Little Lolly's Small Adventures: Antofagasta, Chile. Excursion: Antofagasta & Surroundings.

After a short drive from the ship we were dropped off at the small historical port which was used to ship minerals out of the city as well as being a fishing port. After taking some photographs we headed towards Antofagasta Railway Station.

A friendly dog joined our group as we left the port and we walked to the old train station. We were able to go inside the old sleeper train carriages – first class and second class carriages. Our four-legged companion also came inside too, for a looksy, but he was ushered outside. So he sat in the shade and waited patiently while we walked around the railway grounds and looked at some old steam engines.

As soon we set off towards Plaza Colón the dog faithfully joined us again and, once at the park, made friends with another dog but kept an eye on us in case we moved on. Plaza Colón is a small park-like square with fountains (in which pigeons were having a bath at the waters’ edge), a gorgeous bandstand and a lovely old clock tower. Outside the square was the Old Customs House and a Cathedral.

We had a few minutes to spare while waiting for the bus so were able to go inside the cathedral for a brief look. The dog followed us from the square to across the road but, respectfully, didn't come inside the cathedral but patiently waited outside again. When we eventually got on our bus he gave us a parting glance and trotted off to find some more friends. Our guide told me that dogs tend to be very sociable here. If someone is friendly towards a dog – it will follow them all day, everywhere (if it can) until the person goes home and will protect them until the end point; and then it will go home back to its owners. A bit like a personal bodyguard. Nobody minded the additional 4 legged guest and they thought it was sweet.

After a short drive we arrived at the Huanchaca Museum & Silver Mine where an anthropologist talked about the history area and the mining history until the collapse of the industry era. The mine machinery was then dismantled and transported for use at other mines. Unfortunately we couldn't go inside the silver mines but could see them from a distance, from a viewing area.

PHOTOGRAPHS

Historical Port