Weird, and interesting, how we have plans…and then they change. My idea was to head through Arica without spending a night. After all, I didn’t think there was much to see there. While waiting for the bus from San Pedro to Calama, where I was to change busses, I had a quick meal and the guys started asking me about my travel. When I mentioned that I wasn’t spending time in Arica, he was shocked. There were the oldest mummies in the world, a monument to the Pacific war (between Chile and Peru) and some others, but those were the ones that stood out for me. Ok, so I’ll stay there for a day.
At the Calama bus stop I met a Dutch girl called Lisa, who was also heading to Cusco (my end destination). I didn’t do much research about the hostels, so I walked with her to a hostel and we were able to get dorm beds. When leaving the bus station, I saw a huge billboard about a body boarding competition. Looked cool so we went there. Lisa had learned to speak proper Spanish so while there, she made friends with two local guys (Daniel and Nicolas). They were kind enough to take us around Arica and show us the sights, including the mummies and El Morro (monument to the Pacific war, also where Chilean army beat the Peruvian forces in 20min!). Daniel had a great interest in history, so he was able to give us MUCH more info than was on display. He was a great impromptu tour guide :)
That night we all went to a club and I had my first taste of Reggaton. Difficult tot explain the music style or etiquette, but its got a good beat and it not considered ok to dance alone. Always with a partner. I only realised this after dancing alone for a minuet or so and getting a couple of “looks.” I knew I had to stop :)
Out of habit I checked my email and Facebook, and got a message from Carolina (the girl I had met sand boarding in San Pedro). All of us were talking about Bolivia or Peru and our travels. She has always wanted to go to Peru, but it had never worked out for her. She wanted to join me. I was a bit taken aback and not sure about this. Travelling with someone you don’t know can be a bit tricky. Taking a leap of faith, I waited an extra day for her to arrive. Since I had been given the royal tour the day before, I knew most of the details of the sights. So I played tour guide for the day. We headed for Peru the following day.
As usual, an unexpected stop turned out to be worth the extra time.
The “crazy” girls – Stand at the body boarding competition – The winner (Brazilian)
Nicolas, Lisa, Daniel & I – The oldest mummies in the world! – Skeletons being excavated
Random T-shirt – Flag on top op El Morro – View of the bay (where the body boarding was) from El Morro
Illuminated church – People playing music & chillin’ in front of the old theatre
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