mendoza to Valparaiso

To return to Santiago from Mendoza we decided to fly over the Andes for a different perspective rather than spend the entire day sitting on a bus. What a fabulous flight, and at one point we look out the windows to see the mountains more than a little too close for my liking!

We arrived in Valparaiso in the middle of the afternoon having taken the bus from the airport - total cost $10 each for the entire trip. Buses are really cheap, clean and efficient way to travel here. Valaparaiso is the port city for Santiago and set on a steep hillside over looking the water. Houses cling to the hillside in places and are often covered in corrugated steel, apparently taken from the sides of containers, then painted bright colours. Reminds us somewhat of St. John, Newfoundland.

We met up with Paul and Julie, who are staying in the same B&B as us. Today we had the use of a car lent to us by a friend of Paul's so we took advantage of driving 40 kms. up the valley to a few wineries. (By the time I finish this blog you are all going to be convinced that we have done nothing but taste wine! Well, maybe so - but we have seen and done other things too!) Ken is standing outside Emiliana Winery - an organic one that had exceptional wines. Surprisingly we can buy a couple of their wines in BC - but obviously for outragously higher prices!

Tomorrow we will meet up with Paul's friend, Christian, who will show us around town and out towards the beaches. Then Sunday it is off to a special place for brunch at a beachside restaurant... Monday we meet up with Stella and we embark on the boat! This is so much fun!