Alexa: Exploring Valpo and Vina del Mar

The past 2 days have been busy! My new friends and I have been walking around a lot and discovering new places around the cities. Two days ago we went to “El Mall” and downtown Vina del Mar. We walked along the beach at night- it was so beautiful. I love the fact the this area is shaped like a horseshoe so I can see Valpo’s coastline from Vina and vice-versa. When we were walking we could look across and see Valpo all lit up and sparkling. Unfortunately, I didn’t have my camera. We went out for dinner downtown and we ate at a Mediterranean restaurant. Super random, I know. It started raining while we were eating (outside) and we had to walk for quite a while in the rain. My shoes and jacket were still soaked in the morning (because it’s freezing) and I had to buy a new coat.

Yesterday we got done with class at 9:45 so we spent the morning exploring Bella Vista, a “Bohemian” part of Valpo. It was a really fun walk. This city is so much bigger than it initially looks! I spent the rest of my day with mi familia, eating amazing food and such (Our almuerzo yesterday was delicious and I’m getting the recipe for Poroto from mama- a Chilean soup). Ignacio broke his ankle or something- it is huge and blue, gross.

At night, I went out again with my friends and we walked around for hours and ate empenadas downtown. I tried my first “Pisco sour” which is, according to the Chilean high schooler I met on the flight, THE drink to have in Valpo. It was disgusting. It tasted a lot like a margarita but was very strong and I ended up giving most of it to my friends. At orientation on Monday, they told us that the drinks here are 2-3 times stronger than in the U.S. Looks like I’m always the designated “driver” in the group. We ended the night at a salsa dancing club but we mostly just watched people because we need to learn some Chilean moves before we can dance!

Some street art, painted on the sides of buildings. 

 Mis amigos nuevos!

 Some more street art- A Chilean Starry Night

 A view of Valpo from Vina

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