SOME MORE OF ANTOFAGASTA

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

When Marco heard that we were staying at Playa Sur Hotel, he was somewhat disappointed. “Why don’t you stay with us” he suggests? As much as I like to be on our  own, we accept the offer and will be checking out again to move to Marco’s house.

Ramiro is up really early for an an 8:00 am appointment downtown. I use this opportunity to sleep in. I don’t even hear him knock on the door when he returns at 10:00 am.
The large swimming pool is so inviting, I am no hurry to pack and check out. I rather go for a swim! In the afternoon we  drive to Mejillones and prepare a picnic lunch right at the malacon and enjoy watching the ocean and all the activiteis around the harbour.

The visitors guide of Mejillones reads. “Mejillones is a town of incredible natural beauty”. I consider that an overstatement. Yes, the beach is beautiful and it has some very nice historical buildings, but the wide boulevard they describe is not as I had imagined it. Trees are very scarce and buildings along the boulevard are not as impressive as the guide makes us believe.
We nevertheless enjoy the long walk along the beach, picking up shells and crabs with their amazing shell design, watching the boats and admiring the beautiful Duana building.

After a drive to one of the favorite beach areas further up north it is time to return to Antofagasta to Marco’s house. We have found a new home once again, for three nights this time.


Thursday March 18

I am not all that keen on shopping in Chile, knowing that I am not able to bring much back and of course we need to watch our budget.
But at this time of the year, when the stores are filling up with fall clothing there are a lot of bargains around. I can not resist the cute pair of summer shoes for $ 8.00 and a nice gift for one of my friends. The outdoor patios at the various restaurants at the mall look so inviting, that’s where we’re having lunch.
The malacon is a great place to spend the afternoon and stroll along the shore, watching people, birds and ships.
Antofagasta is such a beautiful city. Every time we think we have seen it all we discover another beautiful spot. The old railroad station for instance, has a mural on it that brings the entire building to life. We spend a fair amount of time watching the details and imagine what life was like here one hundred years ago.


We walk until our feet can no longer carry us and spend some time at the Municipal beach resting. For an artificial beach this is really a nice place to be. This late in the afternoon, you would say the the sun rays won’t do much damage. But the sun is so powerful here, that within 15 minutes I can feel my face glowing. Time to get in the shade and start thinking about going back to the house to have dinner with Marco and Teresa.

Friday, March 19, 2010

Imagine a place where the sun shines, guaranteed 330 days a year. No rain most of the year. Temperatures always above freezing, even in winter. Sounds appealing?
Now add to this the fact that there will never be any change in scenery, no blossoms sprouting up in the spring. No first snow fall, no red autumn leaves. Always the same sandy mountains behind you and the ever active ocean.

So for those who envy those who live here, perhaps think about all these beautiful things the four seasons bring. That people here miss out on.

As we start thinking about our return to Canada, we start looking forward to a rain shower and the blossoms of our Nankin Cherry. Watching the grass turn green after months of frost and snow on the ground. Are we ready to go home? Yes, almost.

But we still have two more weeks to enjoy. We may not do much these few days here in Antofagasta, but keep busy with correspondence, paperwork, appointments and preparations to sell the car.
At Marco’s and Teresa’s house the help is busy preparing a meal for the entire family. We already met their son Marcelo, but today we have the pleasure of meeting son Henrique and his girlfriend Carla.
After a morning dealing with various business and Rotary issues we join the family for lunch and later spend some time downtown before we go to Nelson’s house. Nelson is one of the members of the  Rotary club.He has done some dental work for Ramiro and has invited us for dinner together with his wife Marta. The neighbourhood they live in is one of those Bohemian areas. There is a wonderful restaurant next door. Teresa calls it her kitchen. The owner gives us a lesson in wine drinking. The explains the importance of learning how to enjoy a wine and not just drink it for the heck of it. He entertains us with his stories about Chilean wine and continues to “swirl” our glasses to ensure the ultimate bouquet can be enjoyed. After a wonderful seafood dinner we go back to Nelson’s house for a Whiskey before he drives us back home to Marco’s place.