Access to the beach, my reason for visiting Valparaiso ("Valp" for local short) was closed unless I took a bus further north. A railroad runs the length of the beach and blocks it, and it was evident by the strong military/naval presence that government probably owned it, anyway. It also had a large shipping port and didn't seem like somewhere I'd want to surf or lay out.
...You thought your gas was expensive?
Hasta,
There wasn't much to do in terms of activities, so I was content with just strolling the city and studying the area and people. Lots of dogs here, too. I wanted to take pictures of the military ships, and especially one of some officers pumping gas into what looked like a big bread truck turned into a swat-type van with a gun turret on top, but you can be arrested and even put in jail for snapping photos, so I didn't think twice.
I also survived the second attempt at petty thievery on me in the three days I've been here. I don't think it happens that often (I'm giving Chile the benefit of the doubt) but I may have just been an easy target/stupid/unlucky. Either way, my first day my map was cleanly picked out of my pocket, as I saw a guy walk away with it, maybe thought it was money. That was in Santiago. The second one was in Valparaiso... I had just taken a picture of a park nearby and was walking with my camera in my hand. As I was going to buy a bus ticket on the main street, very public and broad daylight, I felt two or three tough jerks on the camera, and turned around to a kid about my age running away. Luckily the camera strap was around my wrist and I still had it.
I've been keeping an eye on my belongings pretty well and watching for suspicious people or unnecessary bumping into me, etc., and I keep a hand on my wallet most of the time... but I guess certain social circumstances draw people to low levels, and in response I must be more saavy and on guard than I had previously thought. Otherwise, I am safe. Hopefully that doesn't worry any of you, I don't intend it to.
If I choose to jump in the water, I better know how to swim, right?
Hasta,
Brian
P.S. I thought of it too late, but I should've taken a photo or video of the guy running away..
P.S.S. You almost had me fooled with this sign, Santiago, you sly city, you.. Right direction though.
4 comments:
italy is a country in europe, dick.
you're missing our first game tonight. should be a big one. except not really, cuz it's ucla club hockey. no new pictures yet, tho my eyes is still super red, and the black turned to purple/sicly jaundicey yellow..
gotten a little too much attention.
We are diggin the blog lil B. Be safe huh?
Must say, im jealous. Have a blast and keep your eyes open, there is a whole different world out there, so stop to soak it in as much as you can. Just remember-- you are experiencing more in one hour than most people get in a lifetime. Love you B
P.S. Nice anarchy shot!
P.P.S. Nobody cares but it stands for post, post script (just busting your huevos:)
By your pictures, it really looks like you're getting a true feel of the Chilean culture and not being roped into doing only touristy stuff (thats sooo good) Scary about the robbery attempts! Glad you've managed not to lose anything important. I had someone walk into my hostel room in Santorini while i was asleep, take my locker key from under my pillow and procede to steal my wallet out of my locker and replaced the key under my pillow without me waking up!!! How f-ing crazy? Or stupid was i?
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