Strolling along the costanera

Today it's overcast and cold; a good day to stay inside and hunker down close to a heat source. Or, in my case, under a blanket on the couch.

But what a difference just a week ago! Last Sunday it was sunny and in the 60s; an absolutely gorgeous day that prompted hundreds to head to the costanera.  With a grassy park area studded with trees along the lake, it's a popular spot for folks to enjoy the outdoors.

I mentioned on my P365 blog that while we were away on furlough last year, the city built a new road right along the lake front. The idea was to ease traffic congestion, but less than a month after opening, the road was closed after part of the sidewalk next to it slid right into the lake. No idea if it was poor planning or shoddy construction, but for whatever reason, the road is not fit for vehicular traffic.

Which means that it has become a popular pedestrian area, as well as a safe place for kids to ride their bikes, roller blades or even skate boards:

We've seen more than a few parents teaching their kids how to ride along this road since it's a safe place for even the little ones to "hit the road":

But the lake is the real draw. You don't have to look far to see a fisherman (I counted more than a dozen in the span of a two block section):

Even though it's a little too cool for some water sports, we saw canoes and row boats:

There's plenty of room for a game of bocce ball:

Or just to sit and relax with friends and drink mate:

I didn't think to take photos of the venders but I found this picture on the internet:

There are always plenty of venders selling these pastelitos, deep-fried-and-dipped-in-sugar flaky pastries. On weekends you'll find little pastelito stands every couple hundred meters.

Now remember, the seasons are opposite here, which makes this like December for y'all. So, do you think you'd like to come hang out with us on the costanera?