Thursday, December 20, 2007
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Valparaiso
Wednesday was Valparaiso day and I was sicker than a dog. However, we were able to power through and go to Valpo.
We took a taxi to the bus station and got our tickets, but the bus was leaving from a different terminal. To get there we had to walk through a mall and then down the street 4 blocks. That quick walk definitely made me forget my illness.
The bus was great and we got on our way. Shocking - we got American TV on the bus - 24 on the way out there and That 70's Show.
Valpo was adorable. It didn't remind me at all of Indiana. We took funiculars up to a few of the neighborhoods and had a lovely, long lunch overlooking the ocean and the city. We also went to another Neruda house. It was such a hike from the funicular and it was literally like 45+ degrees the entire way up. Once we got there it was in the middle of a field trip so we waited a bit until the kids cleared out. We met this guy from Costa Rica and he is going to BA for a few weeks. He studies linguistics and he answered all of our questions about the different accents and slang and what not.
We all just sat there talking and these 2 girls walked up. They had a school project where they had to do surveys for something. Anyway, the 3 of us had to answer questions about age, how long we were in Chile, if we bought stuff, what he bought, how much we spent, etc. Then we had to get pictures taken with all of them. It was kind of random and strange.
The Neruda house in Valpo is amazing and there are more fun collections. We started to walk down and took the wrong street and it was so steep. We ended up missing the whole funicular or ascensor and walked down the whole mountain.
After that we took a taxi back to the bus station. This taxi picked us up and there was already a guy inside sitting in the front. So he drove away from the bus stop and then dropped this guy off. Then he got out of the cab and fixed something on his light above. Finally he turned on the meter and we were on our way.
I would highly recommend Valpo for anyone coming to Chile. It is great.
Como Se Dice "Bear 411?"
On Tuesday night after a dinner of beer and apps we went to the main square where the crazies come out at night. We went and got a bottle of wine at the outdoor cafe and there were a lot of tourists around. We recognized an older couple from shopping earlier in the day.
So we were hanging out watching these street performers and they had no talent except that they were literally crazy. One had a tambourine and just started shouting nonsense. He was not singing, just shouting and then asked for money. The next one came in a purple satin with white tassels all over. He had a horn that he would blow that made one sound. He would walk around, blow it, shout something and continue.
So they walked around asking for money and the one was a little aggressive, but harmless. Well this man came up and decided to be our savior and get him away. Turns out it was this older man and his "friend." He was from South Carolina and his guy was from Georgia. We ended up joining them and they were so nice and funny.
They are looking to buy property down here and retire. They really liked the lake district and are looking to move there. In my mind they are opening a bed and breakfast.
As we were walking back to the hotel Ann didn't realize they were gay even though Fred, from Georgia made a comment about how "out" he is. Jeffrey, Dan - I am sure you would love to stay at the B&B.
The Virgin
We went to the top of San Cristobal mountain to see the Virgin that looks over Santiago. We met this man and his grandson and he walked us around the entire mountain showing us the different neighborhoods in Santiago and where the rich v. the poor lived. It was nice to have a native explain to us what we were seeing.
Kate - I got a few great pictures of mullets and rat tails. As soon as I can get everything up and running I will post them on the blog.
We then decided to walk around and grab some beer before heading down. 2 beers and an appetizer plate later we made one of the last cable cars down the mountain.
Pablo Neruda
We went to see Pablo Neruda's house in Santiago and it was great. Admittedly I don't know much about him, but his homes and collections are fascinating. He collected everything - ship stuff, paintings, oversized shoes, plates, art, glasses, etc.
He believed that if drinking water out of colored glasses it tasted better and if he didn't like someone they got clear glasses.... I am thinking of starting that tradition.
He also believed that every house needed at least one bar if not more.
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