Valparaiso, Chile

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So arrived at our hostel, (after a guided tour of the city via the cab driver) which was a lovely little place, not reallya hostel at all (which was probably reflected in the price). It was near to funicular Artilleria, meaning it was the opposite end of town to the bus station and up an almightly great big hill. Although everywhere was up an almighty great hill. The first day we just had a look around and found food and stuff, although as it was International Womens Day on the Monday the town square were setting up a stage for some live music over the weekend, which was handy.

The next morning we did a tour around Valparaiso and neighbouring Vina Del Mar. Starting in the main square, then driving round looking at buildings, such as the Congress Building (umm lovely!) the oldest funicular, cathedral and then to La Sebastiana, which was the house that Pablo Neruda (a famous chilean poet who won the nobel prize for literature dont you know) lived. Lovely quirky house, but "no photos" so you will have to google it if you are interested.

Then on to Vina Del Mar. When we decided to come to this area we couldnt decide whether to stay in Valparaiso on Vina del Mar, well I am so glad we stayed in Valparaiso. Vina Del Mar is lovely, but beachy, so good if you want a few days sitting around, Valparaiso had loads and loads of character, and the bonus of the concert going on. Anyway we did go to Musew Sociedad Fonk, basically a natural history museum with loads on insects with pins going through them, and more importantly (being in South America) pottery and info about the various indigeneous people in the area. We had a late lunch in a very nice but expensive fish restaurant, but hey, by the sea, got to eat fresh fish.

In the evening we went and watched a few of the bands whilst having a leisurely Piscosour (the chilean national drink).

The following day, we decided to walk around the city, climbing up a very step hill (if only we´d realised the funicular was near by) to look at the open air museum, which is basically paintings on the sides of houses drawn by famous chilean artists. Its got to be said that we both preferred the graffiti, but each to there own.

The rest of the day was either spent watching the bands in the main square, taking photos of buildings or drinking red wine or pisco sour. Its amazing when you try and think about what you did it doesnt sound like much, but it was hot so maybe we walked at half the usual speed.

The following morning we left for Mendoza.. Home of Vinto Tinto :-)

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Comments

[Chrissie]

Phwoar...
Cor Mags, ya struck lucky with your fella there :) x