Valparaiso & Vina del Mar

After a quick decision, we decided to hit the beaches and the wonderful cities of Valparaiso or ‘Valpo’ and Vina del Mar. Valparaiso is a hectic port with colorful houses stacked to gaping heights along the sea. Surrounding the center of the city are steep hills with the multicolored clapboard houses and weathered Victorian mansions. The city is often described as “stadium seating”- providing breathtaking views from wherever you are.

Valparaiso and Vina del Mar are located right next to each other and they both hug the Pacific Ocean. In the beginning of the 20^th century they built ascensores, or elevators that would take you up the steep streets, now there main function is to take you to wonderful lookouts of the port and city. Mike and I went and enjoyed the ride and marvelous views.

That's the cart you ride up in, it kinda has a lurky feeling like its going to slip off its rails and going sailing down.

The view from up top, marvelous!

You can see the entire city of Valparaiso and the neighboring city Vina del Mar. The port is lit up with brilliant yellows, oranges, and reds because of its shipping containers.

My personal favorite picture, there is something about the look of antique lamp posts that just makes me stop and stare.

This city has paintings EVERYWHERE. On every house, store, and building there is graffiti art its absolutely awesome and adds so much life and character to the city.

We are very excited to be in this beautiful city because it is so different from every other place we have been so far. There is a happy/energetic/party like feeling, I don't know if it's because everything is so brightly colored or if it's the constant sound of music but something about this city makes us happy

Seriously, every wall is covered in color.

We were really blessed to stay with an older dude named Fernando in his 17^th floor condominium that over-looked both the cities and ocean. Couchsurfing has been a huge blessing for us along our journey not only do we get a place to stay but we have met so many wonderful locals who help us get to know the city and people in a way a tourist can’t really do.

His view from his condo

On one of our nights Fernando took us out on the town. We walked through the beautiful neighborhoods as he explained the history; watched a beautiful sunset, and went to one of his favorite restaurants where we enjoyed a traditional meal while listening to some live old classical music.

More beautiful old lamp posts

I told you, check out the graffiti

Along our tour we saw this disgusting looking cat with a massive amount of drool hanging from its lips, honestly I thought I was going to barf.

Along many of the peeks in the city sit these romantic little restaurants with stunning views. Here we saw the cutest little old couple relaxing, enjoying a meal, holding hands and enjoying the splendor.

Give us a heart attack! This is a which consists of fries, fried eggs and onions, sausage, and beef. It's a traditional local dish which is actually very delicious. Why is it that the things in life that taste the best are usually the worst for you?

Yes, I know this is a little weird but this was the cutest guy in the whole world to watch. While traveling you take up the hobby of people watching and he is our #1 for Valparaiso.

In the main square they were having a card tournament. There were rows and rows of tables, chairs, and gentlemen. This guys facials were priceless when he was playing; he couldn't bluff a hand if his life depended on it. You could tell when he got a card he wanted because a huge smile would spread across his face and his eyes would shine.

When I wonder why my pants are a little snug well folks here is the answer :) My husband is lucky enough to be able to eat ice-cream daily if not twice a day with no physically changing effect (why do guys have it so easy?).

Did I tell you I got pooped on by a bird? Yep, on the head, pretty disgusting and a little funny.

Homeless tree.

A big rooted tree that was absolutely beautiful unfortunately it smelled like urine, was surrounded by homeless people, and had clothes and random objects strewn around. Don't worry folks I am not sitting on it (I wouldn't dare) I am squatting.

Yes, I am a little obsessed with all of the color in this town.

Sunset Royal

One of the reasons we went to Chile was to see the beach. We are both lovers of the water, sand, and sun.

All of the houses along the beach are stacked on top of each other against the mountain. They kind of look like gigantic stairs going up the mountain.