Feb. 25, Straits of Magellan

 We took a shore excursion to the Straits of Magellan, a replica of his ship, and a museum showing life in the area when settlers and the Salesian priests arrived.  As we stood there looking south towards the sea, we were aware that here is where oceans meet:  the Atlantic on the left and the Pacific on the right.  I didn't notice any particular signs of the meeting, but it was cool!

Also, I guess I always thought the straits of Magellan meant going around the point of the continent, but it's not that at all.  The bottom of South America is broken up into many waterways and islands.  Magellan simply found a good way through those water ways.  I believe the year was 1520.  So until the Panama Canal in the last century, this was the way past the American continents!  700 ships used to pass here per month.  I never really understood the importance of the Panama Canal!

These amazing trees populated the town square.

The "palace" of Sara Braun, who financed many things, including a voyage to save 22 stranded sailors.

This figure on a memorial in the town square represents the Patagon natives of the region.  His "big feet" are bronze, and they were considered giants by the Europeans.

Some good benefit is supposed to come to the person who kisses the bronze toes, but Paul wasn't willing to go that far.

At the top of the memorial is Magellan.

And here is a replica of his ship, the Victoria.  Whatever possessed anyone to set sail around the world in this craft?

Here are some pictures from the museum. This is an ordinary canoe made from the bark of a tree.  They would pile sand in the middle and light a wood fire for warmth and light.  Magellan saw these in the ocean and on the island as he approached.  He called the island Fire Island and feared the ocean was on fire.

The Salesian priests taught the people how to make houses and furniture and clothing.  When they first encountered the natives, they were buck naked, smeared with about an inch or two of seal grease.  It kept them warm enough, but also made them stink.

Our tour guide took our picture at this city overlook.

Our waiter at supper, Indra, made this little towel critter for us! ❤️