I'm in beautiful Valparaíso on the west coast of Chile.
With Santiago 98 kilometers inland, Valparaiso slowly became the port of international trade for Chile during the 1800's.
Today it is a city of colorful hills with painted houses stacked high to the sky. And with nine universities it is also a center of education in Chile. Furthermore, the historic quarter of Valparaiso was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2003.
Personally, I am loving this place - it has such a wonderful energy. Every street I walk down is an enormous stimulation of color, with clever graffiti around every corner and houses painted in many wild and wonderful colors. I can't help myself but smile and be happy here.
[Above and below] The harbor
[Below] A street leading away from the main, downtown square.
[Below] Old houses
[Below] Newer houses
[Below, left] A bit of the skyline.
[Below, right] A view from one of the hills.
[Below] Random houses in random streets.
[Below] The view over the Pacific Ocean. The Chilean navy also use the harbor at Valparaiso. What a treat!
[Below] I guess these are Trolebuses? The vehicles themselves are ordinary buses but they're powered by the overhead electrical wires, to which they are attached.
[Below] The old jail of Valparaiso has now been turned into a cultural center where kids can come and play sports, dance and participate in other activities.
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