I have never heard of this city called Coquimbo, let alone knew it was in Chile. Why we stopped here I have no idea. It does has a safe and large harbour so I suppose it was a good place to stop at when ships had to go around South America before the Panama Canal.
We arrived here at 9.00 am so we had a relaxing morning before us four stepping ashore. All we did was walk along the Main Street for a mile or so inspecting the hundreds of stalls and temporary set-ups selling everything from salt shakers to used clothing. And a smattering of interesting bits and pieces that may be of interest to visitors. However, it is certainly not set up for tourists unless a tourist fancies taking home fish in a plastic bag or a sack of onions.
The prices of fruits and vegetables was less than at home, but not by much. I have no idea how they manage with a much lower income than us.
I am aware that we were at the equivalent of a Farmer's Market at home and not everybody buys their clothing from some stall here and the clothes spread on the ground on a plastic sheet. There is likely some very fancy up-market shops in a more modern part of the city. We are at the industrial end of the city and it appears the fishing boats have their fish market here and I can only assume the other vendors decided to set up alongside them.
Before returning to the ship we chanced a light lunch of some typical Chilean food and drink. There others chose that new favourite, Pisco Sour, I prefer beer, [more fluid]. Jim had a hot tub after boarding, Fellette and I had our first dip in the ship's pool to cool off, Gail read.
We then spent the afternoon relaxing and preparing for another backbreaking job of sightseeing in Valparaiso tomorrow.
By the way, we had some tremendous seas last night. The motion of the ship seems more pronounced when in a darkened cabin, but even bearing that in mind there was substantial motion.
Half of our crew hitting the streets of Coquimbo.
Part of the residential area of the town. Note the steps up and the cheerful colours.
An interesting selection of fish in the market. These are conventional fish but there was some pretty ugly fish for sale. They also sell in the market small plastic bowls with bits of raw fish and shellfish etc. to eat on site squeezing, lime juice on it before eating. It cooks via the lime juice and is called ceviche . [Not for Doug I tell you.]
A great selection of fruits and vegetables were there, many not of top quality I thought. I think we are spoiled in our country because we only see number one quality and Mother Nature does not grow only number one quality.
Value Village Chilean style?
Fellette spotted a wind chime that took her fancy.
Jim very often finishes a day ashore in a hot tub on deck.
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