We just returned from our trip to Valparaiso, where Annie made it her point to feed a hot dog to every stray dog she saw. It didnt matter that we quickly developed a following of stray dogs, much to Priyanka's chagrin. In all seriousness though, it was probably the most noble thing any of us did this weekend. Congratulations Annie, for carrying the giving spirit of the DukeEngage program with you to Valpo. The weekend itself was amazing! The city is absolutely beautiful. Its composed of 45 cerros and a giant bay where over 30% of Chile's exports and imports are traded. Back in the day, before the Panama Canal, Valparaiso was a mandatory stop for any ships looking to traverse from the Pacific to the Atlantic. It was a hub of culture and, for that, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Our time was spent in Cerro Alegre, one of the most quaint and beautiful cerros of the city, and also the gastronomical, bohemian, and cultural center of the city. Our hostel, Hostel Morgan, was supremely comfortable and is highly recommended for anyone looking for a place to stay in Valpo. We arrived on Saturday morning (the trip through the Chilean countryside was absolutely breathtaking...it was a series of mountains, vineyards, and valleys that left one speechless with their beauty). That first day we spent touring the city and taking a boat ride around the bay. We ate an enormous seafood lunch at a restaurant overlooking the bay and then headed to another one of Pablo Neruda's homes: La Sebastiana. Like La Chascona, Neruda's house in Santiago, La Sebastiana was a tribute to this great man. Although it lacked the grandeur of La Chascona, the view from the bedroom was infinitely better than any view in any other home I've visited. Imagine, the first thing Neruda saw upon waking up was all of Valparaiso laid out before him, with a shining bay full of ships in the distance (it should be mentioned that Neruda was a big fan of ships, so that would have made it all the better). That night we ate a chorrillana which is basically a heart attack on a plate (its chopped steak on top of a bed of french fries, egg, and roasted onions) and then went out with a group of Harvard students that we met out here.
The ride back from Valpo was even more beautiful than the ride to Valparaiso. Chile is an extremely beautiful country and I'm starting to think that this trip will not be the only time I ever come to Chile.
By Engaging...
Your efforts this summer will remain in the memory of those you help far beyond your departure.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment