Day 55 – At Sea

Lazy day today. We did our painting class this morning and had such a good chuckle with our painting group, grumbling about the rubbish shore excursions! 😆 Also, *drumroll*, the sun came out and it was properly warm (woohoo!) so we lazed around the pool in the afternoon and Paul got burnt. By dinner time he looked like a beetroot (but please, nobody tell him I mentioned it!) 🤭

Chile

Chile is the world’s most southern country, although the world’s most southerly city is in Argentina (Ushuaia). The population of Chile is 17.5 million and the country stretches 2,760 miles from North to South, but is only 217 miles wide at its widest point. Colonised by the Spanish in the mid 1500s, overrunning the Inca population, Chile gained independence in the 1830s. The country lies on the highly seismic and volcanic Pacific ring of fire and is subject to devastating earthquakes from time to time. It has a very diverse climate, from the ultra dry Atakama desert in the north, a Mediterranean climate in the centre, and Alpine tundra in the south. It has more glaciers than any other country in the world.

The Atacama Desert in the north and the Andes mountains which run the whole length of the country, have isolated Chile’s flora and fauna and restricted immigration of many animal species which are found in other South American countries. The Pacific Ocean which runs along the coast of Chile is abundant with marine life due to the Humboldt current which also keeps the West Coast of South America cooler than the east. Whales are plentiful and several species of seal are found.

During the 1960s and 1970s the country was divided by extreme left-right political polarisation. In 1973 the socialist democratic government of Salvador Allende was overthrown and General Augusto Pinochet became dictator. The military dictatorship lasted until 1990 and during this period thousands of citizens disappeared and many were never seen again. However Chile is now one of the most stable and high income nations in South America. The people are incredibly friendly and we absolutely love it! 😊