Valparaiso – the home of Neruda and probably one of the most colourful cities on earth – is inhabited by some of the most well behaved stray cats and dogs I’ve ever encountered. Most of them seem to live in packs, near the port – probably the best place for a free supper. They move amongst the citizens and tourists of the city relatively ignored. They cross roads with decorum and according to the traffic lights and the ones that are aggressive can be silenced simply by picking up a stone and motioning to throw it.

After a morning walking up the hill – bad idea, by the way – that leads to Neruda’s house – the journey back down revealed that the cats of Valpa seem to prefer the higher climes away from all those pesky dogs, it seems. Most have homes though and can be seen peeking through elaborate metal balconiess or doorways.

I really like the composition of this picture although I think I could have pulled back a little further for better effect. I am, however, perfectly happy with the colour pallete and contrast, which in my memory is synonymous with Valparaiso.