The English girl who is working as freelance journalist in Santiago told me that I must visit Valparaiso. I took her advice.
Interesting Hostel
I arrived in the city late in the afternoon. The instructions on how to get to the hostel were simple: take a mini bus to a stop near a Shell petrol station, walk up the hill and following the green footsteps painted on the pavement.
I did just that. The hostel in located in very funky area of this very funky city.
After checking in I found a very good restaurant and had an excellent fish meal.
Back in the hostel, I had an interesting conversation with a French girl would was on a 6 month tour of South America. She was speaking perfect ‘Peter Sellers’.
Walking Tour
Next day I decided to take a walking tour. The guide was very enthusiastic. It is worth checking out the video at the Flickr link.
The main feature of the city is the street art. I think that probably took too many photos, however they do give an idea of what the place is like. The main part of the old part of the city has been declared a UNESCO heritage site. This is good and bad in that the old buildings are being retained, however the restrictions on development are such that many buildings are falling into disrepair
Rugby Fan
After the tour, had a meal at an ‘Irish Pub’ near the hostel. The owner is a huge Rugby fan. As I was eating he disappeared, only to reappear wearing a Wallabies jersey. His command of English was at the level of my command of Spanish. I only thing I understood was that he was huge fan of Stirling Mortlock.
Poet’s House
Next day, I took a long walk to the house where a famous Chilean poet Pablo Neruda lived. It seemed like a real character.
Flickr Link
https://www.flickr.com/photos/twwilko_photos/sets/72157652269413801
Interesting Poet
billrider2013 