A day trip to Valparaiso was an adventure, always with a lingering sense of unease, making me hesitant to even take out my phone. In the morning, we headed to the pier for a boat tour, which cost 5000 pesos (about $38) and was absolutely worth every penny. I only felt safe enough to use my phone on the boat, capturing the stunning views.
This used to be the largest port, where sea lions lazed about in every nook and cranny. We were among just two Chinese tourists on the boat, and it was clear that Spanish was the only language spoken here, making me feel like I was in a world of unfamiliar symbols!
Valparaiso, known as the graffiti city, is a vibrant maze of colors and art. We wandered through the streets and found a local eatery for an authentic meal. With no knowledge of Spanish, we ordered blindly, and while the food wasn’t the best, the owner’s kindness was heartwarming. After our sightseeing, we returned to the restaurant to call a taxi, wary of potential dangers.
The owner kindly let us make the call from inside, ensuring we understood that this would keep us safe from any trouble. She even walked us to find a car and saw us off, her generosity deeply touching us. At 5:30 PM, we rushed to call a taxi back to the small coastal town of Concon, anxious to avoid the risks of being out too late.
The 45-minute Uber ride to Concon was a relief, as we arrived at a less touristy spot by the coast. We had booked the most affordable homestay, but to our delight, the balcony offered a breathtaking view of the sea. We took a leisurely stroll along the coastline, lost in the beauty and anticipation of the sunset.
For dinner, we chose a nearby Radisson hotel. Given the short walk back, I asked the waiter if it was safe after dark. Her response, “Safe, but you can never be too sure,” left us feeling cautious. We hurried through our meal and quickly made our way back, eager to return to the safety of our homestay.
