Around Arica

The town of Arica is dominated by El Morro, the giant hill where a crucial battle took place in 1880, during the War of the Pacific. The enormous Chilean flag on top, constantly exposed to intense sun and wind, has to be replaced every few months. And of course there are wonderful views of the city and sea.

El Morro dominates Arica Continue reading

Colors and Flavors of Arica

Northern Chile is a desert – more specifically, part of the Atacama Desert: the driest hot desert in the world. And yet, it is dotted with oases in which are grown a variety of fruits and vegetables of exceptional quality and size. The fruit and vegetable market Mercado Central Municipal was among the best I’ve ever seen, anywhere. It made me want to rent an apartment for a few weeks and do some serious cooking.

Arica's fruit and veggie market

You could eat two different kinds of avocado every day for a week and still not try them all. Continue reading

Have I been to Peru?

The husband and I often debate what it means to visit a country – in other words, what it takes to add Country X to your list of places you’ve been. We generally agree that eating a meal and spending the night definitely count and a transition through the airport doesn’t, but there’s a lot of grey area in between. Driving through without stopping? Buying gas? Asking for directions? Wandering unknowingly over the unmarked border from the beach in a neighboring country? It’s not always clear. Continue reading

� Previous Page Next Page �