Valparaiso and La Serena

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We arrived in Valparaiso later than planned due to Mark´s faffing, and were greeted from the bus by Cecilia, Charlie´s gran. A walk and a short bus journey later we arrived at Cecilia´s flat and were treated to a traditional Chilean meal of chicken and rice before going to the local for a couple of magaritas and then bed.

The next day we all went into the centre of Valparaiso, a vibrant, colourful city with more of a Latin American feel to it than Santiago. First stop was a trip to the house of famous Chilean poet Pablo Neruda; the house itself was fairly interesting, full of weird and wonderful nick-nacks and Neruda himself seemed a bit of a character too. We then had a bit of a wonder through the town before being taken to a secret local restaurant for steak and chips. Another loco night out with Charlie and her friend Francisca followed, with the boys practising their español on the local chicas (with varying degrees of success). The next day we were back on a bus to Santiago to say our final goodbyes to Sandra and Charlie, who had been brilliant hosts, and pack our bags ready for our trip to the north.

We arrived in La Serana with no accomodation or idea where to find any, but our worries soon evaporated as the locals welcomed us with open arms and found us somewhere to stay immediately. A good night´s sleep followed and we woke up fresh and ready the day ahead. Rather than stay and look around La Serena we decided to get a bus to the nearby town of Coquimbo, where we had a bit of a walk through the getto on our way to a giant concrete church, built in the shape of a cross. The church had been built to mark the start of the new millenium and offered great views of the town and sea from the top.

Last night we went out for some beers and again found ourselves spending the evening with some Chilian lads, playing guitar and singing songs long into the night, with Dave and Mark showing particular flair for the tambourine. Jurrassic Park!

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Photos

Happy Dias
Loco times with the chileans

Outside
With grandma and Charlie

La Cruz
A big church in the ghetto

Valparaiso
A typical chilean view in Valparaiso