Valparaiso, a UNESO world heritage site and a mad hodge podge of brightly coloured houses nestling into the steep cerros. These houses, mansions next to slums seem to tumble from the hills to the port, taking up any available space that is possible. By being as brightly coloured as they are they seem to take on an unreal air in the distance, negating the poverty that lies within. With poverty comes crime, and as with most cities in the world you find yourself with one eye on your bag, whilst watching out for large holes in the pavements, dog s*** that is everywhere and trying to take in the bohemian atmosphere... Small artesan shops are everywhere, selling leather goods, paintings, silverware .... Funiculars can take you some of the way but the steep sprawl that is Valparaiso is best walked on foot. Maybe I have been away from cities for a long time and this is my reason for my restlessness, or maybe it is because I will be home within weeks. I find myself waiting to head to Santiago to take the plane to Calama and the desert.... Chao Lynne