This road trip with Ines was north to a small resort town called Papudo. It's about an hour's drive along the twisting, rugged coastline. But before reaching Papudo, we stopped in Maitencillo. We understand this to be a playground for some wealthy politicians. It's not hard to believe as there are many beautiful homes (mansions) clinging to the cliffs overlooking the Pacific. The area is also cleaner than most that we have visited. Coincidence? . . . you decide!
This lookout was on the beach in Maitencillo.
This photo is taken from the top of the lookout. There were a few pelicans lunching here, but for the most part, our favorite birds have moved on to places unknown.
A quick jaunt further up the coast and we were soon on the beach in Papudo. The sand (arena) here was very fine and seemed to have some black mixed in. Most striking though, were the glittering gold flecks.
We haven't swam in the ocean yet but we have plans to do so this week! Brrrr!
Last week we had the pleasure of hosting Heather and Ian in our home. They are living in Santiago and needed an escape from the oppressive heat of the big city.
The first day we explored some of Valparaiso. This shot was from La Sebastiana, Pablo Neruda's former home which is now a museum.
The second day we struck out for Vina, checked out the beach, and then returned for refreshments on our balcony.
And our third outing was with Paulo and Paulina. We spent the day wandering through an area called Playa Ancha (Wide Beach). It is an area of Valparaiso that we hadn't seen before but had often talked about.
Unlike the rest of the city, Playa Ancha is bordered by high rock cliffs . . . .
. . . and is home to the lighthouse. The buildings behind us belong to the navy. To the right of the shot is a massive cemetery. It consists mainly of huge concrete walls that contain the remains, both cremated and traditional.
Heading to the beach is a VERY popular past time around here.
And as so often happens when we are out exploring, especially when we are with a guide, we come upon something amazing!! Playa Ancha is home to a colony of . . . . Parrots!!! There are five of them sitting around the entrance of their nest in this shot, and there are several very large nests in the area.
This is a better shot of a nest. They are huge and apparently house several families. Parrots in Valparaiso . . . who knew??!! Not us, but then, there is soooo much we don't know about this strange, beautiful, frustrating, special, place!
And speaking of seeing odd and unusual critters, we got a glimpse of our first penguin while walking along the waterfront!! He was very quick to surface and then disappear, but we spotted him several times. It is apparently good luck to see a penguin in these parts as it doesn't happen very often. It was a Humboldt Penguin that we saw, the same name as the ocean current that runs along the Chilean coast, and of course the Saskatchewan town!
As we get closer to leaving Valparaiso for our journey to the south, and eventually home to Canada, we find ourselves thinking about the things that we will miss the most. The two that come to mind right away are the friends that we have met, and the Pacific Ocean. We have become very attached to both and it will be difficult to leave them.
For now though, there are places to go, things to see, and blogs to write!
Hasta luego,
Amor,
Norm & Charlene
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