El Muro Gigante

Pictures: (top) Womans Face around the corner from El Muro Gigante, (center) El Muro Gigante, (bottom left) Valparaiso elevator at the top station, (bottom right) Random graffiti in a stair case we stumbled upon.

Santiago is not a city that overwhelmes you with her architectural beauty or charm. Other than the historic district that our hostel (Tales) is in there is not a lot of eww and aww moments; unless you look real carefully and then you will be open to the world that is Chilean graffiti. Among the boring stone buildings are these little gems of some of the worlds top graffiti artists. Chile is the rising star of graffiti with many critics now holding this South American up-and-comer in the likes of Germany for the world supremecy of best graff.

I found this amazing discovery for myself while in Valparaiso over the weekend as Justin and I were walking along the incredibly unispiring street at the south end of town, when I noticed this womans face on the wall (see above) next to me. I was instantly taken back by the definition and style of the work knowing this is rare talent to pull this off. Ten steps later we saw El Muro Gigante (see above) the most impresive piece of graffiti I have ever seen. 4 stories tall maybe 5 with a massive tree in the center and incredible detail throughout. The commisioned piece, like many commisioned pieces in Valparaiso and Santiago they are respected by the ones writing F@%K and other abnoxious things on the walls. El Muro Gigante and other peices are a part of Expo Graffiti Porteno (http://www.graffitivalparaiso.com/), were they brought together the best artist in Chile to put up art. Check out the website and watch the cool video, also if you google "chilean graffiti" you will get tons of cool images.

Moving on, with new significant snowfall over 12 days away Justin and I have decided to head to Tiera Del Fuego, the southern tip of SA and make our way back north skiing. There seems to be more snow happening there and the possibility of Antarctica is luring both of us. First, I need to get my technology figured out. I am missing some chargers and now have no power for my camera and Flip leaving me without the ability to document visually. Frustrating to say the least! With that and waiting for snow the begining of this trip (day 6) has not been what I expected.

Highlights of the last few days:
Chilean Graffiti
Valparaiso
Pablo Neruda's house in Valpo
The Valpo elevators
World Cup final
Pisco Sours (national drink of chile) they will put you on your ass and then you cannot get a bus back to Santiago because you are too drunk. Seriosly they would not let us on. Personal note: Be weary of Pisco in the future.

<><>LTD
Matt/Todd