Pablo Neruda, Chilean Poet

Shelly at Pablo's house

The view from Pablo's garden

We've been spending more time appreciating the arts and artists of South America.  While in Valparaiso, Chile, we visited the hillside home and workspace of the Nobel Prize-winning poet and political activist Pablo Neruda.  Neruda (1904-1973) was well known for his love poems, and he was also a communist and socialist politician and diplomat. He supported the election of the socialist government of Salvador Allende, and was appointed to diplomatic posts in Argentina and Europe.  He spent time in exile from Chile, and died shortly after General Pinochet's coup in 1973.  A very interesting life, read about it here.   His Valparaiso home is now a museum and sits on a lovely promontory overlooking the city and harbor.  Indoor photos were not allowed, so we had to be satisfied with these outdoor shots.

Next to the home is an auditorium for poetry readings
and public events

Neruda's larger than life statue in a local park

Home is three stories high,
with great views
from the top floor bedroom and studio

Two old men hanging out in the park