Vina itself is a somewhat soulless place, reminiscent of some of the more upmarket Mediterranean costas. This is particularly so in the modern area, which is dominated by high rise apartment blocks crowding for a seaview. However it is in a great setting on the Pacific, with some excellent beaches nearby and there is a good selection of restaurants etc, as well as some elegant buildings and gardens. The older part of the city is quite a contrast and for an even more vivid insight into another way of life in Chile, take the 15 minute metro ride into Valparaiso. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site because of its hillside barrios accessed by funicular railways, it was once one of the major ports of the Pacific ocean. However it fell on hard times after the opening of the Panama canal and it’s only in the last few years that efforts have been made to revive it. Although there are some areas which have been renovated and are trying to develop a bohemian atmosphere, be aware that it’s very much a work in progress, rather than the finished article. The majority of the city is very dilapidated and dirty and a tourist can feel extremely uncomfortable in many areas.  A 1.9m tall member of our group was the victim of an attempted mugging in a crowded square in broad daylight, so although it’s worth a visit, be careful.