Before I start on this port, I wanted to share a picture of
what we saw at the bar last night.
Europeans first experienced this region in 1535 after an
expedition crossed the 15,580 foot Paso de San Francisco. Not finding much
there, the party quickly diverted to the south. A few years following the
expedition, Pedro de Valdivia went into the area to establish a permanent
Spanish settlement. In the course of his travels he founded the city of La
Serena, and Coquimbo was established shortly after taking its name from the
Diaguita word meaning “place of clam waters”. Sharing the same bay, Coquimbo and
La Serena fall into what is known as the Norte Chico region of Chile. In
pre-Columbian times the costal Norte Chico was inhabited by the Diaguita, who
crossed the Andes’ from Argentina and settled. They produced maize, potatoes
and various other crops. They were also one of the first civilizations to herd
and domesticate llamas. This semi-arid region is very similar to the
Mediterranean climate and is now a magnet for visitors with its beaches, modern
buildings, hotels, pubs, discos and restaurants.
At this port, seven us decided to go with two taxis. That is
three Aussies; Helen, Nadia and Arthur (Diego was sick), two Canadians; Deana
and Jim, and us. We had a great time. We are docked in Coquimbo, Chile and
could walk off the ship and to the gate.
Helen, Steve and I were in one taxi and our driver was Jacqueline.
We started out along the highway that ran along the beach
into La Serena. Our first stop was at the El Faro Lighthouse and beach.
We then drove in to La Serena to the Plaza de Armas. All
cities in Chile have a Plaza de Armas (town square) except Valpraiso, which is
not flat, but all on hills, so no place for the Plaza. From there we walked
further into the town.
We were aiming for the big market that they have here in La
Serena. It is called La Recova. Besides the great streets in the last pictures,
besides the Market we saw many churches.
We then drove back along the beach and the highway to Coquimbo
in search of a beer. Coquimbo is not has happening as La Serena. The
Argentinians come to La Serena for their holiday and the beach. This is
summertime here and the kids are all off from school till March, so everyone is
on vacation.
One of the things you can see from the ship is the Cruz III
Milenio, a large cross on the hillside. It was made by nine artisans, one of
them Chilean in three months ad is 93 meters tall.
As we were driving looking for somewhere to stop before we
went back to the ship, we saw a sea lion wrestling with the birds for fish.
We were finally dropped off at a very unique place. It
appeared to be set up as an arts center. There was a pretty courtyard where he
set up tables for us and we all enjoyed a beer.
Then after dinner we had a gorgeous sunset.
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