January 6, 2025
We headed from the ship to the airport today to fly back home. On the way, we stopped at a few places.
The first was the Francisco Fonck Archaeology and History Museum in Vina del Mar with a large Moai statue from Easter Island outside. It is one of a few located away from Easter Island and the only one in Chile.
Inside were exhibitions dedicated to the Rapanui culture of Easter Island.
There was also a room with artifacts from the early Chilean cultures of the Atacameños, Mapuches and Diaguitas.
Another exhibit showed insects around the world.
Others focus on the fauna of Chile.
Next door was the Palacio Carrasco, a heritage building from the early 20th century.
We passed by the statue of the White Dame del Mano, a woman surrounded by children.
Our next stop was Valparaiso where we stopped at the main square, Sotomayor Square, to view the Monument to the Heroes of Iquique, a significant naval battle between Chile and Peru. The statue at the top is the national hero, Arturo Prat. The next level honors other heroes, Ignacio Serrano, Ernesto Riquelme, Juan de Dios Aldea, as well as a sailor representing all the sailors who fought in the battle. The reliefs at the base represent famous naval battles, including Iquique.
Across from it was the Armada de Chile. It was built for Chile's Centennial and served for many years as the seat of the government. It still is in the control of Chile's navy.
Our last stop was for a horse show and lunch. The horse show demonstrated how well-trained the horses were and ended with a dance.
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