Valparaiso, or "Valpo" as the people call it, is a quirky and interesting port town town to visit. Although some may think it is more "run-down" that most places you visit in Chile, it is also probably one of the most interesting and also honest, bustling, and has a lot of character.

Colourful buildings, hanging laundry, electrical wires everywhere, hills dotted in colour, palm trees, the ocean, the sea port, jostling markets, creeking ascensores, lemon and orange trees, and stray cats and dogs everywhere. Margaret and I really enjoyed it and also met Juan Carlos, a kind principal of a school, with whom we talked until the late hours of the night, and who took us on a tour of the city at night. So, because of such kindness, I will say I am biased in my fondness for Valpo.