Travel Tips after 4 Years on the Road (by John Kealey)

Photo: April 15, 2022

(I receive no compensation from anyone for these opinions)

Linda and I have been travelling for 4 years now. Here is a summary of all the "little things" we've learned that might make your travel easier.

CHILE: Santiago's Old and New

I have to confess, I like old classical buildings where master craftsmen have added intricate details that have stories to tell.

I find them intriguing and thought provoking while I look for the stories within the stories.

And I also really like when the old and new buildings are side by side comparing how craftsmanship, styles and details have changed.

So this is a post on random buildings in Santiago – the old and the new.

But more emphasis on the the old.

CHILE: Santiago's Barrio Yungay

One of Santiago’s most historic and character-filled neighborhoods is Barrio Yungay.

The neighbourhood was established in 1839 to celebrate Chile’s victory in the Battle of Yungay.

It was also one of the first planned residential neighborhoods for Santiago’s elite.

Over time it transitioned into a mixed working and middle-class area.

Today, it’s a Bohemian neighbourhood recognized as a “Zona Típica” (heritage district), preserving its historical character.

We chose it as a destination for a Sunday walk and created our own self-guided walking tour of discovery.

CHILE: Santiago's Mercado Central

First impressions can be deceiving....

The entrance to the Mercado Central de Santiago isn't too exciting. 

But, inside it is a beautiful building.

It was built between 1869 and 1872 to replace an older market that had been destroyed by fire.

Interestingly, it was designed by a Chilean architect, manufactured in Scotland and then shipped in pieces to Chile.

In 1984 it was declared a National Monument.

And another Claim to Fame: National Geographic has ranked it among the top food markets in the world.

CHILE: Red vs White

There are those that prefer red wine, those that prefer white wine, those that prefer rose, and those that prefer bubbly.

And then there are those that are nondiscriminatory and like them all. Or, don’t like any.

Chile is better known for red wine, but, there are also areas where the climate and soil are better suited to grapes for white wines.

The Maipo Valley and the Casablanca Valley are two important wine regions in Chile, but they produce different styles of wine because of their different climates and soils.

CHILE: The Bohemian Port City of Valparaiso

Valparaíso is a coastal city in central Chile, located about 120 km northwest of Santiago.

It is considered Chile’s Bohemian city.

It’s famous for its steep hills, colorful houses and historic funicular elevators (ascensores) that climb between the lower harbor area and the residential neighborhoods above.

The historic quarter, with narrow winding streets and colonial architecture, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

CHILE: Vineyards and Wine Tasting in the Colchagua Valley

Wine country is always beautiful with rolling hills and a warm dry climate.

It is the climate and topography that grapes thrive on.

We love it too.

So it is no wonder that we love visiting areas with vineyards.

Chile is world famous for their wines.

There is no way we could go to Chile and not check out the beautiful scenery and vineyards – for purely educational purposes.

CHILE: Valdivia Waterfront, Sea Lions and Arm Wrestlers

Valdivia is a historic river city in southern Chile, located where several rivers meet near the Pacific Ocean.

It was founded in 1552 by the Spanish conquistador Pedro de Valdivia.

It’s known for its lush and rainy climate.

We stopped for the night and apparently were very lucky because we had awesome sunny weather.

Valdivia is also known for their sea lions.

And wrestlers.

We got to see both.

CHILE: Heading South

We decided it was time to head south.

Really far south.

To the southern half of Chile and an island called Chiloé, about 1,000 km south of Santiago.

Chiloé Island is the second-largest island in Chile (after Tierra del Fuego), about 180 km (110 miles) long and 50–60 km (30–37 miles) wide in most places.

A small coastal area on the northwest coast of Chiloé is famous for being one of the few places in the world where both Humboldt and Magellanic penguins nest together.

It was the end of breeding season and the beginning of the migratory season, but, we figured we'd try our luck and go check it out anyway. 

More on the penguins later.

 

MEXICO: Wandering Around Guadalajara

We like to get out and explore the cities we visit.

I always try to get walking tours booked when we first arrive to get the lay of the land.

I have become a bit of a History Geek, so, I like to learn about the history of places we visit.

And we like to get a bit of an understanding of what makes the city tick now. 

Unfortunately, I am linguistically challenged and only learn a few rudimentary words.

Which embarrassingly, I generally quickly forget. 

This post will be a nice simple one of some street scenes from the city.

MEXICO: Guadalajara Lockdown

On Sunday Feb 22^nd, 2026 we were having a “work day” in the apartment and working hard planning, blogging, doing paperwork, booking etc.

We were totally oblivious to what was going on outside, until our AirBnb landlady sent us a message and suggested that we stay in.

Then we realized, there was absolute silence outside.

The streets were empty. Zero cars and zero pedestrians. It was eerily silent.

MEXICO: Tlaquepaque

Tlaquepaque is another cute little town, just southeast of Guadalajara.

Tlaquepaque was founded in the 16th century during the early colonial period of New Spain.

Its name comes from Nahuatl and roughly means “place above clay land,” reflecting the area’s rich soil for pottery and ceramics.

It is famous for its artisans, galleries, and traditional Mexican culture.

Today, Tlaquepaque has been amalgamated as a suburb of Guadalajara.

It is a hub for handicrafts, including glass, textiles, and painted ceramics.

MEXICO: Tequila

There is a small town called Tequila, about 60 km northwest of Guadalajara.

Every country has what I term, its local “hooch”, or adult alcoholic beverage of choice.

It is always based on what can be produced locally.

The town of Tequila is famous as the birthplace of the liquor spirit tequila, which is made from the local blue agave plant.

Tequila, the town, is designated a Pueblo Mágico (“Magic Town”.) 

This is a recognition given by the Mexican government to places with cultural and historical richness.

We had to go check out the town, and the liquor... for purely educational purposes.

MEXICO: Guadalahara's José Clemente Orozco and his Murals

Guadalajara is proud of one of their favourite sons - José Clemente Orozco (1883–1949).

José Clemente Orozco was one of Mexico’s most important muralists and a central figure in the Mexican Mural Movement.

As a teenager, a fireworks accident was severe enough that his hand had to be amputated, and he went on to build his career painting with one hand.

He lived through the Mexican Revolution, and, unlike some contemporaries, Orozco did not romanticize the revolution. 

His murals often show violence, suffering, and the human cost of political upheaval.

His style is dramatic, with strong lines, intense expressions, and bold contrasts.

MEXICO: Guadalajara

After Barcelona we had to make a trip to Houston for “routine medical appointments”.

(One of the downsides to being retired, is being “old”.)

So we figured while we were in the “neighbourhood” we’d pop down to Guadalajara, Mexico.

Guadalajara was founded in 1542.

The Spanish colonial city is Mexico’s second-largest metro area.