So we’ve spent three days kicking around Valparaiso, not really doing very much, mainly recovering our depleted energies and enjoying the relaxation that staying in the same place for four nights brings.
We made a mistake in choosing our B&B. It’s a friendly place and the room is warm (hurrah) but we’re a long way from the middle of town. That makes a difference with a city break: you cannot simply wander out for a stroll and a coffee, wander back for an hour, then wander out to lunch and a museum, wander back to relax and freshen up, then wander out for dinner. You have to decide you’re “going into town” and then wait for a bus to take you for the twenty minute ride. Once you’ve had your fill of seeing sights and hopping cafes, you take a bus back and then it feels like a hassle to do so all over again for dinner.
It’s fun to contrast the introduction to Valpa from the Lonely Planet and the Rough Guide (which we found a copy of at our B&B). “The most unusual city in all of Latin America” and “Probably the most interesting city in Chile” – which is which? We’ve had to use both brands of guidebook on our year, as many countries simply don’t stock the Rough Guide at all. I much prefer the Rough Guides, though. They don’t hyperbolise and build your expectations of a place so that the reality is bound to be a let-down. My guidebook doesn’t need to sell me a destination – I’ve already decided to go there. The Rough Guide also gives you a lot more detail for your money. They use thinner paper.
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“The Rough Guide also gives you a lot more detail for your money. They use thinner paper.” – hehe solid gold Steerism that one! Sorry I’ve been so absent on the comments front, I plan to take time out this weekend to leaf through your South American leg, it’s the one I’m most intrigued by, glad you’re both healthy and well and have made it this far without making the news back home!!
Cool, thanks for dropping in with some comments. Both still healthy (though covered with mossie bites from the jungle, so fingers crossed) and somewhat recovered from our pissed-offedness with S America! Hope you and Rachel are both well.