'Valparaiso, Chile' - by K J S Chatrath
Valparaíso is a major city, seaport, naval base and educational centre in the commune of Valparaíso, Chile. It is located about 120 kilometres (75 mi) northwest of Santiago by road.
This town is home to Latin America’s oldest stock exchange, the continent's first volunteer fire department, Chile's first public library, and the oldest Spanish language newspaper in continuous publication in the world, El Mercurio de Valparaiso.
In 2003, the historic quarter of Valparaíso was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The second half of the twentieth century was unfavorable to Valparaíso, as many wealthy families abandoned the city. The opening of the Panama Canal and reduction in ship traffic dealt a serious blow to Valparaíso's port-based economy.
Subsequently the city reached a recovery, attracting artists and cultural entrepreneurs who have set up in the city's hillside historic districts. Today, many thousands of tourists visit Valparaíso from around the world to enjoy the city's labyrinth of cobbled alleys and colorful buildings. Is wall paintings also are a source of attraction for the visitors.
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An old advertisement of Coca Cola.
One can take nothing for granted.My vision only covered upto Suez canal, silk road. Didn't know much about the real impact of Panama canal on South American civilization, and countries
ReplyDeleteYour observations are so valid... impact of opening of Panama Canal and nearer home of Suez Canal is unfortunately is not fully appreciated.
ReplyDelete