Papas mayo

Trip Start Sep 15, 2007

Trip End Dec 13, 2007

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Flag of Chile Valparaiso, Chile
Saturday, September 22, 2007

Okay so papas are potatoes. Mayonesa is mayonaise, mayo for short. Mayo also means May. Anyway, put papas and mayo together and say it really fast a la chileano and what I hear is papas-something so I say 'si' and of course I get potato salad. Not quite what I wanted. Went great with the polo asada and arroz--a very tipico dish I�m told.

Valparaiso is a bussling and vibrant little port city with a real European flavour. Everywhere you turn there�s a plaza. People and the delicious smells of fresh baked bread, empanadas and the many small cafes fill the winding streets. The markets are amazing. 2 kilos of avocados cost what a single avocado does back in Edmonton.

A 45 minute harbour tour set me back a couple of bucks plus a tip for the guide who even gave the only gringo on board a bit of an english version! This is followed by a visit to Pablo Neruda�s house and some vino tinto (go figure) before heading a to a late cena (dinner) at one of Cerro Alegre�s many fine cafes.

Edmonton Transit authorities could do with a visit to Valparaiso. They might then see how effective a transit system that employs many smaller buses and even cars called collectivos can be and in a lesser 'developed�country for that matter. Rides range from 30 to 50 cents.

Oh and did I mention the weather is gorgeous?

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