Would you like your coffee with legs?

Now and again you find a situation when instead of squashing all local opposition a global brand finds it can’t really compete with all the locals. Coffee in Santiago is one of those things it seems. As you’d expect, you can find Starbucks here, but that’s not all you can find with your coffee – a local alternative is “coffee with legs” – you get your coffee, and you get it served by a voluptuous barista wearing only a bikini. Clearly the stimulation of a double espresso is just not enough for some people!

Santiago is an interesting and varied city, a wealth of striking modern architecture, ornate colonial architecture and more Bohemian districts with a wealth of wall art and graffiti all mixed together, sometimes almost on top of each other.

The majestic Santiago Cathedral

Santiago Cathedral reflected in an office

The famous Chilean poet Pablo Neruda had a house in Bellavista district and the wall art in the neighborhood was especially impressive, and in some cases unsettling!

Wall Art outside Pablo Neruda's house

Exterior design, Bellavista style.

Banker taking a holiday in Bellavista.

Aside from the modernity there are still some large markets, and hearty Chilean food (especially seafood) is served nearby.

Vega Central Market, Santiago

Curanto - a fish, shellfish, sausage and potato stew garnished with a giant barnacle.