Valparaiso and Santiago

Before we left Chile, we spent a couple days just west of there in the funky port city of Valparaiso. Evoking strong sentiments of California´s Bay Area, ¨Valpo¨actually blossomed because it was a stopover point for ships en route to the promise land during the 1849 gold rush and was called Litlle San Fran. Nowadays it´s the artist and bohemian hub of Chile and beyond, but also hosts Latin America's oldest stock exchange, the continent's first volunteer fire department (all of Chile´s fire departmens are volunteer because of it), Chile's first public library, and the oldest Spanish language newspaper in continuous publication in the world, El Mercurio de Valparaíso.

Naval base, Chile´s second biggest port, and tourist destination

With over 40 hills, there are many colorful stairways and cable ascensores/ funicular railways

The politics and regulations of UNESCO´s World Heritage Sight desination for the city´s center make it extremely hard to replace decrepid buildings. However, few spaces are devoid of street art and graffiti.

Although it´s Chile´s offical Cultural Capital, gentrification is in full swing and taking over poor neighborhoods. Here a commissioned piece by the world-famous Inti punctuates the bleakness.

¨Turn off the TV¨

More beautiful detailing and stairways

A hotspot for European immigrants during the 19th and 20th centruies, Valpo displays many different architectural styles.

Our awesome long-time socialist friend we met the night before at the soulful old-timers Cinzano bar. He headed south to Patagiona during the 70s to avoid political persecution.

The delight of the bountiful open-air markets

Thanks for the great times Valpo! And hello capital...a last Chilean hurrah!

Santiago had street art, but better yet was the capital city´s diverse people and monuments, including the only Shambhala meditation centre in South America, and a great homage to the Nobel Laureate Pablo Neruda near his house (now museum)

Dancing showdown in the plazas! Best t-shirt yet sported by a young gal ¨Pardon my shwag¨. Booya!

Santiago is packed with creativity, including this bicycling trapeze artist...magic!

Out of a crowd of hundreds, the tall guy gets called by the micced clown to help. Hilarious!

The first democratically-elected Socialist president in Latin America.

Depicting the reality of Chile: mines and development gobbling up the fishers and Indigenous Mapuche people

The presidential palace where Allende died during the U.S. supported coup led by the despicable Augusto Pinochet.

Retirement/lunch break in the capital looks like this... some seen multitasking with choripan (hot dog) and cellphone in hand

Our dear friends and hosts José and Nazaret from Asturias, Spain, who we met down in Tierra del Fuego made us the best vegan goodbye dinner. Thanks for the amazing times! We miss you!