Well, here we are with our first blog from Chile. Full day today, which took us to several towns scattered along the very scenic Elqui River valley. While not a full desert, this is an area with a very dry climate, where cacti abound. You can see them growing all up the mountains.
Yet, on the valley floor, there are endless fields of grapevines, grown not for wine, but especially to make Pisco, a renown strong local liqueur that’s a lot like Grappa or Ouzo. The contrast between the green grapes at the bottom of the dry mountainous landscape is a pleasure for the senses. But it’s not only grapes, the valley also produces citrus fruits and papayas.
Our first stop was the nearby town of Vicuña. It’s a pretty, peaceful town, where everyone seemed super nice. This is where we had lunch. A huge portion of rotisserie chicken and fries, which we could not finish, but we took the leftovers home and had it for dinner, and it tasted even better.
Next, we headed ever closer to the Argentinian border, until we reached the town of Pisco Elqui. It’s an artist town, with lots of activities like horseback riding and hiking the amazing surroundings. This area is world-renown for having the clearest skies in the world, and it is dotted with multiple observatories. They say that nowhere else will you be able to see as many stars. We had booked a viewing, but it ended up being cancelled, because, just our luck, tonight and tomorrow there will be a full moon, which makes it difficult for viewing. It’s really too bad, because even Diane was looking forward to it.
We learned about a nearby location, the town of Cochiguaz, which residents describe as a magical, mystical place. We headed there, following a small curvy road through an adjacent valley. It really did feel Zen-like. So peaceful and beautiful, so relaxed; the only sound that of the small river that flows nearby. A number of UFO encounters have been reported in the area. It does not surprise me. If I were an alien, I would like it here too. (see above 5 pictures, which I placed in the wrong place).
We got back to our resort quite late. It is currently 9PM and the sun still shines, although it is getting considerably cooler. Our place is quite nice, albeit noisy, with many Chileans traveling here for vacation. There are three swimming pools and a lagoon on the premises. We were awakened by a flock of geese that gathered in the front of our room making all sorts of racket. The place abounds with flowers, especially giant geraniums, and many fruit trees. One of the landscapers helped us pick a few figs from an old tree by the pool.
We finally feel that we are on vacation now, and are looking forward to new reports to keep your interest in the days to come. Buenas Noches, amigos.
Comments