We took an Uber to the bus station to find our bus to Valparaiso. That was chaotic to say the least and when we finally figured out the area Anden 21 meant the area the bus would be parked (there were a few buses and a lot of people.) A local woman was very kind and checked our ticket and location and pestered the driver for us. Easy bus ride to our destination and uber again to Airbnb. Our hosts Antonia and Brigette couldn’t be nicer we are treated like royalty – home baking, freshly squeezed strawberry juice and sweet tea. Brigette the mum has no English and is a phycologist and her daughter Antonia – who speaks English, is studying to be an electronic engineer at the local university. Once we were settled, we did a quick orientation around the local area. We went down to the local port where they were giving rides in boats around the port. Most of the punters looked like locals and it must be a day out for them. Reasonably amusing with the boats doing a bit of pushing and shoving. Had a look at some of the elevators called ascender sort of like rail cars on wire ropes that take about 10 people at a time.
Street work we have seen along the way
Everything under control.
Day trippers at the harbour
Valparaiso 12th February
We booked a walking tour of the city for the day, and it was certainly well worth it – we had the guide Sebastian to ourselves – very fortunate, 10am – 5pm. BIG day.
The local fish market was the first stop lots of open boats there seemed to be local fishermen who had quoters that allowed them to catch with long lines and nets. There was also a lot of shell fish not sure how they gathered them. Looked like pippies, a small scallop and blue mussels. Along with the fishermen there were people who made a living filleting fish. People would buy their fish then take it to the fish filleter to clean and fillet for a small fee.
On to the fresh food market a bit more crowded stalls everywhere didn’t get hassled to buy things which makes a change for those sorts of places really busy.
Then up one of the ascenders and a look over the city, the national parliament and then a wander and a look at some of the mural art. Some have a political message and have been repainted over and over again with the same message.
Lots of quirky wee streets with street art. Many different styles and some with political messages and others just for fun. Unfortunately, there is also lots of tagging. Along these streets there are some nice shops and eateries, and they love their ice-cream here.
One of the naval buildings in Valparaiso
Monument to the war against Peru and Bolivia in the late 1800s
Fish filleter in the fish market
Sea lion waiting to be feed fish market
Net mending at the market
Fish market
Government buildings
Naval base
Elevators / ascenders Valparaiso
End of the downhill bike race
Valparaiso 13th February
Walk Naval Museum it was ok a nice place to spend a few hours being cooler and a nice outside café. Walked back to the Conception Elevator up we go and lunch in the yellow house where we meet Scottish couple and had a good yarn to them then a walk around town.
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