Roadtrip Peru, Bolivia & Chili - Part 9
Caldera – Thursday 21-09-2023
Today we traveling from Antofagasta to Caldera. A trip of 500 km. We drive all day through a desert landscape. Despite a lot of sand and rocks, this is very varied and we are treated to beautiful colours. In Caldera, we hope to find a tour to the sea of flowers in the desert.
In the small town of Paposo, we are absurdly trapped by a white pickup. Three heavily armed men jump out of the truck. One with a machine gun pointing at us and two with guns drawn. Behind the car, two heavily armed men suddenly appear as well. One remains in the car. Six men strong!!! Very threatening!!! Quite a show of force for a possible traffic offence!!! In a very intimidating manner, I am summoned to hand over my driving licence and car papers. The bonnet has to be opened. In my innocence, I want get out of the car and see what is happenend. Lara makes it clear to me that I have to sit down again as one of the men pulls his gun again. We have no idea if they are cops. The men are dressed completely in black and the car they are driving has no marks at all. It looks like we have landed in a bad Narcos film. Lara managed to sneak a picture of the gangster car's number plate. The car is examined from all sides. The men even roll on the ground and disappear completely under the car. Thet put their nose in and under the engine block. Very strange!! Eventually Lara, handy she speaks Spanish very well, manages to have a bit of a conversation with one of the strange snouts. The story is that we are suspected of car theft.
Another strange story. Our car looks like so many other red pickups. There are hundreds of them on the road. Finally we think it's over. But, to our annoyance, my driving licence and papers disappear back into the back pocket of one of the men. Again, all sorts of things are examined. Finally, apparently enough is enough, one of the men pushes the papers into my hand and the men get into their car and leave. We are still standing in the middle of the intersection, dazed with the bonnet still open. Apparently, closing the bonnet was not in the service package!!!
But the bottom line is that we passed the test, we didn't get picked up like a bunch of car thieves and pick up the routine of carefree enjoyment again 🤪🤪
The hotel is a bit disappointing this time. It is old and smells musty. On booking, this hotel got an eight but a six is more appropriate. The price - quality is way off. Later we understand that many miners come to the hotel and the costs are payed by the mining company. So this will drive up the price. But we have a beautiful purple/blue room so we immediately fall in love with it 😜😜. We take the pets for granted 😂😂. Luckily, there is a good beer tent right near the hotel and after a pleasant stay, everything comes into a different perspective!!!!
Faro Punta Caldera & Bahia Inglesa - Friday 22-09-2023
After our breakfast, we check the car extensively after our unpleasant Narcos adventure. We have no desire to be second- instance as drug couriers. After a good check, we know we are not transporting anything unwanted. But it all remains very special story!!!!!!
Now that we've thoroughly checked the car, we're off again for a lovely drive. On the programme is a leisurely day visiting Faro Punta Caldera, an old lighthouse, the Grotto of Padre Negro and the beaches of Bahia Inglesa.
At a stopover, we meet Christina. We have a pleasant conversation and are then spontaneously invited to come for coffee in the afternoon.
Grotto of Padre Negro
The Grotto of Padre Negro in Caldera, located in the Atacama region of Chile, is a place of great historical and religious significance.
The Grotto Nuestra Señora de Lourdes began its construction in 1934 by Father Crisógono de Sierra y Velásquez, known as the "Black Father". As parish priest in Caldera, Father Negro built, with the help of the local people, a shrine in honour of the Virgin of Lourdes. Sadly, Father Crisogono died in Caldera in 1945 without being able to complete his work.
Every July 3rd, the community of devotees gathers to offer a pilgrimage in his honour. A procession takes place from the city centre to the temple.
Externally, the grotto is a building with straight, rough lines, built with exposed stone. It has underground tunnels that are currently closed to the public and an exterior access via ruined steps.
Inside, you will find a central nave with a barrel vault, crossed by structural beams. The walls and ceiling are adorned with paintings by the self-taught artist Luis Enrique Cerda, depicting images of Christ with the Apostles, the Passion and the Resurrection.
This grotto is a moving testimony to faith and devotion, and its history and beauty make it a special place for prayer and reflection.
Bahia Inglesa
Bahia Inglesa is a stone's throw from Caldera. Bahia Inglesa is beautiful but a real tourist attraction. We stroll around and enjoy a sumptuous lunch. Very relaxing.
Strange are the ways of life. We missed the desert flowers, the reason for our trip. But, we gained a new friend! We met at Mirante's car park. Had a good conversation with ended in an invitation for a coffee at 5pm.
We had a very good time together. Good conversations, good laughs and lots of delicious things to eat! We left Cristina's house at night and spent almost five hours at her place.
Today, we end the day with gratitude. Including the blue/purple room!
But Lara is happy we're leaving tomorrow! 🤪🤪🤪
