THE MILLENIUM CROSS

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Being in the city, makes it difficult to get the most out of a day and do all the things we like to do. A lot of time is spent on searching for places and fighting the traffic.  The ideal place for a tourist information centre, would be at the entrance of any town or city, and preferably on both side. Not right in the centre of town. While we are downtown, we might as well visit some of the popular places, such as the square and some of the many churches in town.

The lighthouse is closed for renovation unfortunately. Since it is a madhouse in La Serena, we decide to drive north to Coquimbo. The two cities are basically one, but Coquimbo does have its own character.

It’s an old port city and fishing is one of the main industries. We have lunch near the English neighbourhood, which does not come alive until seven pm at night. We prefer a slower pace and enjoy while it is quiet. This neighbourhood is know for it many beautiful colonial buildings.

From the distance we can see the millenium cross and make an attempt to walk up from the port.

We make it up the stairs through the various neighbourhoods and once we are midway, we are warned by a young couple with a baby, not to return the same way. “It is not safe here they tell us. Once you go up, the druggies will watch for you, coming down and may attack you”.
We don't need another warning, we’re going back to pick up the car and drive to the cross.


I am not too crazy about high places, but this will be an opportunity for a view of the entire area but also learn more about the construction of this amazing cross, which was built in only 10 months time, to celebrate the 2000 birthday of the birth of Jesus and the 100th birthday of the city of Coquimbo.

Each part of the cross symbolizes a part of the Roman Catholic church, the bible or peace amongst men kind. On the main floor underneath the cross is a beautiful church. The altar was brought in from Rome and so are several pieces of the museum adjacent to the church. WEBSITE

It is difficult, however to understand how the construction of such an enormous piece of architecture can be justified, seeing the shacks at the base of the cross, where people live in poverty.
A more detailed description of the structure can be found  at Third Millenium Cross

We still have several hours of daylight and decide to take a harbour tour with the large catamaran. The guide, dressed in pirate costume tells us about the history of the city, which I do not take too serious as he makes a lot of jokes in between.

I would not dare to quote some of the dates or events that have taken place in this area. The old abandoned ships, however and the Pelicans who live on them, give us a good idea of how things were in the early days. The highlight for the children on the catamaran, is our stop at sea lion island. It is fun to watch those ugly animals play in the water and on the rocks, while we are bobbing up and down on the tall waves.

Going back to the house, we try to avoid the beach area. There is so much going on there: Music, shows, and even a hot air balloon contest.

Before we continue north tomorrow morning. We visit Sylvia and her family for a few more hours trying out some of the varieties of Pisco and the fried Goat cheese we purchased yesterday.