In a long Pacific swell, we approached the port of Arica at 5:30 in the morning; the pilot boat coming out to meet us and 2, not 1, joined us. Once on the Bridge, pleasantries were exchanged and we continued towards the harbour, obviously they were here just to advise and all they needed was black coffees 🙂 . We berthed starboard side alongside on the breakwater berth, our ‘long’ gangway being shifted from its stowage point on the foredeck to our door on #1 deck.
All was set by 8 a.m. for guests to disembark and tour the environs of the city. Karen went with Hazel in the morning, while I stayed on board and tried to clear my desk, the intention being to pop ashore for the blog photographs. Arica lies in a coastal oasis, in the driest desert in the world, on the fringe of the Atacama.
The ladies took advantage of a car and got further afield than I managed later. First, along the sea-shore and a visit to caves, first inhabited in prehistoric times.
I believe this a ‘Guano’ encrusted rock; wars were fought over this natural fertiliser in the 19th century.
Then on to the Morro promontory, the high cliff ahead of the ship. Here is the ‘Arms’ museum where exhibits provide an insight into the “Pacific War”, not the 2nd World war, but a war between Peru and Chile.
Ever onwards, the ladies then went to the San Miguel Archaeological museum with its pre-Columbian artefacts mummies, dating back over 5,000 years and, so it seems, the oldest in the world.
In case you need them; detailed instructions on how to mummify……
Still not finished, in Pampas Chacas stand the Prenencias Tutelares sculptures, paying homage to the Andean people who crossed the Atacama desert to create a lasting culture in Chile; they tell about their religious beliefs and, during their visit, folkloric dancers were present.
A market had to be in their itinerary; (thankfully) on this occasion, a vegetable market in the Azapa valley.
Finally, back into Arica itself, a lovely central square, (which also had the market stalls that are prevalent wherever we go) and to which I took my brief sojourn ashore.
One can just make out the “Amsterdam” in the background.
It was hot, even the dogs take a siesta!
Police kept a not so discreet presence
The original church on this spot was destroyed by a tsunami in 1876. This was rebuilt by the French as a gift.
Finally, 2 videos which I took. The first being the harbour and the 2nd, a video of the dancers who performed on the quay, prior to us sailing for Easter Island, 2240 miles, (3,580 kms) away. It has, on occasion, been my nemesis, but more about that one after our call on Sunday 10th 😯
Great pics! Especially loved the details of the veggie market! KEEP ‘EM COMING!
Really enjoy following you and the Amsterdam on this trip around the world. Look forward to joining you next year
What a great team you have for the photos (Karen/Hazel) & the videos look great Jonathan.
Do hope you were able to get the GoPro working with Quik… but then you may have a pc and not iPhone or Mac
Keep safe & well
Yes,saw the tiny white decks in the pix. Those watermelons just wonder if the taste was as good as that red look. Pictures on this blog wonderful
Jonathan. Thank you for taking the time to post. We cannot do more than a 60 day cruise due to limited medications Your blog allows us to enjoy your cruise as if we are with you
Thank you Captain! We thoroughly enjoyed the pics and videos. This is one port we have never visited. The rebuilt church is phenomenal! Safe sails!
Such high stepping, colorful dancers. A future with the Rockettes with rhar high kick!
The video added a lot
I think i recognized some of those vegetables, though the juicy watermelons aren’t making it to New Jersey. Incredible the bounty of an oasis on the edge of a desert like that!
Thank you and fingers crossed you don’t have to use one of those brand new tenders as a floating dock as you did to get us on and off Easter Island!
Thank you Captain!
We are enjoying the photos and videos! Being 5 Feb 2019, all will be enjoying a special day and evening. We wish everyone the best.
Regards from California.
Bill Lew and Verre Leung Lew
Thank you for posting the videos. We enjoyed watching the dancers and musicians performing in front of the ship…something fondly remembered from our 2018 WC. We’re anxious to hear about your Easter Island story as hopefully we get to visit it with you next year!
Enjoyed the video Captain. We were indeed lucky to get ashore to Easter Island but not with our own excitement on the tender WC 2013. Bonne chance for this voyage.
Thanks as always for the photos, videos and write up.
Safe travels and regards to Karen.
Great post and photos! So pleased you’ve started blogging again, please keep the posts coming! My two sons and I cannot wait to be aboard for the Auckland – Singapore segment in less than 3 weeks now!