Patricio in Copiapo 6/23-26

Copiapo is a mining town in a slightly green valley in the dry north. The introduction of drip irrigation has also made wine grape growing a profitable business for some people. We were invited to visit Copiapo where a church friend, Patricio, lives. With a long weekend ahead, we thought we would venture out of Santiago on a 10 hour bus ride to see it. Leaving Friday night, we tried to sleep on the bus in Semi-cama class. It was actually quite nice. They provided two meals, provided a blanket and pillow, and tucked you in (literally). So we arrived at 8-something in the morning. With a quick call to Patricio we were exploring and learning all about Copiapo.

Our first stop was a museum of mineralogy. I was particularly fascinated by the variety of rocks found in the Atacama region that contain copper, Chile’s primary export. The green or bluish tint copper gives the rock makes it quite pretty in an earthy sort of way. We met up with some of Patricio’s friends and, after we (some of us) had some excellent seafood, we drove to the coast, Bahia Inglesa (supposedly the best beaches in all of Chile) to go boating. Though the water was too cold to swim in, the three “men” geared up to some water fun. Both of my mates pretended to be experts, but later I learned they had only been sailing since January. Deb, not a bit envious, had collected some pretty (big) shells to add to the collection of memorabilia.

Next we drove to Incan metal mining/furnace ruins. Winding through colorful mountains in a valley entirely covered by irrigated grapevines, the dryness of the landscape became apparent. In what was left of the furnaces and metal works, one could really sense the history of the area. I understand that the Incans used wood to fuel the furnaces that melted the metals that they molded and worked. Where they got the wood I have no idea? Deb is posing in the ruins with Dylan’s Flat Stanley.

Sunday was a day dedicated to church. We didn’t realize how involved Patricio is in the Presbyterian church in Copiapo. He taught an adult Sunday School class and gave a sermon at the evening service. The people at the church were super friendly (and well aware of it) so we spent a long time afterwards talking and they even gave us cake and coffee in the evening.

With a little packing, it was time to head to Santiago on the bus again – this time in coach class. (Scowl.) Not nearly the comfort of the first trip. But we made it back fine (maybe a little stiff) on Monday morning.