A Lacerated and Lengthy Coastline of an interesting Country

We've established a steady northbound course in the Pacific ocean along the western coast of South America, heading to the next port in Valparaiso (Santiago), Chile [red arrow].

The Chilean coastline, which spans over 4,000 miles, is characterized by unique geological features and is strongly influenced by the Humboldt Current System. This results in marked differences, from the coastal desert in the north to the cold subantarctic region in the south. There are several countries that have a longer coastline than Chile, however, including Indonesia, Greenland, Russia, Canada, and the United States.

Chile is a fascinating country with a rich history, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes. As we're already seen, southern Chile is a beautiful destination for adventurous travelers, offering stunning views of lush green landscapes, bright blue glaciers, fjords, lakes, and a rugged coastline.
As a very diverse country, there is more to Chile than you might realize. Here are some interesting facts about Chile:

• The name "Chile" may come from the indigenous Aymara word "chili," meaning "where the land ends," or from the Mapuche (indigenous people of Patagonia) imitation of a bird call.
• Chile is the second-largest consumer of bread in the world, with popular types like marraqueta -

  

• The Gran Torre in Santiago is the tallest building in South America, standing at 62 stories high.

  

• Chile is affectionately known as the "pais de los poetas" or the "country of poets" due to its literary figures, including two Nobel Prize winners in Literature. (That's my kinda' place!)
• Chileans celebrate New Year's Eve with a unique tradition called "la media tinta," where they pour grape juice over their feet and then walk on it to ensure good luck.
• The Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth, is home to a variety of wildlife, including vicuñas (wild ancestor of the Alpaca), viscachas (rodents similar to chinchillas), foxes, condors, and hawks.
• Chile has the world's largest swimming pool, located in the coastal city of Algarrobo, measuring 20 Olympic-sized pools in length and holding 66 million gallons of water.
• Chile is home to the world's oldest known mummy, known as the Chinchorro Mummy. These are the oldest "purposefully created" mummies ever found, made around 7,000 years ago, which is about 2,000 years before the ancient Egyptians made their mummies. The Chinchorro mummies are unique in that they were elaborately prepared, with some being made by removing the skin and flesh from the body and replacing them with clay. (Yuck!)

These are just a few of the many interesting facts about Chile. The country offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it an exciting destination for travelers and adventurers alike. As I write today's blog, I'm on Deck 11 outside getting some fresh air now that the air temperature is conducive to sitting outdoors. But it's lunch time, so perhaps I'll go have a bowl of Chili con carne - No relation to the country!

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