Faces of Valparaiso
By: Amy Sullivan
JAVIERA
(As communicated through a translator)
Q: Why do you enjoy being in Valparaiso?
A: Valparaiso is a unique city. The people are so warm and nice. The colorful houses are so beautiful.
Q: What is your most memorable experience in Valparaiso?
A: A few days ago, I fell asleep in the metro and I missed my station! So I traveled the subway all day!
Q: How would you describe your life in one word?
A: It would be a happy life.
JOAQUIN
(As communicated through a translator)
Q: Why do you enjoy living in Valparaiso?
A: [Valparaiso] is beautiful. We have a lot beautiful places and [they are] very colorful.
Q: If you could describe your life in one word, what would it be?
A: Funny!
ROXANA
(As communicated through a translator)
Q: Why do you enjoy living in Valparaiso?
A: I don’t live in Valparaiso. I’m from Vina del Mar.
Q: If you could describe your life in one word, what would it be?
A: Learning.
LUISA & JUAN PABLO
(As communicated through a translator)
Q: Why do you enjoy living in Valparaiso?
A: Luisa: I love Valparaiso because of the hills, the sea, and the people.
Q: What is your most memorable experience in Valparaiso?
A: Luisa: I loved celebrating the New Year near the sea.
A: That was the first time I saw fireworks in Valparaiso! We started dating two years and nine months ago.
JUAN CARLOS
(As communicated through a translator)
Q: What is your most memorable experience in Valparaiso?
A: When champion left Chile.
Q: How would you describe your life in one word?
A: Rare.
JORDAN
(As communicated through a translator)
Q: What would be your most memorable experience in Valparaiso?
A: When [Chile] came out champion in Copa America 2015.
Q: How would you describe your life in one word?
A: Strange.
EDUARDO
(As communicated through a translator)
Q: What is your most memorable experience in Valparaiso?
A: Naval Appreciation Day. It is a dedication to the naval heroes who fought.
Q: How would you describe your life in one word?
A: Proud.
SAMUEL
(As communicated through a translator)
Q: What is your most memorable experience in Valparaiso?
A: I participated in the [Red Bull Valparaiso] Cerro Abajo in Valparaiso. It is a mountain bike race downhill.
Q: If you could describe your life in one word, what would it be?
A: Risky.
FERNANDO
(As communicated through a translator)
Q: What is your most memorable experience in Valparaiso?
A: [I] participated in a champion boxing match.
Q: Did you place first, second, or third?
A: I got third place!
Q: If you could describe your life in one word, what would it be?
A: A fighter.
RODRIGO
(As communicated through a translator)
Q: Why do you enjoy living in Valparaiso?
A: Everyone is really nice … [I] meet a lot of people. Since I’ve been here for two years, my favorite part is getting to know [the] locals, getting hugs, say[ing] hello, conversations.
Q: If you could use one word to describe your life, what would it be?
A: Distinct. I live in another town but here is better vibes. I am not originally from here. [I] worked in Valparaiso for 13 years but [this is my] second year as funicular man.
NELSON
(As communicated through a translator)
Q: Why do you enjoy living in Valparaiso?
A: I’m Argentinian. [I] worked here in Valparaiso for a year. [My] favorite part [is] there is so much tourism so there is always a chance to make new friends and people to meet. They come here to get food before work.
Q: What is your most memorable experience in Valparaiso?
A: Last summer, I had a relationship with a foreign girl. I’ve gotten to meet lots of people.
Q: If you could choose one word to describe your life, what would it be?
A: Bohemian. [Valparaiso] gives a boho vibe. It’s artsy.
IGNACIO
(As communicated through a translator)
Q: Why do you enjoy living in Valparaiso?
A: The different ‘cerros,’ the hills you have to [go] up and enjoy taking funiculars
Q: If you could describe your life in one word, what would it be?
A: Culture. I’m from Quilpué, which is a town south of Valparaiso so I didn’t have any contact with [Valparaiso] city life. I came to Valparaiso to study [international culinary arts] and that is when I came into contact with all the culture, dances, art, people of different nationalities and that’s why I love it here.
Q: What is your most memorable experience in Valparaiso?
A: Two years ago, there was a big fire on Mariposa Hill. Me and some friends went to help rescue people. A lot of people died.
(note: Research states that a massive fire occurred on Ramaditas and Mariposa Hills on April 12, 2014 known as the Great Fire of Valparaiso. 15 people perished and 10 suffered severe injuries. The cause is still under investigation but Chilean officials reported that the fire was started by third parties. It is also thought that the fire was ignited by birds getting electrocuted on the power lines but electric company Chilquinta has stated that that assumption is unlikely.)
LUCILA
(As communicated through a translator)
Q: Why do you enjoy living in Valparaiso?
A: [I have lived] 73 years in Valparaiso. [I] know a lot of people on these hills. My three children were also born here. Valparaiso, this is my love. This is my street. This is my city. This is my home. I am painted on one of the murals on my street!
Q: What is your most memorable experience in Valparaiso?
A: The earthquake in 1964. That’s not a good memory though.
Q: If you could sum your life up in one word, what would it be?
A: Change. It’s been an experience to see how my hill, Carcél Hillf, has changed over the years. The streets didn’t used to be like this with all the cars parked and crowded. It’s still a beautiful hill but there’s a lot of delinquents. It can get dirty and it’s changed a lot over the decades. But it’s still my home and I love it.
(note: Research states that the Great Chilean Earthquake occurred May 22, 1960 and is the most powerful earthquake ever recorded. Lasting approximately 10 minutes, the devastating earthquake resulted in a tsunami that effected southern Chile, Hawaii, Japan, the Philippines, eastern New Zealand, southeast Australia, and the Aleutian Islands. The death toll remains undetermined.)