Today I woke up early and a glimpse at the port from our window saw a red glow of the morning sunlight reflected on the horizon, bringing out another dimension of this city. Our last day in the continent and the heart lingers in its various attractions but there is no escape from the flight to Europe!
Early Morning
The few hours we had in Valparaiso had to be cherished and so after a hearty breakfast we walked off to the direction of the port. A bright Monday, the city had leapt to a different commercial pace that we didn’t experience over the weekend. The port was abuzz with activity, tourists poured in for their rides and I wanted to get onto a boat as well. I wanted to see Valparaiso from the sea.
Love on a Monday Morning
The Port
The price for a private tour was simply exorbitant compared to the ‘collectivo’ tours and we waited whiling away our time for the opportunity to get on with a group but clever boatmen would only take 50 and more people as a group for a dirt cheap offer. Just as a heartbroken me had nearly accepted this missed chance of the boat ride, a boatman came back accepting my initial offer for a private tour – that sounded great! Without losing a second we followed him to the boat.
Our Boat
Sea Lions on a Buoy
From the sea Valparaiso had a different look and I will let the pictures do the talking.
The City on Hills
More Colours
It was then back to the hotel for our pick up and onward journey to Santiago Airport.
Another Mural
Before I end my travel diary, it would be only fair to highlight the general positive demeanour of the average Chileno, their zest for life, love for their country and pride. Not once during this tour did we have reasons to believe otherwise and often could not stop praising many of their characteristics. Warmth, politeness and humility added to the experience and I consider ourselves fortunate to have been able to make this trip – to this sliver of geography so rich in its offerings. A return trip looks a possibility !
It was an wonderful experience Of a small country with larger
heart, with a landscape of enamouring beauty. Unexplored
and unknown to many, it is a rare opportunity. Keep it
engraved in your mind, and reminisce it while in utter solitude.
Dear Ria and Muhul,
Within the little time and small screen in our laptop we could explore all the good places …thanks to you all….Porey aro bhalo kore porbo and will comment….
The colourfull pictures are wonderful -some of them keka will download and try to paint…and amar..bhalo kichchu khabar chchobi dekhe kidhey berey gechchey…kobey plan korchchish for Oman??? Love to both of you- Keka & Rajesh