Valparaiso y Viña del Mar, CHILE

Living in Santiago, studying how to teach English as Foreign Language has been great but also has been very challenging. So, in the weekends I have been traveling only an hour or so up to Valparaiso, or Valpo. It is a beautiful port city that I have fallen in love with and hope to get to know more. We visited and saw Pablo Neruda's house, graffiti laden walls, ate some delicious Alfajores and enjoyed the beautiful ocean view.

"Smiling is free" (Viña del Mar)

If I had built sand castles like that back in the day, maybe I wouldn't be a teacher.

Viña del Mar with my new friends.

Anchors away!

El Reloj, Clock.

Sand Dunes

Viña del Mar coast

Emily and Katie cheersing to finding the most delicious sea food restaurant/hole in the wall of a place.

Our waiter/ probably a retired sailor man.

What's up Pelican in the middle of the road?

Neruda, contemplating...Actually it was just a security guy, not keeping things very secure.

Neruda's home in Valpo. Really interesting guy, knew how to enjoy and live life to its fullest.

Neruda's view from his home. You can see how I would fall in love with such a gem of a place.

Neruda and I.

Lamp post, Valpo is very colorful and vibrant, everywhere and in every thing.

Alfajores are delicious little chocolate covered cookies with caramel in the middle...Heaven.

Enjoying the alfajores.

Some of the architecture in Valpo is inspired by foreign places. This home was designed by someone from Europe. 

Very hilly city, so they have to walk up stairs like these. However, they usually just take one of the 20 or so elevators around town.

Boat ride.

Sea Lions!!!

Valparaiso.