Pablo Neruda's casa Santiago.

Pablo Neruda - political activist who was awarded the Noble prize for Literature in 1971.

I had the chance to visit his house in Santiago where he lived with his first wife Matilde Urrutia who he described as a woman of two faces.

Pablo was fond of wine and conversation with friends. Neruda served his friends in different colored glasses only, as he said that color improved the taste of the drink. If you were not a friend, he served your drink in a clear glass.

The ship-like construction of the various rooms added to the flavor of the "Captain's" story. Neruda had a fascination for the sea, yet he was unable to swim. During his life, a creek and waterfall ran alongside the house. The creek now runs through a buried culvert.

Love by Pablo Neruda:

Because of you, in gardens of blossoming flowers I ache from the
perfumes of spring. I have forgotten your face, I no longer remember your hands;

how did your lips feel on mine?

Because of you, I love the white statues drowsing in the parks,
the white statues that have neither voice nor sight.

I have forgotten your voice, your happy voice; I have forgotten
your eyes.

Like a flower to its perfume, I am bound to my vague memory of
you. I live with pain that is like a wound; if you touch me, you will

do me irreparable harm.

Your caresses enfold me, like climbing vines on melancholy walls.
I have forgotten your love, yet I seem to glimpse you in every
window.

Because of you, the heady perfumes of summer pain me;

Because of you, I again seek out the signs that precipitate desires: shooting
stars, falling objects.