Ode to the Sea

I have spent the past two days in Valparaisio, a small town on the coast of Chile, just north of Santiago. I love this town, though there's not much to do here. Just wander up and down the steep hills, take in the rows of houses, each a different color, and look out at the grand Pacific Ocean.

I did go to the Pablo Neruda museum and house yesterday, which was really interesting. He only lived here for a few years at the end of his life, but what a house. He had it designed to resemble the interior of a boat, so all the rooms are small and random, full of nooks and crannies and crannies and nooks. He loved THINGS. Materials Objects. And his house is full of random objects and furniture pieces and art he picked up here and there along the way during his life.

And his views. On every floor of the house are these huge windows that look out on the city and the sea beyond. I can just imagine him sitting up there, looking out on the ocean, writing about this and that. He was full of nonsense. I appreciate nonsense.

Anyway, spent a lazy day at the beach in Viña del Mar today - just 20 minutes up the road - and am heading off to Mendoza tomorrow morning. Taking the day bus for a change because apparently there's an incredible view of the Andes when you cross over into Argnetina. Should be a relaxing day. Planning to stay in Mendoza til Saturday, when I will head back to Santiago, just in time to get on my plane to Easter Island Sunday morning. And that is that!

Here's a few pics from the last couple weeks - enjoy!

http://picasaweb.google.com/ellen.bucy