Valpairiso, Chile

Oct 17-19

Valpairiso is a magical city...there is no other word for it. I love love love it.

The hostel we stayed at was cute and artsy, with a nice view.

That said, everything in Valpairiso was cute and artsy!

And just about everywhere offered a nice view.

The buildings were all kinds of bright colours, the streets were often decorated with bunting and just about every surface was covered in murals and street art.

Even the (many many) staircases were nicely decorated.

Despite the fact that the city is covered in artwork, graffiti/street art is infact still illegal. Apparently the guy who painted the piano staircase got half way through and was arrested. He spent a night in jail and as soon as he was released he went back to finish it off!

My favourite mural was one that showed Valpairiso's colourful streets and dock area. It just captured everything I love about this city.

There were two other murals I really loved, both also colourful and quirky.

Wherever there wasn't a huge mural, there were little pieces of artwork.

One piece had mirrors in it, just begging us to become a "part of the art!"

Given my love for the street art, I spent the vast majority of my time in Valpairiso just roaming the streets. However I did also visit Pablo Neruda's house. He was a famous Chilean poet and diplomat who won a nobel prize for literature. He was a "collector" which meant that his house was full of interesting bits and bobs acquired from all over the world. A really unique little place.

And a really unique little town. Everywhere needs to be this colourful!