After leaving Peru we are heading down the west coast of Chile, headed for Coquimbo and then Santiago. On the way we  stopped off in the relatively minor port cities of Iquiqui and Antofagasta in Chile. 

Nevertheless, these port cities were kind of interesting. Iquiqui had some fairly gritty sections as well as parts that were well developed. No surprise there. But who knew that we would bump into a Croation Social Club? It turns out—at least according to the guide—that Croatia turned out a lot of mercenaries who also fought alongside the Chilean Army. So they decided to form a social club, where they could hang out with their buddies. 

The club is still thriving club. When we visited it we were greeted with the quasi-mandatory pisco sours, which are like whiskey sours. Outside the club is the main square where tourists roam around and where cops ride around on bicycles. 

The next day we visited Antofagasta, Chile which used to be a mining town where nitrates were extracted from the mines. The agenda included a trip a mine site, a museum and a (modern) outdoor theatre in the desert, where the guide shared his thoughts on how the mine workers were treated.

Then we were off to view La Portada, an arch in the Pacific ocean that is a big local attraction. Finally we stopped at a monument to the Tropic of Capricorn where we were offered (what else?) Pisco sours. 

Today is a Sea Day; tomorrow we dock at Coquimbo for a tour, and then we are off to Valparaiso, the port city that is near Santiago. Until then, Buenas Noches…

JFB