02/18/2024 Fog

Today was our return day to Santiago. But since the plane wasn't scheduled to leave until late afternoon (5:30 p.m. with SKY), we still had time for a little excursion. We took the bus, again number 20, but in the opposite direction, to Niebla. This approximately 20 km town is located directly on the Pacific Ocean. There are also many smaller offshore islands here, so the Spanish were able to build many fortresses on the periphery. We were able to visit the oldest ruins (Castilla de la Pura......also called Fuerte de Niebla). The circular route through this fortification consisted of iron bars and was very elaborately integrated into the complex. Many visitors flocked to the entire complex, which also included two country houses. There the story was explained in more detail using maps and ship models and recreated with life-size wax figures in original clothing. These dolls encouraged visitors to take all sorts of photo positions, and the Asian tourists in particular really thrived. Costumed privateers, sailors and soldiers also walked around the open spaces to have their photos taken with visitors. But when executions with swords or old muzzle loaders were re-enacted and photographed, we had enough. Part of the museum building was reserved for the Mepuche, the indigenous people of this region, and their art, but hardly anyone was interested in that. Chile currently has major problems with its indigenous peoples. They claim, in their opinion, many areas that were unjustly seized from them by the state many years ago. This results in arson with deaths and injuries! The last terrible fires near Valparaiso (with more than 120 deaths) are said to have been triggered by these clashes!? I think that the conditions here are similar to those in the USA (Indians) or Australia (Aborigines). Otherwise we took a walk on the dark sandy beach and became aware of the countless small holiday homes that you can rent here. Our next visit to Chile immediately took shape: celebrating Christmas 2025 in a rented cabaña in Niebla and swimming in the sea! Who knows what will happen between now and then???

When we got back to our quarters, we were able to enjoy the garden in peace again. We had already packed in the morning and Franzi had ordered a Huber to the airport. Everything went without surprises and the service also worked in Santiago. So in the evening we sat on the balcony again and looked at the city.