traveloping

Day 6 and 7 – More of Valpo

Three Argentinos, Lorena, and I

Roomies. Joined by the generosity and kindness of Lorena

So after hectic Day 5, the following days were taken at a much more leisurely pace. I spent the majority of my time here wandering the cobblestone streets, taking in the bohemian atmosphere, photographing the spectacular backdrop of eclectic houses lining the hills, and just enjoying the graffiti and colour soaked windy roads of Valparaiso. I love the character of this place so much. I can’t believe I almost bypassed this town altogether. Tourist-wise, there’s not all that much to do here beyond one day. But there is so much more to a city than just cathedrals, museums, and markets. The character of a place is something that I think a lot of people are quick to miss. But if you just slow down and take time out to learn with your ears as well as your eyes, you’ll find (as I have) that these are the things that really make a place special.

I’ve spent a lot of time with my host Lorena, and also the three Argentinos. They left for Santiago this afternoon, and tomorrow after Lorena and I share lunch together, I will be on my way to La Serena.

Some snapshots of my time here in beautiful Valparaiso:

My seafood soup (sopa)!

My seafood soup (sopa)!

Interesting Restaurant for lunch

Interesting Restaurant for lunch

Valpo Houses and one of the few Acensors (cable cars)

Valpo Houses and one of the few Acensors (cable cars)

HUGE seafood meal. Didn't need dinner or breakfast the next day I was so full.

HUGE seafood meal. Didn’t need dinner or breakfast the next day I was so full.

Graffiti

Graffiti

Graffiti

Graffiti

Streets are drenched in character!

Streets are drenched in character!

Valparaiso Port

Valparaiso Port

At the top of one of the cerros, looking over the port.

At the top of one of the cerros, looking over the port.

Epic stairs (escaleras) leading up to Lorena's place

Epic stairs (escaleras) leading up to Lorena’s place

Acensor (Small Cable Cars)

Acensor (Small Cable Cars)

Ships in the Port

Ships in the Port

Me in Palaza Sotomayor

Me in Palaza Sotomayor

They say pictures are a thousand words, but nothing beats being here in person. I highly recommend Valpo to anybody who visits this part of the world. Moreover, I would just like to also say the biggest THANK YOU to Lorena. She has literally adopted me for this weekend as I have no cash until the banks open tomorrow. This weekend trip to Valpo would actually not have happened had it not been for her generosity and kindness. She has been teaching me Spanish and been the best host anyone could ask for. It takes all sorts, and Lorena is one of those restoring faith in humanity. I will miss you my friend.

IMG_6552

Lorena and I

-Em

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This entry was published on February 17, 2013 at 11:34 pm. It’s filed under Chile and tagged , , , , . Bookmark the permalink. Follow any comments here with the RSS feed for this post.

5 thoughts on “Day 6 and 7 – More of Valpo

  1. Looks like a lot of fun! Glad to see you’re having a blast and keeping safe :-)

  2. Wow a very pretty city :)

  3. Sonshine on said:

    Love the photos! (and the Graffitti). I like the graffitti of the guy walking up the stairs.. Yes the streets definitely have a San Fran flavour, with its steep hills and narrow stairs, except instead of trams, you have cable cars instead! How interesting… and the boats in the harbour are very colourful.

  4. Wonderful photos – definitely captures the atmosphere!

  5. jessheng on said:

    Lovin’ the colours of the place!

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