Valparaíso

Shortly after Tom wrote the last post, we learned that the pass between Santiago, Chile and Mendoza, Argentina had been temporarily wiped out due to tons of rain. All bus transportation has been stopped until Monday at the earliest.

Instead of booking an expensive plane ticket (or skipping Mendoza altogether), we decided to spend a few days on the coast of Chile, in a small city called Valparaíso.

It's a really neat city with colorful homes on the hillside. It reminds me of the Amalfi Coast in Italy (though I haven't been there-- yet!)

Valparaiso at night

The city overlooks the Pacific Ocean. I have high hopes to dip my toe into it tomorrow while we're hanging out the beaches of Viña del Mar. 

View of the ocean from Valparaiso. 

Tom and I spent most of last night and today wandering around the hillside, climbing the meandering streets-- all of which go uphill. It's very easy to get lost in this city, but once you've been lost a few times, it's generally easier to find your way around.

Street art and raised sidewalks

Hills galore

Hilly streets in Valparaiso

The city is definitely a bit gritty, with lots of graffiti, squawking seagulls, and dogs running amuck. But despite the grit, it's a neat little city where you can walk up (always up) a cobblestone road, pause for a minute to catch your breath, and then turn around and catch a phenomenal view of the whole city. 

Street performances at sunset

The Valparaiso Harbor

Rachel and Tom in Valparaiso

We'll be hanging here and at the beach for a few more days before we make our way into Argentina. Look out for more pictures to come!

-R