Coquimbo is the port city that shares a beautiful bay with
La Serena, which is the larger city.
We got off the ship and just started walking, first through
a huge market where vendors were selling fresh fish, shell fish, ceviche, and
empanadas, as well as crafts. We then walked up – and I do mean up – into town.
The city is literally built on the side of the mountain and about every three
blocks or so a zig-zag walkway allows residents to get to their homes. Murals
are everywhere and the houses are painted in many bright colors. It all lends
the city a very cheerful atmosphere. Crossing at the light on one main street,
we saw a man juggling swords to entertain the cars stopped at the light.
The town’s main square, Plaza de Armas, was a busy place
with more street vendors, musicians, and lots of children playing. BTW, every
Chilean city’s main square is called Plaza de Armas. It is summer vacation in Chile and the schools
are closed until April.
We walked almost five miles before heading back down the hill
and back through the fish market. Unable to resist, we stopped for lunch at one
of the restaurants. The fish is very fresh, but the Chileans eat it mostly
fried instead of grilled. It was still very good. We were the only tourists in
the restaurant. Seems Chile is one of the world’s largest producers of salmon –
second only to Norway.
In the fish market at Coquimbo
Along the pier were four “pirate ships” available to take
visitors for a sail long the coast. Of course the big cruise ship parked nearby
made for a tempting target. While sitting on our veranda, we were entertained
by the theatrics of the pirates “firing” on our ship and engaging in “sword
fights” with crew from some of the other ships. Our captain authorized a
warning blast from the ship’s horn, which was met with more “fire” from the
pirate ships. Finally John waved a white flag from our cabin and gave up the
big ship. ;-)
No comments:
Post a Comment