Back in the car and outwards to Salar de Atacama to wrap up the day. This is also where we also got to see some pink birds. More precisely, we saw Andean Flamingos, Chilean Flamingos and James Flamingos.
See pink flamingos outside of the zoo. Check.
See another sunset in San Pedro de Atacama alongside other tourists. Also check.
Before going back for the daily hostel siesta, we went to a lookout point where I sat at the edge of a precipice over looking San Pedro de Atacama.
There was no small amount of wind out there. Good thing I’m a spirit bear with wings.
After sitting there for some period of time, Nicholas and I walked away convinced that our guide actually took us to Mars.
We started our morning by heading towards the shores of Laguna Cejar.
If you were insane, you could actually get into the waters and have a swim. Actually you would just float. The salt concentration here is higher than the Dead Sea.
Let me first remind you it was a cold day. And the water was not heated. And it was also filled with millions and millions of brine shrimp flamingo food.
I quickly decided I was enjoying the locale dry and on the ground just fine. Keep me out of the lake and we’ll get along great today Nicholas.
For sunset, our guide took us to Valle de Luna. This is where every guide in town takes their tourists for sunset.
Since we were where every other tourist was at for sunset, I figured I might as well do what every other tourist did out there.
Later in the afternoon I got to ride around in a 4WD. One bumpy ride later, we were at Valle de la Muerte where we saw tonnes of sandboarders.
I think win for best mode of transportation.
This morning Nicholas went on a bike ride. Without me.
I wanted to ride in a basket E.T. style but the bicycles didn’t have baskets on them.
So I waited outside the room at Hostal Soncheck for Nicholas’ return to make him feel bad.
I also didn’t let him forget over lunch.
Turns out Nicholas got soaked in a river so maybe I didn’t mind missing the bike ride.
What the title said.
Better known as San Perro de Atacama.
I refer you to exhibit A.
Today, I got to visit Universidad Católica del Norte.
We wanted to sit in the auditorium to use the free wifi but they were holding a networking event.
I think they had chocolate and I wanted to help myself to some but for some absurd reason everyone thought I would look too conspicuous.
So instead I got on my computer and just tried to look busy.
Later I successfully entered the auditorium because Nicholas had to give a talk.
There was no more chocolate though.
It was not my favourite day.
This morning I went nowhere.
I mean, I actually got on a plane. And it took me north.
But take a look at this picture and try to tell me I’m not nowhere.
I thought so.
Antofagasta is actually Chile’s 2nd or 3rd largest city, and the only reason for its existence is so that some people can dig big holes in the surrounding horizons of dirt.
Population: 345,420. +2. And a bear.
To kill time, we watched TV. We fought over the controls.
I won.
Today is a very important day.
So important, in fact, that I’ve given it its own name…never mind that it happens every week. Here it is — wait for it —
Super. Sumi. Saturday. !
Super Sumi Saturdays are meant for two things, and two things only. Gaming. And Sleeping in.
Here I am taking a break from smacking my best bear bud awake to let us both recover.
Sufficient rest is important. We have to be in tip top form for these challenging activities. Because, let’s be frank. We all know what comes after 24 hours of this stuff.
Super Sumi Sunday.
Oh indeed.