quote from f.g. lorca as seen on the streets of valpo
a few years ago, my best friend and i traveled to chile and argentina over the thanksgiving holiday. we visited valparaiso, chile, which instantly stole my heart. an unesco world heritage site, valpo (as it’s referred to by the locals) is a study in color, frivolity, and joy. read below a snippet from my travel journal from my day trip to valpo:
“valpo was simply perfect – reminded me of a clean puerto la cruz or a large murano – colored houses in bright hues, steep hills with slopes only ascended by funicular, unique boutiques, friendly residents, and everywhere a gorgeous view of the sea.
brightly hued buildings of valpo
we visited pablo neruda’s house (one of three), la sebastiana – loved – very narrow passageways, staircases, nooks, sweeping views of the ocean, four floors, different bright colors on each wall, pictures/art everywhere, etc. the bar was fabulous – so perfect with its eclectic mix of plates, glasses, and more. stained glass doors,too. how content he must have been with his quirky designs and unbelievable view.
view from la sebastiana of the sea
we strolled through valpo with the pretty views and bright colors, and ate lunch at el gato tuerto – what a giant view of the pacific – where i ordered gazpacho with scallops (yum). we strolled through the open air museum with murals (very into murals these days, it seems), and down a funicular – what fun! we hailed a random bus, which happened to be going to viña del mar – held on for our dear lives as we sped through valpo taking turns at an ungodly speed!
el-gato-tuerto
we meandered through viña del mar – very much like spain – and ended up at the beach, where we sipped coffee at the sheraton on a giant patio overlooking the water – very nice. we took the subway back to the bus stop, where a quite nice lady and her daughter directed us to the station. caught the 830 bus and had to run to catch the last metro to santiago – barely made it. :) we’ve ordered pizza and off to bed.”
who should go: writers, the young at heart
what to watch: il postino, based on the life of pablo neruda while exiled in sicily
what to bring: your camera, comfortable shoes
the beach at viña del mar
valpo, as seen from a funicular
looking up the funicular path