Again an overnight bus into Santiago to meet Javier Molina, whom I have never met but was introduced by a good friend via email (Thanks Polly!!). Over numerous emails he invited me to spend NYE with his family in Valipariso to see the fireworks. The fireworks are supposed to be some of the best in Chile.
It was a whirlwind visit. We hit the ground running with a drive through Vina del Mar and Valiparasio. Valiparasio is made up of tiny little streets that curve around this city that goes up and up. Reminds me a little of San Fran. Javier and I went back and wondered the streets...some great grafiti. Found an awesome resturant to sit for a spell and watch a carnival/parade going through town. Next day his Uncle Jose was showing me around Santiago. Santiago is HUGE. Thank god for Uncle José. He took me all over the city and I don´t think I could have seen so much without him!! He owns a Chinese resturant called Chang Cheng (The Great Wall). Hands down the best wantons and this pineapple juice drink with basil (I Know basil). I had about 6 of them...
NYE was spent with Javiers grandparents (so cute!!) and family. They have a nice place with a huge balcony that overlooks the harbor where the fireworks went off. They were incredible. I do not have pictures because my camera sucks at night and Javier just bought a new camera so(cough) he needs to send some pics to me!! Not only did you see Valipariso fireworks but you saw every town along the coast. Oh at midnight a tradition here is to eat 12 grapes for each month...it is for prosperity (so I ate about 100).
Then the "kids" are off to party. We went to a bar which had a great cuban band but in the back they were playing great 80´s and 90´s pop. I was in heaven, I knew all of the words. Stayed out until about 7AM (gotta love red bull). Jan 1 off to San Pedro Atacama.
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