Valparaiso

In such a steep port town, the only way to get up and down the hills is by funicular. This one had gaps in the floor boards and were built from 1883 to 1916. All that excitement for less than $1.

Another great feature of Valparaiso is the art work. So many of the walls and steps of the city are painted is various different designs. Some of which is distinctly political.

I really liked the panio stairs

Some of the colours of Valparaiso

When we arrived the port was hidden in fog which made for a great mystic feelings. Hidden from view is the Chilean Navy that we are not allowed to take photos of.

So after a very easy metro ride and bus ride we find outselves in Valparaiso 120km northwest of Santiago in this awesome port town. First impressions is that it is a lot more lived in than Santiago and full of colour - plus it is much cooler with a lovely sea breeze. Valpo is built on the hills and is very important in Chilean history as it is where Chile exported a lot of its minerals to the rest of the world and ships use to stop before the creation of the Panama Canal. The hostal we are staying at is super chilled and quiet resulting in a good nights sleep for the first time in four days. The people of Valpo are a lot more eclectic and bohemian as the lonely planet would describe them. However, because of the attraction of tourist to the city a lot more undesirables are here and you are warned of places to go and not go.

F and i had the most interesting of meals tonight. After searching for what seemed like hours for a decently priced establishment we found a place called matadors. The decor was fake animal heads and forest on the walls. I had read about a local dish called chorrillana which is literally a mountain of fries with meat, egg, onions and cheese piled on top... the plate we got was for 2 but we got through about half. It was heart disease on a plate and will most likely be done only once. On the upside it was super cheap!