Valparaiso/ Viña Del Mar

We took a day bus trip to these areas- 1) Valparaiso and 2) Viña Del Mar.

What a wonderful day to learn about these two cities! Valparaiso is high up in the hills, and is known as a bohemian, artsy area. The town was not planned and rather than restructure the hills, they adapted their homes and businesses to the land. There were originally 40 elevators throughout the town, and now there are approximately 13 still in operation and in use today! In fact, we took one up forty meters to enter into the town. There are a lot of beautiful murals, and expressive art based on the history, or just plain old fun.

Our tour guide Pablo took time to explain all the important details, such as the Lutheran church that operated on the down low until freedom of religion was legal. He also mentioned the house of congress is there, that is expensive for the tax payers since the congress representatives all live in Santiago and , their commute, food etc is covered.

Pablo seemed friendly and to know several people in the town. Wild but domesticated dogs roam freely throughout the town and the people care for them - the dogs are pettable.

In Viña Del Mar a sharp contrast was pointed out by Pablo that the two towns are very different, and Viña Del Mar is newer, more commercial with a stock exchange.

Pablo took us also on a boat ride through the port, where we saw container barges/cranes, naval vessels, and in particular a very special replica of one to the Chilean people here, where they fought the Bolivians in battle at sea. The replica shop is in use today, by their military for training purposes.

After, we stopped at Restaurante Costa Cochoa overlooking a popular beach, had a nice lunch of Loma Saltado de Pollo served along side white rice and French fries- the traditional cuisine here. We got a green salad to go with it.

On the way back into Santiago, we stopped to see a special gift from the people of Easter Island, whom the Chileans have a special relationship with. Many shipments and imports go to and from Easter island through the port of Valparaiso.Read more