Day 8 Santiago to Valparaīso and back

A big day today, off to Valparaīso on local transport. Breakfast in the hotel ( cause you have to when it is already paid for), walk to metro station line 1 in Santiago to the end at Pajaritos, supposed to be San Pablo but the last 2 stations seem to be out of action.

Short walk then to bus inter change. Surprising easy to purchase tickets and find correct bus. All the staff and the locals we met were most helpful.

Once on the Pullman double decker bus: wow felt like business class on airline ( or at least what I’ve been told). Only 3 huge seats across.

Very comfortable trip, taking an hour and a half.

On approach to Valparaīso the terrain changed from the flat, dry and barren areas surrounded by hills to forested hills and vineyards. Unfortunately there was evidence of recent bushfires.

As we got closer to the coast the weather closed in: cold ( well 15C) and foggy and wet. Apparently called “Lomas”, where the wet warm air from the pacific meet the coastal hills. Little rain but vegetation gets water from these fogs.

We left the bus station and somehow ended in the markets. Why does that always happen?

Perhaps Liz has a nose for it.

A colourful vibrant place, however the poverty visable also left feeling potentially vulnerable.

A local bloke even, by sign language, suggested Liz put her phone away whilst she was taking photos and further along towards the port where we felt it was a bit of a risky area, a builder who shouted “welcome to Valparaíso from his lofty heights. Go figure.....

We found the port, unfortunately behind a light rail and fence, as we slowly wandered to the meeting place for our walk. Along the way there was still much evidence of the severe 2010 earthquake.

Valparaíso is renown, apparently, for it’s colourful and rebellious nature. She has been described as a naughty sister, unkempt but loyal.

The Chilean navy headquarters is here and the ministry of culture.

It is also Hilly, very hilly. Funiculars or elevators are common: there are 16, only 8 are currently in use. Depending who you ask the others were knocked out in earthquake, or lack of maintenence..