Located a few hours west of Santiago on the coast, Valparaiso is the headquarters for the Chilean navy. While it boasts the highest population of unemployment in the country, it also has a lot to offer to its visitors. The graffiti and brightly coloured houses covering the hillside give it the bohemian feel it is so well known for.
The graffiti art here makes Melbourne's walls look dull. Every corner you take there is another incredible piece for you to feast your eyes on. Luckily for us, a cold and misty day like it was today, didn't matter much for graffiti gazing. It did however make trying to spot the naval ships and the hillsides filled with colour a little difficult so here's hoping we get a clearer day tomorrow.
Other than graffiti gazing, we did go see a few historic buildings, and promptly leave after I had a distinct feeling that we didn't belong in the area. Which sparked a conversation between us about smart traveling, something I'm far more aware of here than I have been in any other country. We also got caught up in the midst of a student protest which we weren't quite sure what it was about until we were able to decipher the sign below which I think says something about education for the conscious minds and not for the market.
Due to the protest there were police and military everywhere so we thought it best to catch one of the old rickety ascensores (cable cars) back up into the hills (pictured below). I have to say, I felt an immediate sense of relief stepping back into the area of Cerro Concepcion with the empty streets (aside from the dogs) and colourfuly painted houses.
Jimmy and another dog outside Palicio Baburizza - a fine arts museum which we plan to visit tomorrow.
Crazy eyed dog that I couldn't help but photograph.
That's all for now. Time for us to go enjoy some vino tinto!
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