The day the plane landed in Santiago, Chile,
my knuckles were white from gripping the straps of my backpack,
in this city with a high street crime rate,
robberies and thefts are rampant,
before arriving in this city,
I had heard too many tragic stories,
making us hesitant to approach this city,
we didn’t dare to take out our phones, cameras, or wallets.
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Checking into a hotel near the airport 🏨 with strict security measures,
the iron gate as thick as three fingers was clanging down 🔓
My survival mode in Chile, thus began ⏯
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Santiago’s Plaza de Armas is known as a place of crime,
my friends got up early to explore before the criminals woke up,
only to find out they never really sleep 😂
Homeless people can be found everywhere on the streets,
even buying a hot dog requires the “three-second transaction method”:
take out money – receive goods – hide bag, all in one go,
blood pressure and adrenaline both skyrocketing 😂
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The drive from Santiago to Valparaíso takes about 1.5 hours,
this mountain city, where God spilled the palette, is truly beautiful~
The densely packed sea-view houses on the hills here are actually slums 🏠
It must be said that the view from these slums is really good,
of course, you also need to stay alert at all times, beware of pickpockets ‼️
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🎨 Classic graffiti route: Start at Plaza Sotomayor-Valparaíso —— Ascensor El Peral —— Cerro Concepción Valparaíso lookout, a better viewing platform is Mirador Paseo Atkinson, which offers a panoramic view of the coast and the sunset over the Pacific 🌄 then follow the Piano Staircase, all the way to the Ascensor Reina Victoria, which has been operating since 1902, with quite a history.
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🌎 Travel essentials
eSIM global internet card (fast network, always connected)
locker/backpack lock (anti-theft for bags)
phone lanyard (anti-theft for phone)
waist pouch (for cash and documents)
power adapter (two-pin round)
⚠️ Key points
1️⃣ Cash! Cash! Cash! The elevators here only accept coins
2️⃣ You can take out your phone, but please maintain a “flash” rhythm: tap screen – snap – put back in pocket within three seconds
3️⃣ Camera anti-theft technique: neck strap + crossbody bag double protection, when shooting, companions should form a 360° human alert circle
4️⃣ Getting lost is the best way to explore Valparaíso (but please return to the main streets before dark)
6️⃣ Dress code philosophy: wear frayed jeans and pilled sweatshirts, carry a shopping bag, the homeless style is the best amulet
