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A decision to move on or back?
Entry 37 of 54 | show all | print this entry |
The joys of traveling alone are few compared to wandering with company, the joy of being able to move on or away without hesitation or consultation is wonderful.
It was a silly mistake of my own that made me finally decide that Chile was not fer me, it was a case of a `small rip off ` at a cafe when I was tired, a loss of just 10 pounds and I decided to move onto another country. Chile appears rich enough against other poorer S.A. countries so they can do without my tourist dollars, I will spend them to Peru.
I believe that I mentioned the signs of obesity in Chile`s towns of Acria and Iquique, the big Mac`s and KFC`s speak volumes where-ever they appear. Other other signs of a strong economy going too far are the fashion conscious youngsters, the power dressed ladies and the numerous touts eager to separate you and your cash.
Iquique. A good place for a holiday with a great but rather crowded beach. It has plenty of hostals, (in the wrong places), and a terrific sense of the 1850`s history when it was THE port with the trading schooners packing the quayside's. The buildings around that area have been maintained or refurbished, the sidewalks are in empathy with boardwalks being replaced along the main road between the quay and the town center.
I am glad I went there but the hostals at 10 pounds a night, (I tried three), were wrong.
Arica. A smaller border town that has a certain charm, the pedestrianized center is a hive of activity , particularly when the eating hour arrives. The surrounding streets are thronged with cafes that cater for the local population and Chilean visitors and the markets around these streets are vivid with their various produce be it food, clothing or some other item, everything exudes colour. The hostal where I stayed was `the 3 suns, opposite the coach station`, clean, friendly and helpful and cheaper than the more central ones.
Again I was pleased to have been there though the beach left a lot to be desire
The surrounding area. Both these towns are on the coast where the 2000 mtr. sand dunes have been eroded by the rivers of the melting snows washing their sands down to form a delta shaped bay. For many miles either side the sand cliffs are subjected to the huge rollers of the Pacific ocean, there is no other landing place along those shores. To travel anywhere you have to cross for the desert of mountainous dunes and plains, for 4 or five hours, where the roads cling tenuously to the sides with sheer drops into the gorges and canyons that show green thin lines of vegetation where the rivers trickle their precious waters towards the two coastal towns.
A wonderful journey that will remain in my memory for ever, almost surreal.
I took a collective taxi from Acrica international bus station to Tacna in Peru, quite an achievement seeing that my Spanish is admittedly only marginally better than my Cleon. For just three pounds the driver, who had even less English than my Cleon, helped me negotiate the migration, customs inspection out of Chile and the immigration and customs with all the relevant paper work, into Peru. Quite a feat, (and I thank him), and recommend that that is the best way over the border even if you do blow that extra 1.50 pounds.
Peru will be the next blog when I have been able to take in some of this countries`s wonders. My initial feelings are that it is going to be great, my initial findings are that it is far, far cheaper than Chile. A 3 star hotel for much the same as a Chilean hostal, I`ll spoil myself for a day or two and relax in this rather nice atmosphere.
Remember that you are always vulnerable to those who are after your money, TAKE CARE OUT THERE. Good womblings to all of you, Peter T.
Where I stayed:
The Three Suns
Latest Comments (1)
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brilliant (reply)
Feb 28, 2007 18:38 EST by womblekisses
As usual you have regailed us with fantastic descriptions of a wonderful experience, great, but don´t forget the way to Foz will you. March 1st tomorrow, unbelieveable but true.
Abracos, Boa sorte.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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| 37. | A decision to move on or back? - Tacna, Peru Feb 28, 2007 (  1 ) |
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