Chile 2011

March 5, Vina del Mar (near Santiago), Chile 

Another lazy morning, but did get out to get hair cut!  Nothing funny about this cut, just the same old process!

Caught the local bus to Concon, a small resort type place about 30 minutes by local bus.  Drove along the coast.  Very nice, mostly rocks and cliffs with large condos, hotels, and restaurants along the way.

Went for a late lunch, early dinner at friends favourite restaurant.  But catch was had to wait about 1 1/2 hours!  Was very good food, but I think the best part was that met people in line and at table next to us.  A little bit of English but that did not seem to matter.  People very friendly and more than willing to help with food things!  

Took a short walk along the beach and the various stalls selling items when got back to Vina del Mar.  Saturday night and lots of people just out walking along.

March 4, Vina del Mar (near Santiago), Chile 

Very lazy morning, lots of coffee and food.  Then early afternoon caught the bus to Valparaiso.  Ended up on the scenic tour one that took us up the hill a bit and then back down to the port area.  Amazing as the street followed the contours of the cliff around.  And houses are built right on the cliff.  Many with extensions to back that are supported by stilts!  Not sure how they survive the many earthquakes they apparently have here.  

Walked along the port area and then caught a tram ride up the cliff and walked around a fairly artsy area.  Many colourful houses and some very good graffiti art work.

Stopped at a small B & B and had a Pisco Sour and enjoyed the view over looking the port and the Vina del Mar area.

Subway back and then dinner.  It is a tough life as the last couple of nights we have not got up from the dinner table until about 10.30!  Very laid back....