Dia 23 del proyecto
Valparaiso, Chile
To my beloved San Francisco,
I have missed you, my beautiful city on the bay. Your hills, fog, Victorian architecture, colorful streets and curious characters. I promised you my heart many years ago and you have faithfully kept it enamored.
My fair city, I have a confession to make. I have fallen in love with another city. It is not the first time my heart has been led astray. Barcelona captured my heart before you, with its hills and the sea. Architectural greats like Gaudi and artists like Miro. Friendly Catalonians who indulged my Spanish. Perhaps I should not be so surprised. These cities with their old, deep souls call out to me as I meander through their narrow streets. Rich stories emerge from a simple tag or worn cobblestones.
Valparaiso is so similar to you. Forty-two distinct hills, streets that turn into stairs, heavy cold fog that sweeps in from the mighty Pacific. A city that has inspired writers and artists with her charms. Murals and graffiti everywhere. A smattering of bars and restaurants. Ascensores when you are tired of climbing stairs. Friendly portenos who patiently offer directions when you are hopelessly lost.
Yet Valpo is a bit grittier though...much as you were in the 1950s and 60s. Edgier and ripe for artistic influence. She is also a bit more forward, more unabashedly passionate with mandates on colorful house paint and decorative flourishes on every available inch of terrain. And if its possible, more restrictive building codes that leave many old buildings abandoned and in decay. Her most famous poet, Pablo Neruda, described her best, "Valparariso, how absurd you are...you haven't combed your hair, you've never had time to get dressed and life always surprises you."
But do not fret my San Francisco. It is not a permanent love, but merely a fling. I will not be here forever and will return to you with open arms.
Besos,
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