I do love it when the further north one travels, the warmer it becomes; that is, of course, until one crosses the Equator….then, after a while, it’s down hill from there on! Summers at the southern tip of South America are generally more disappointing than those the same lattitude north of the “Line.” And, it takes a long time when making one’s way by cruise ship to reach sunbathable climes. Areka, just a few miles from the Peruvian border enjoys what I would regard as an ideal dry and year round warm climate, known locally as eternal spring. That’s an understatement; summer would be more accurate.
As ever, I relied on a Cunard shore excursion to take me to places of interest a little more out of town. Although it was not an early start, a filthy cold had left me drained and I was forever dozing off, thankfully at the back of the bus, out of sight (I hope) of Monica, our enthusiastic tour guide. She did her job well, at first taking us to a huge food market, taking us around and exploring some of the unrecognisable produce on offer. It was impressive and I am glad that I went. But it was difficult to work up enthusiasm; she had to make her self heard above the intrusive background music and general buzz of the market. Only those nearby could cotton on to her infectious enthusiasm. I am glad to have seen the inside of a Chilean food market, also business where olives are farmed and processed into whatever the market desires. Inside of a “tunnel” cucumbers were being cultivated. Slowly, I was “getting into” what Cunard described as a “Taste of Areka” excursion. At the olive plantation, various spreads were on offer as well as whole olives to sample. I still don’t like olives! We continued to a “village” where tourists could see various local activities occurring, as well as the inevitable souvenir shop and a dancing troupe who were enjoyable to watch, the women being most easy on the eye. I wouldn’t like to cross one of them ‘though!
We continued, finally, to the city centre, most attractive with its market stalls and iron constructed Cathedral. I had intended to go back into town after dropping off my belongings, but I was still “drained” presumably by the after effects of the cold which appears almost to be gone. Three to four days is impressive compared to the three to four weeks I would be in discomfort on previous occasions. The tour guide suggested we also visit the “train station” near which a German built tank locomotive was on display. Trains used to climb into the Andes. A truncated service still operates once per day in each direction; even if I wanted to, the return journey was far longer than the time we had in port. Unlike Halifax, Nova Scotia, again now with the most skeleton of services, the “train station” at Areka was locked up. My appetite has been whetted for exploring rail travel in South America.
Really, I should have supported the local economy and had lunch in the city. But, it was easier when already on board to get some food in the Lido. I think I shall just squeeze in a final quick look around town; it does feel much safer here than elsewhere we have visited. 16.48 hrs – I have just over an hour.
For once nothing distracted me from leaving the and exploring by myself. I got to ride the shuttle bus which appeared to be hired in from the local public transport’s fleet. I revisited, in slightly more depth, the places pointed out by my tour guide this morning, except the Cathedral. I managed to obtain a lapis lazuli penguin, which on board ship would have set me back over $300.00. Hopefully, the item I bought for $60.00 is the real thing! I took photographs all over the place despite the fact that I couldn’t have looked anything other than a tourist. I was left in peace to enjoy the hour and a half available to explore in.
I am safely back on board; quayside personnel prevented me from photographing the ship other than from the gang-plank. Between arriving back from the shore excursion and going ashore a second time, I partook of afternoon tea in the Queens Room, during which I started this blog.
Illustrations will have to follow at a later date. They will still not upload for publication. Perhaps WordPress may become aware of these issues and e-mail me accordingly. That’s a long shot!
David Tuesday 3rd March 2020, 18.54 hrs.
David's Cruise 