the contours of the city and the mainland volcanoes, clearly visible from here, are reflected in the lead-blue waters of the ocean. Some 150 wooden capillas churches (12 of them inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List) mark the location of tiny local villages. Chiloe National Park protects vast tracts of relict coniferous and evergreen forests, covering both the gentle local hills and the long coastline. To the south of the island you can visit the largest private reserve on the planet - Pumalin Park, considered one of the best conservation areas in the country.
The city of Punta Arenas is picturesquely located on the shores of the Strait of Magellan. Before the opening of the Panama Canal, it was one of the largest ports in America. Today, traces of its former grandeur remain in the form of luxurious mansions and palaces. Of great interest are the Regional Museum of Local Lore, the business district in the city center and La Cruz Hill, from the top of which a breathtaking panorama of the city, the strait and the northern part of Tierra del Fuego opens. Not far from the city you can see the famous Great Falls, the Otway penguin colony and Milodon Cave - the site of the remains of prehistoric animals.
The Tierra del Fuego archipelago (Thiero del Fuego) was discovered by Magellan in 1520, but only at the end of the 19th century did colonization of this harsh region begin. Settlers from the British Isles and the Balkans built the first ranches, and since then it has been the largest sheep-raising center in Chile. Porbenir (“fate”) is the largest city in the archipelago and probably the most isolated settlement in the world. The quiet town lives by sheep farming and has hardly changed since the beginning of the last century. It is worth visiting the Local History Museum, as well as strolling along the grassy banks of the Beagle Canal, from the banks of which you can enjoy views of Navarino Island and the Antarctic waters.
Easter Island lies in the Pacific Ocean almost 3,800 km west of the Chilean coast. It was discovered by the Dutchman Jacob Roggeveen on Easter Day 1722. The island is a seamount peak rising above the ocean with three volcanic craters. The highest point is Mount Maunga Terevaka (500 m). One of the most secluded and mysterious islands on the planet, it has a rich and tragic history. More Oceanian peoples actually live here than Chileans, although the presence of Pacific islanders in this isolated part of the world is one of the biggest mysteries on Earth. The mystery of the technology with which the descendants of the Indian and Polynesian peoples created hundreds of colossal statues ("moai") from solid volcanic basalt and tuff has not yet been solved.
I continue my story about the peculiarities of studying in one of the countries in South America, in which I found myself after winning a grant for free annual study (more about this).
Earlier I talked about my first days in Chile. Now - about school. Imagine, during lessons a student can sit on the floor! And this is positioned not as a lesson, but as communication with the teacher. That is, physics teachers lift and move tables to show the force of friction, throw pens in different directions to show vectors! During class, students can walk around the room and approach friends without permission. It’s surprising that the kids don’t abuse this right; they always listen carefully to what the teacher or classmate says!
They actually ask teachers questions if they don’t understand, and teachers have no problem explaining it again. And they have no textbooks at all! The President issued a special law that homework should not be assigned, but instead of being a bullshit, schoolchildren actually work in class!
The set of items is almost the same as here in Russia. Only instead of the first physical education lesson we play basketball, volleyball or do water gymnastics - who chose what. And instead of the second physical education lesson, we learn local colorful dances.
We communicate with classmates in English. Everyone understands each other, but we still try to use more Spanish words and sentences in order to quickly master the new language.
I would like to say a big thank you to my first English teachers - Galina Aleksandrovna Selezneva and Margarita Mitrofanovna Sorokina for giving me very good knowledge that helps me now!
Separately, I would like to talk about the traditions that are embedded in art, food, language and many other things. The very first tradition I encountered was delicious. This is traditional pasta with meat sauce - “Pasta and salsa con carne”. Everyone always prepares them: for lunch, dinner, and to take to school. But don't think they only eat pasta.
The second tradition is the folk dance "cueca". He always has the same motive, but different music. This is a very simple dance! It involves two or more people (pairs). You need a handkerchief like a handkerchief, but, of course, more beautiful and cleaner.
If you are a woman, then you just need to hold it in your right hand and wave it slightly above your head, flirt with your legs, pushing them forward in turn, and always follow the man.
If you are a man, then you need to hold the scarf in two hands above your head and maintain a distance of about 25 cm between your hands. You need to lead the woman along with you, but do not touch her, only lure her with your movements. This dance shows how a man who is in love with a woman behaves: he shows his beauty in every possible way, trying to attract her attention. Men need to stomp their feet and keep their backs straight, and at the end of the dance, take the woman by the arm as a sign that she agrees to go with him.
Another tradition (my favorite) is Latin music. As soon as I heard her on the street, I just froze. This is so amazing! Warm notes of the guitar, inviting sounds of the pipe, the wary sound of the drum and various other instruments flow from their folk music, which I have never even seen in my life.
I would also like to talk about the traditional greeting. It's not just "hello-bye", but loud laughter and waving of arms, kisses on the cheek with everyone you know. Even when I was introduced to teachers and family friends, I had to kiss everyone on the cheek, regardless of gender. And there is nothing wrong with that, no one gets embarrassed or rubs their cheeks after greeting.
Chile is a country of amazing beauty and nature, washed by the Pacific Ocean on one side and protected by the Andes on the other. Between these two natural boundaries there are numerous lakes, picturesque valleys, salt marshes, volcanoes, glaciers, and fjords. Thanks to this, Chile represents all types of climates that exist in the world. In the north of the country, on the border with Peru, is the driest desert in the world, the Atacama Desert. It rains three or four times a year, and then it is covered with a unique flower carpet that will take your breath away. The cities located in the north, Arica, Iquique and Antofagasta, are ports, and all attractions are located along the coastline. Due to the fact that the skies here are always clear, the region is home to the most important astronomical observatories. The capital of Chile, Santiago, has a Mediterranean climate and a variety of plant species. Here are the main national parks and reserves, striking in the beauty of landscapes, lakes and forests. Patagonia is world famous, with much of its territory covered in snow and ice all year round. There are many fjords, archipelagos and canals. The Torres del Paine park located here is the pearl of Patagonia and is included in the UNESCO cultural heritage list. The islands of Chile are especially loved by travelers: Juan Fernandez and, of course, the mystical Easter Island, known for its idols of volcanic origin. The island is considered the most remote island in the world (the distance to the mainland coast of Chile is more than 3000 km).
geographical location
State in the southwestern part of South America. The territory of Chile is a narrow strip stretched along the Pacific coast (the country is about 4329 km long and about 170 km wide). The country borders on Peru in the north, Bolivia in the northeast, Argentina in the east, and is separated from Antarctica in the south by the Drake Passage. The country includes the Easter Islands, Juan Fernandez, a vast archipelago and part of the island of Tierra del Fuego itself in the southern part of the country, as well as many smaller islands (San Ambrosio, San Felix, Diego Ramirez, Sala y Gomez, archipelago Chonos, etc.) The total area of the country is 756.9 thousand square meters. km.
what climate?
The country's climate is extremely diverse, which is explained by its large extent from north to south, the abundance of powerful coastal currents and the influence of the Andes mountain system. In the north of the country, a tropical desert type of climate predominates. Average monthly temperatures here range from +12 C in winter (May-August) to +22 C in summer (December-March) with maximum temperatures around +38 C. Somewhat further south, the climate changes to subtropical, with summer temperatures ranging from +22-24, winter - +12-18 C. The same climate regime is on Easter Island and Juan Fernandez. The middle part of the country is dominated by a temperate oceanic climate. The temperature here ranges from +3-12 in winter to +22 C in summer. In the Strait of Magellan zone and on the island of Tierra del Fuego, the climate is polar, the temperature in winter ranges from -16 to -4, and in summer does not exceed +18 C. Strong winds and low precipitation give this area an arid character. Best time to visit: Santiago and the central region of the country: September-November; Ski resorts: June-August; Easter Island: March.
capital
Santiago.
population
About 15.8 million people, mostly Chileans (“Chileño”, a nation formed as a result of the mixing of Indian peoples and immigrants from Europe, mainly from Spain). There are also a small number of Indian tribes (many of them almost assimilated) and people from other countries. A small group of Araucana Indians lives mainly in the south of the country, between the cities of Concepcion and Puerto Montt, while the Aymara Indians live in the far north of the country. A special group is also made up of the population of Easter Island - the Rapanui people, who belong to the Melanesian-Polynesian group (currently there are no more than 1 thousand people left).
religion
Catholics - about 80%, Protestants - 13%, as well as adherents of other faiths. The church in Chile is separated from the state, but enjoys enormous respect and influence on the political and social life of the country.
political system
Republic. The country is in a transition period from military dictatorship to democracy. The head of state and government is the president. Administratively, the country is divided into 13 regions, which in turn are subdivided into 50 provinces.
time difference
It is 8 hours behind Moscow.
language
Spanish ("castellano"). English, German, Aymara, Araucana, Mapuche and other ethnic languages are also used.
currency
Chilean peso (Ch$, CLP), equal to 100 centavos. Payment for goods and services in US dollars is possible.
flight
You can fly to Santiago with Iberia flights via Madrid (travel time - 21h.30 min.) or Air France via Paris (travel time - 19h.30 min.).
medical care and insurance
entertainment
Chile is famous for its wines. Therefore, visiting numerous wineries can be a memorable event. Here you can get acquainted with the assortment of brands presented, have lunch at the restaurant at the winery, arrange a tasting, and also buy a couple of cases of the wine you like to take home.
kitchen
Chilean cuisine is a rather unusual mixture of national tradition and numerous foreign recipes brought here by immigrants from Europe. The harsh conditions of most of the country have left their mark on the local cuisine - in mountainous areas there are usually fewer ingredients in food and their variety is small. In the Central Valley, on the contrary, the influence of European traditions is very noticeable, and therefore the dishes prepared here are more varied. Common to the whole country is the abundance of pepper, garlic, potatoes, yams, corn and other vegetables in the food. Rice and potatoes are present in almost every dish. Meat products are extremely varied. On the plains and coasts, they are based on beef, pork and poultry; in mountainous areas, lamb and pork, as well as llama and alpaca meat, are more widely used. Fish and seafood (“mariscos”) are used in abundance, especially on the coast, and many of the marine life caught here are famous throughout the world. In Chile, a huge number of dishes are prepared from crabs, shellfish, eel, perch, salmon, shrimp and giant “choros” mussels. Exotic local dishes include sea urchin soup, mariscal seafood and white wine soup, manchas a la parmesan shells baked in cheese, or huge lobsters from the Juan Fernandez Islands. An important place on the table is occupied by corn (“tortillas”) and maize tortillas, as well as “humitas” - boiled corn with spices, wrapped in corn leaves, and a variety of fritters like pumpkin “sopaipillas”. Also, the hallmark of local cuisine is a wide variety of all kinds of fruits. Chile is considered the largest exporter of fruits in the southern hemisphere, so a wide variety of fresh fruits, as well as products made from them (juices, jams, preserves, jam pies, sweets, etc.) are constantly present on the local table. The traditional drink of Chileans is tea. Whether it’s regular black or green tea, or “mate”, traditional throughout the continent, you can always taste it in any establishment in the country. A traditional alcoholic drink is “pisco” - a kind of liqueur made according to ancient recipes (many attribute its origins to the pre-Inca era) from specially grown grapes. Pisco is usually drunk with lemon juice, powdered sugar, beaten egg whites or Coca-Cola and plenty of ice. Excellent Chilean wines are no less popular. The fundamental difference between local wines and European ones is the exceptional quality of the grapes, which simply do not suffer from many diseases, as well as the production of wine according to a unique recipe, which makes it possible to obtain exceptionally aromatic and rich wines.
attractions
Chile is one of the most interesting countries in the world. Thousands of years of history, beautiful landscapes, majestic mountains and pristine mountainous areas, a stunning diversity of natural complexes, a colorful local population and a rapidly developing economy - these are the main arguments when choosing this country as a place to visit. The most popular attractions of Chile are Lake Chungara, the Parinacota volcano, the Atacama Desert, the geysers of El Tatio, Lake Miscanti, the granite “towers” of Torres del Paine, the archaeological sites of Copacilla and Zapauira, the mysterious Easter Island, as well as Patagonia - the southernmost region of the American continent, are well known far beyond the country's borders.
Santiago is the capital of Chile. The uniqueness of the landscape here lies in the fact that 50 km away you can relax at a ski resort, and, 100 km away from the city in the other direction, you can discover the sun-drenched beaches of Valparaiso.
Valparaiso is the main port of the country. The city is built on numerous hills, from which a marvelous view of the ocean opens. The city's districts are connected to each other by a network of funiculars that has existed since the 19th century.
Puerto Natales is a neat European-style town famous for its national parks: Torres del Paine and Bernardo O'Higgins National Park.
Puerto Varas is a colonial town built in the 19th century by the Germans. The resort is famous for its landscapes: extinct volcanoes covered with snow, green hills, a lake around which small cute houses, cozy hotels and restaurants are built.
San Pedro is a unique ethnic and archaeological capital of Chile, the starting point for a journey through the Atacama Desert. A land of 40 geysers, salt flats, famous for the longest chain of volcanoes on the planet.
Torres del Paine is a resort that owes its name to two huge granite monoliths formed as a result of the movement of glaciers. The park of the same name is a UNESCO biosphere reserve.
Easter Island is the most remote island on the planet, fascinating with its mysterious past: once upon a time one of the world's oldest civilizations existed here. The hallmark of the island are more than 800 statues of volcanic origin.
customs and traditions
Chileans are one of the most unusual nations on the planet. Formed on the basis of the Spanish and Indian populations of this territory, it contains a rich “admixture” of almost all the peoples of the world. There are a lot of people here from the British Isles, Germany, and Slavic countries, but there are practically no people from Africa and Southeast Asia, so common in other countries of South America. Each ethnic group brought some of its own components into Chilean culture, which is very clearly visible in the example of numerous “ethnic” settlements on the outskirts of the country, and most of the peoples living here carefully preserve their cultural traditions and language. And yet the majority of the country’s residents still consider themselves Chileans. The people here are very friendly, even the mountain Indian tribes, to whom in years past they tried to attribute excessive cruelty, are in fact extremely friendly towards tourists, and their natural restraint only emphasizes this aspect.
information
Emergency services:
- Ambulance - 131.
- Fire service - 132.
- Police - 133.
Security: Chile's crime and corruption rates are the lowest in Latin America. In the capital and other large cities, there is still a risk of running into fraud (this is especially common when exchanging currency) or petty theft; in rural areas of the country, theft or deception of a guest is simply unthinkable from a moral point of view. This is due both to the mentality of local residents and to the ever-increasing standard of living in the country.
Smoking and alcohol: You should not smoke or drink alcohol on the streets - in many places it is considered a sign of bad taste, and in some cities it is even prohibited. Since mid-2006, a new law came into force providing for a ban on smoking in government buildings, buses, stadiums, schools, hospitals and other public places, and large non-smoking areas must be provided in restaurants.
Electricity: mains voltage 220 V, 50 Hz. The plugs are round, with two or three pins.
At the end of the 19th century. In the agriculture of Chile, due to the ruin of the bulk of small tenants, a significant number of workers began to be released. Those who found employment in agriculture became temporary workers, the so-called rbto. In search of work, they moved from place to place without having a permanent residence. With the development in the second half of the 19th century. mining and small manufacturing industries began the influx of population into the northern regions and the process of formation of the industrial proletariat.
The leading group of the proletariat of Chile are the miners - workers in copper mines and coal mines, and saltpeter mines. But Chile, like other Latin American countries, is characterized by a numerical predominance of workers employed in light industry, small industrial enterprises, transport, etc.
Chile's working class faces intolerable conditions. The cost of living since 1937 had risen 10 times by 1950. In July-August 1953, the cost of living increased by approximately another 20%. Real wages are constantly falling due to rising prices for food supplies and manufactured goods. The vast majority of Chilean workers earn no more than 30% of the subsistence level. It goes without saying that the so-called subsistence minimum barely makes it possible to lead a half-starved existence. The Chilean worker spends about 90% of his earnings on food for himself and his family, and the poorest spend all their earnings on this, and yet the majority of the Chilean population suffers the physical consequences of hunger.
500 thousand families are homeless 4 . In workers' camps in Chile, the so-called "warm bed system" is widespread, in which workers who return from work occupy the still warm beds of workers from the next shift. It is not uncommon for an entire family to have to sleep in one bed.
Overcrowding, unsanitary conditions and systematic malnutrition cause social diseases. In terms of mortality from tuberculosis, Chile is one of the first places in the world. 80% of tuberculosis cases occur in working-class slum areas.
“If you knew the slums in which the Chilean people live, you would understand that once you have taken the path of struggle, you cannot help but devote your whole life to it,” wrote Pablo Neruda 5 .
Cities, villages, homes
Long wars with the Indians, frequent earthquakes, and in some parts of the coast of central Chile, floods destroyed the original settlements, and then the emerging cities. Therefore, the cities of Chile have fewer buildings preserved from the colonial period than other republics. In addition, the architecture of Chile was not influenced by the architecture and art of the Indian population, as was the case in neighboring Peru and Bolivia.
At the same time, the geographical features of individual areas left their mark on the material and appearance of the buildings. The north is characterized by the use of stone; in average Chile in the colonial period, and in rural areas even today, houses are made of adobe or raw brick; in the south the main material is wood.
In northern Chile, in agricultural oases inhabited mainly by Indians, houses are made of stones; the crossbars for the thatched roof and the door are made from cactus trunks.
In rural areas, ancient manor houses, reminiscent of the houses of southern Spain, are not uncommon. Houses preserved from colonial times in old cities (Sant Iago, Valparaiso, Concepcion, etc.) were built in the same style.* If the house had a second floor, it was usually surrounded by balconies and galleries. Even in the first half of the last century, the sharp difference between the buildings in the center and the outskirts of the city was striking. Even at that time, houses on central streets usually had glass; balconies, shutters and entrance doors were covered with rich carvings or metal decorations; on the outskirts, in narrow side streets, the windows of low houses, rather huts, often covered with straw rather than tiles, did not have glass, but were blocked by rough wooden bars and colorfully painted shutters, which had to be closed in cold weather.
Most of the cities in southern Chile were built in the 19th century. Some of them bear traces of a typical Spanish layout, others, which arose or grew with the advent of German immigration, resemble small towns in Germany. In this area, rich in forests, houses were naturally built from wood.
Mining centers and port cities have the appearance of typical capitalist cities: large institutional buildings, standard houses for employees and small shacks and huts of working outskirts.
About a third of Chile's population does not have housing that meets minimum sanitary requirements.
The contrasts between wealth and poverty in Sant'Iago are especially striking. In the center of the city, a small area with ancient houses of the aristocracy from the colonial era has been preserved from past times. But now there are more and more tall administrative buildings built in a modern style.
After the 1930s, the capital's suburbs began to grow rapidly; in the east, in the Barrio Alto area, a new city of the rich was born - “a closed, elegant and lush garden city”, inhabited mainly by foreigners; to the south for many kilometers there are neighborhoods inhabited by the middle bourgeoisie; to the north and northwest stretch neighborhoods of low-rise buildings of the poor. Such division into “neighborhoods” and “suburbs” covers up the most blatant and strictly enforced social segregation.
Significant housing construction carried out by municipalities does not meet housing needs. Therefore, miserable shacks are one of the most common landscapes of the capital. The city (without suburbs) is surrounded by slums, in which about a third of the capital's population lives. Workers are forced to huddle in so-called conventillos or kalyampa 1 . Sometimes these are old, dilapidated houses of the bourgeoisie, and usually special buildings - tiny closets stretched along an endless corridor, without windows, floors, with doors opening directly onto a common courtyard (patio), which serves at the same time as a kitchen, laundry and a place for children of dozens of families to play. . If the average population density in Sant'Iago a few years ago was 127 people per hectare, then in the areas of workers' slums it reached 500 people.
In the XVI-XVIII centuries. The upper strata of society in Chile followed Spanish court fashions and outwardly differed sharply from the rest of the population. Separate groups of the urban population differed from each other in external characteristics, and it was always possible to recognize a prince, nobleman or ordinary citizen by clothing and weapons.
Spanish clothing was worn by wealthy Spaniards living in Chile and by high officials. In Chile, however, these clothes were less fluffy and darker in color than in neighboring Peru. In folk clothing, the Chileans, like the inhabitants of many other colonies of South America, adopted certain Indian elements, the most characteristic of which was the poncho. The poncho was preserved until the end of the 19th century; it was worn for protection from rain and cold outside the city, and by riders in cities. Folk clothing has changed little since the 17th century. National men's clothing was preserved among the so-called huasos - shepherd riders and other agricultural workers of large estates. Once upon a time, huaso clothing was casual: a wide and long cloak-poncho, leggings made of thick woolen fabric or rawhide, wide trousers, a woven belt, a short jacket, a sombrero of different styles (depending on the region). By the end of the 19th century. This costume began to change, combining the features of the clothes of a shepherd, a mule driver and a rural nobleman. Nowadays, sombreros are usually black, with a low, flat crown; the shirt is white, with a shirt front folded in vertical folds. Rich people wear silk shirts, poor people wear flannel; on top they put on a very open vest and a short jacket made of light or white checkered fabric, trimmed with buttons; the waist is tied with a narrow belt made of thick wool, usually red; boots made of black, red or yellow leather; There are two types of raincoats; ordinary ponchos that protect from cold and bad weather, and the so-called chamanto - a very short cape that does not reach the waist with a slit for the head, like a poncho; Chamanto is woven from wool of very bright colors, with a variety of patterns. Such capes began to be worn about thirty years ago. The cost of a full such suit is very expensive and even higher than the cost of ordinary urban clothing.
But even farm laborers try to acquire and carefully preserve at least some parts of this traditional costume.
This is undoubtedly due to the fact that this costume has become mandatory for participants in rodeos, in which young people show their dexterity by trying to lasso and subdue bulls released into special pens. Rodeos are Chileans' favorite national spectacle. They often perform in pairs, competing in strength and ability to wield a lasso. The participants in the competitions are usually employees of the estancias, while the horses most often belong to the owners of the estancias.
During breaks between individual competitions, songs are performed to the accompaniment of a guitar. Fifteen to twenty years ago only women sang with a guitar, now men sing too.
The national dance cueca, old songs also performed with a guitar, are very popular. Many folk youth ensembles are emerging. Folk dances and so-called Creole music became popular on the stage. Participants in such performances are dressed in a huaso costume, but it is highly stylized - pointedly cinched waists, strangely shaped sombreros, and too short capes. According to one of the largest experts on Chilean folk art, Tomas Lago, such costumes begin to “discredit national clothing.”
In many places in Chile, mainly in the north, there were local religious holidays in which Christianity was heavily mixed with elements of Indian religious ideas. The celebration was especially popular in the town of Andakoglio, where up to two thousand people were present as direct participants. The dancers were divided into several groups, each of which had unique costumes. Similar holidays, although less popular, existed in other places.
The handicraft industry is concentrated mainly in the central part of the country and on the island of Chiloe. These are mainly products made of clay, wood, wool weaving and weaving. Particularly noteworthy are Araucan products - woven ponchos and silver jewelry. Ceramics are divided into two types: household items and toys. In some areas it bears traces of old Indian traditions. Toys are small vessels, as well as a wide variety of figurines depicting animals and people. They are quite primitive in shape and painted in bright colors.
Such toys are made from wood, and, in addition, unique stirrups, richly decorated with carvings.
Weaving, known to the Indians of Chile even before the arrival of the Spaniards, has still retained its primitive technique. Araucanas weave thick ponchos, striped or with geometric patterns. In some places they began to make short capes from thinner fabric, richly ornamented. Not so long ago, about 15-20 years ago, they began to produce motley woolen carpets, which are in great demand.
Very original and elegant toys and jewelry woven from dyed horsehair and thin fibers of poplar root.
