|
|
Arica and Putre, Chile
Oct. 15th - To Chile
A taxi took us from Tacna to Arica this
morning. Most of the international taxis (and there were a lot
of them on the road) were big older model American cars. I
even saw a Town Car. At the Peru border we had to take the
bags to be searched and get our passports stamped. It was a
madhouse with drivers cutting lines. The Chile customs station
had baggage x-ray machines, and was neat and orderly. The
buildings were new, modern and quick. It was such a contrast.
 The Pacific Ocean was visible right after
we entered. The landscape was all sand desert. Arica sits on
the ocean. The concrete buildings were spread out with a few
high rises on the water. Waves curled toward the long
beachfront. Our driver took us to an international station
were we picked up a local taxi. The people at the Avis office
didn’t speak any English. It took a long time to get a car
which was suppose to be reserved for us. We found a mega store, Ekono, to do some shopping. It was bigger than any store
we’d seen in all of Peru. We bought fruit, carrots, drinks and
snacks for the road trip.
 The drive to Putre was a little over 2
hours. We climbed from the sea to 3500 meters. The sand dune
mountains changed to all beige rocks dotted with candelabra
cacti. We followed a river up into the Andes. Eventually
seeing multicolored hues and snowcapped peaks. Putre was
nothing to look at. Animal husbandry, tourism and the
government seem to be the only happening. I was surprised to
find the library had free internet access thanks to a grant
from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Unfortunately the
computers were all down with a virus. The Hosteria las Vicunas
was a dusty disappointment. There wasn’t much choice. Dinner
and breakfast were included in the outrageous price. We
watched a DVD in our room after dinner. No TV up here!
 |
AD Journal |
 |
|
We went to a large grocery store in
Arica, Chile. Most grocery stores
we’ve seen have been smaller than a bedroom. They have
small supplies of pop, candy, bread, vegetables and
fruit. Some times the small stores have dirt floors.
They have very good wine in Chile my parents said. Money
in Chile is called Pesos. 650 Pesos is equal to 1
dollar.
|
|
 |
 |
 |
Lauca National Park...» |
|
