Street art - a tentative convert

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Yesterday Abbey had a bad cough from a cold that has been creeping up on her, and Pauline was fine with a rest day, so I joined a couple from Toronto (Dora and Ran) on a walk through some neighbourhoods we haven´t been to yet. In our neighbourhood, we picked up a stray tourist, Marilena who is also from Toronto and was visiting Valparaíso for the day from Santiago. Ran is particularly interested in street art, and was it ever an eye opener for me to hang around with these guys. I had noticed a number of interesting murals, but for me a lot of it had been diluted by (what I consider) nuisance grafitti. Ran and Dora showed me pictures made when artists cut stencils from mylar and then spray paint on walls, streets, concrete steps. They are really quite interestng, and often have hiddden messages or meanings. The artists often travel the world to spread their art. Not sure how easy it is to sell your painting though.

With the house full of travellers, we gathered around the table at night to chat with Ran & Dora, and a German couple who had gone on a horseback riding excursion with our host Rene. They really enjoyed it.

Today we are going back to Viña to see the botacical gardens and an Easter Island museum.

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Photos

Electric buses
These electric ´trolebuses´ are still in operation though they are quit old. They´re a pleasure to ride in. The bus drivers can make change for you. Marilena said that the "exact change only" system is unique to North America. The drivers have a little wooden boxes at the front with dividers to keep coins separate.

Comments

[Mom]

Trolley buses
I remember the trolley buses in Winnipeg when I was quite young and visiting with relatives. Some people here think we should reinstate them in some areas. It was fun riding them, but more fun seeing them when they were following the tracks when turning a corner. Have a good day at Vina!

[grandma]

Abbey
Sorry to hear you hada cold yesterday. You are probably better if you are going to do some more touring today. Tell Daddy that street art is indeed a universal phenomenon.r You just have to open your to see that bit of history.

[Dawna]

Squeeeeel
Sigh, Anything that can pry an eye open to art ... even if just a peak ... is a pure delight for me!! The Arty Girl

[Dawna]

Squeeeeel
Sigh, Anything that can pry an eye open to art ... even if just a peak ... is a pure delight for me!! The Arty Girl