Chile

Carol and I enjoy a day each in Vina del Mar, Valparaiso and Santiago

Big smiles, we are off the ship and on our own in Vina del Mar
Carol had found a charming B&B on the Internet (brown house) that did not take credit cards so she had to wire the deposit via Western Union.

Next door was a hole in the wall, mom and pop convenience store where I bought some snacks. (roll mouse over the B&B to see second picture)

The B&B had a tiny bedroom on the first floor and a community room on the 2nd floor with a computer and this nice view.

The B&B was conveniently located next to the metro line that we would use the next day to go to Valparaiso.
It was a beautiful day so we set off on a long walk down the malecon. Palm trees, flower pots on the streetlight posts, interesting architecture, ocean view, what could be nicer?

Soon we passed this odd restaurant shaped like a ship. Note the roosting pelicans. Unfortunately, it was closed so we had to walk a bit farther for lunch.

We came to a park and found a collection of home made bikes, trikes, and little cars for children.
Here is a four person model and everyone can pedal but only one steering wheel is connected.
We took a ride in a carriage to the Floral Clock
The next morning, we enjoyed a fancy breakfast in the B&B and planned our visit to Valparaiso.

Our train arrives and we are off to Valparaiso

The city of Valparaiso is built on different levels. The port facilities and main commercial buildings are near sea level and the homes are built on top of a number of hills. The unique feature that connects the two are a number of ascensores or funiculars. The diagonal rails of one of these can be seen in this picture along with the little yellow car at the top right.

From the Internet:
Valparaíso was declared a World Heritage Site in 2003, thanks to its historical importance, natural beauty (large number of hills surrounding a picturesque harbour), and unique architecture (particularly, a mix of 19th century styles of housing). Built upon dozens of steep hillsides overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Valparaíso boasts a labyrinth of streets and cobblestone alleyways, embodying a rich architectural and cultural legacy.

This is the entrance to the oldest ascensor and the rails can be seen on the right

The ascensor operator on the left and a car on the right

Once at the top we begin a wonderful walking tour to see the narrow streets and old homes.
The steepness of the hills necessitates the streets have hairpin curves and this forces some unusual flatiron shaped homes.
Children being escorted home from school past a bright wall mural

Some of the homes did not look so happy.

Note the interesting tarp covering the construction work in the picture on the right.

Home with a curious Christmas tree over the door
We leave the main streets and entered a series of interconnecting alleyways
Some of the alleyways looked pretty dire and we had some misgivings about our guidebook.
We pressed on, the guidebook couldn't be wrong could it?

Suddenly, the alley opened up and we saw a nice hotel, restaurant and harbor view
Carol found a shop with some odd items. I don't recall ever seeing cow udders for sale.
With all the hiking and poking in shops, we were pleased to find a nice place for lunch, Cafe Turri.

Carol had a fancy salad of sliced avocado and hearts of palm.

The entree was served as a covered dish.

An excellent wine, good food and a beautiful woman to share it with. Life is good!

We enjoyed a chilean coffee, took a last look at the view of Valparaiso and moved on.


We board a bus and head inland past well tended vineyards
Soon the snow capped Andes come into view as we near Santiago
Santiago is a bustling city with crowded pedestrian ways.
The opulent interior of la Catedral designed by Bavaian Jesuits.

La Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco dates from 1572.

El Museo Colonial de San Francisco has 54 colonial paintings representing the life of St. Francis of Assisi

Carol could have stayed all day.

We found beautiful parks and kids on toy ponies posing for pictures

Well dressed men playing chess
We found a good hotel in a great location
It is the custom for all hotels to include breakfast. This hotel featured some exhibits of antique wine making equipment.
Chilean Peso notes are curious in that they feel like they are made out of plastic. They actually have an area on the left that is transparent. I placed a U.S. penny behind the note to make the transparent area easier to see.
Our last view of the Andes from the Santiago airport
Many hours of flying later, we see Albuquerque and are home again. These pictures will continue to remind us of a wonderful trip.

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