The Bench Archives - Santiago, Chile

On December 5th, 2024 I spent the day cruising around Santiago. I went to museums and parks, climbed up hills and of course, sat down on many benches. This bench, located in front of Fuente Neptuno, is one that I’ll never forget. Here’s why:

After I started this bench blog, I began to notice how my brain was rewiring itself to notice benches everywhere. Now, I never pass a bench without seeing it. This was especially true upon arriving at Fuente Neptuno in Santiago. My first thought wasn’t about the beautiful, historic fountain I had come to see, but about the abundance of benches on the terrace. Specifically, the center bench, lined up perfectly at the foot of the fountain.

It was gorgeous. 13 wooden panels with intricately designed wrought iron sides. I was determined to sit down on it. Unfortunately, it was occupied, so I waited and wandered. For twenty minutes, I walked loops around the terrace, waiting for it to free up. Until it did! I shuffled on over with extra pace.

Just as I went to sit down, so did someone else. We both hesitated and exchanged a look of mutual understanding. This was THE bench.

His name was Diño, another traveler from Southern Chile. We both chuckled at the moment. Two strangers, unknowingly waiting for and orbiting the same bench. He told me about himself—a writer and environmentalist, coming to Santiago to free 3 Andean Condors back into the wild. What started as a conversation on a bench turned into an afternoon of wandering through Santiago, sharing stories of our travels, and eventually eating some paninis at a small Italian joint. What a grand time it was. Miss you Diño. What a treat