With our stash of smuggled goods we headed back into the Andes to the Chilean border crossing which lies on top of a high mountin pass in the middle of nowhere. The only thing close by was a bare ski hill that looked a little iffy as all the chairlift supports had a concerning lean to them, reminded me of candles haphazardly thrown on a birthday cake.
We spent two days in Santiago (unfortunatly not much to report from this smoggy city as we hoped to take in some museums but found them all closed) before heading to the coastal city Valparaiso. The guide book described the city as grungy but with charm. Our first impression however was overwhelmed by the grungy aspect as we ventured down garbage littered streets to check out the fish market which ended up being a locked abandonded building in need of some serious TLC. But as we continued to tour the city we definately saw the charm it has to offer. Homes are all old, but painted vivid colours and placed on steep uphill streets. On every possible availible surface is graffiti, all different styles and colours. Definatley the most visually stimulating place I've ever been!
I love the city's feel while Colin is a little more on edge as the rough town comes with a rougher crowd. While touring the crowded market Colin stopped suddenly and said a man was behind us with a knife, I looked back, "Colin that's the butcher". Luckly for him we leave tomorrow ;)
ps. Chile has the best looking produce we have ever seen, every corner has a fruit and veggi stall pilled high with the freshed and ripest goods, yet another feast for the eyes :)
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