We had seen the pictures of arty and bohemian Valparaiso and so thought this would be a place that we would enjoy. However we had not realised that having chosen a hostel near the bus station for convenience that we were some way from the pretty area and were in fact staying in a more run down district that we were warned was dangerous at night!
To explore the city we decided to take the "Walking Tour For Tips" offered by our hostel and assumed this would last a couple of hours. We returned over 4 hours later, tired but having seen the side of Valparaiso we expected.
It was just the two of us on the tour and it started by taking a stomach churning roller coaster bus ride to one of the highest levels followed by a ride in an antiquated wooden funicular to the top point. I was willing the funicular to make it to the top.
The next few hours were spent going up various funicular, walking through little alleyways, and down steps to discover a land full of brightly covered murals, artisan shops, markets and beautiful architecture. This was the Valparaiso we expected. Needless to say our guide earnt his tip.
En route we stopped to have a Chilean drink known as "mote con huesillo" which is a delicious non alcoholic drink made from wheat, peaches, sugar, water and cinnamon.
The following day, we discovered another side to Valparaiso. Just a few blocks from our hostel was the beach and within a few metres of walking we came across a concrete structure in the sea that was full of sea lions basking in the sun. Occasionally they would jump back into the sea and we sat and watched one young sea lion unsuccessfully attempt at least 30 or more jumps to join his companions on the structure. Sadly he never did make it.
By day 3 in Valparaiso, we suddenly saw it through a different light and places that initially seemed run down and un-inviting, suddenly appeared bright and welcoming. Valparaiso had grown on us.
Looks like it has so much character! The graffiti is cool, almost as cool as eva being taller than John!
ReplyDeleteJ&A