Hola desde Valparaíso!
My view while writing this post looks a little bit different than normal because I’m currently in Chile for a quick trip and change of scenery! Since Mendoza is right on the border – a quick 4 hour drive through the Andes Mountains – it’s very common for Argentinians to travel to Chile frequently. So, my friends and I decided to take a weekend trip so that I can see and experience a new country & take part in all the aspects of a normal life here in Argentina 🙂
Although we were just here for the weekend, we have been able to see and experience so many cool places and have taken advantage of all of the fun tourist spots in the city. Valparaiso is a fun, port city on the coast of the Pacific Ocean full of vibrant colors and beautiful murals, creating the perfect combination of artistic spirit and maritime vibes! Basically, the city is filled with the best artwork and best seafood I have ever experienced!
We really have been making the most of our time here & had a day full of fun activities! We started the day at the most warm and inviting cafe – truly one of my new favorite places on this earth. We went early in the morning, so we were some of the only people there, and the lady that owns the cafe welcomed us with open arms, sat and chatted with us at our table, then let us choose from a buffet filled with homemade pastries, jams, breads, and more! She truly embodied perfectly the warm and inviting atmosphere that is what draws me to this part of the world. After our breakfast, we headed to the main area of downtown where we stopped in a beautiful art gallery and visited the main port area. We also wandered to a famous poet’s house, Pablo Neruda, where we took a tour and learned about his history as a writer and Nobel Prize winner. It has the most breathtaking views of the city and ocean, and was so cool to walk through and see the history of the city. We spent the rest of the day walking through the hilly streets of Valparaiso, riding on the ascensores (elevators) scattered throughout to be able to see all of the views, and popping in and out of local souvenir shops, artisan stores, and (of course) local cafes. We ended the night at a fresh seafood restaurant, which was absolutely delicious, and enjoyed the sunset from the patio view. It was a busy, but fun way to explore a new city and experience more that new countries have to offer.
Taking this trip reminded me of how cool of an opportunity I have right now to learn more about the world and see it with my own eyes. I’m very aware of how much of a privilege it is to be where I am right now, and am so thankful to each and every person who made it possible. I can’t wait to share more!
With love, Sarah
