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 😯
