17.03.17 – 20.03.17 – Viña del Mar & Valparaiso
I took a bus that didn’t even cost me 2100Pesos/3 € for a 2 hours drive (taking the bus is always the cheapest way to travel in Chile, probably whole Southamerica) to Vina del Mar. It’s a nice city with a huge beach and a pier that’s definitely worth a visit. Also interesting is to see the ”Reloj de flores” (flower- clock). I was staying at a hostel called Jaguar Hostel what’s a bit expensive (like 15€ per night) but still worth it as it has a nice outside area with relaxing couches and hammocks. Also, the breakfast is pretty good and you get free wine between 8 -10pm. Most of the time in Vina I spent with a local girl I met the first day, called Ruby. She showed me around Vina, we went out for drinks and stuff together. The good thing was, she doesn’t speak any English so I was forced to talk in Spanish all the time (It’s definitely the best way to learn a language… putting yourself in situations you can’t escape to the languages you speak well). Also, we drove close to Vina- about 20 minutes bus drive towards north as there is a huge sand dune. We went sand boarding there, for not even 1,50€ per hour. So much fun!
Also we had a day- trip to the lovely city Valparaiso, together. Most of the travelers actually prefer to stay in Valparaiso instead Vina as it’s in general more beautiful (there is no place in Chile with so much street art) and the all the good party’s are going on there. It’s a very popular student- city. I preferred to stay in a quiet place and enjoy the beach as there is no nice beach in Valparaiso because of the huge port.
Valparaiso
paradise for streetart fans
Well, it was not always quiet in Vina, though. There, I experienced the first earthquake in my life. It was not a strong one, I just woke up in the middle of the night for a few seconds because my bed was shaking. I think the strenght was not even 5.0. Still, I always wanted to feel an earthquake. So, Check! I guess.
back in Viña
sandboarding- so much fun for so less money
The 4 days there ended way to quick, in my opinion. Having Ruby as a guide really made my time there. I’m very glad I met her. I miss and love her a lot. What a bummer she won’t be able to understand what I’m writing in this blog.
Join the journey 