Punta Arenas, Chile

Well we finally made it after a long series of flights. But our luggage did not arrive with us. We hope it catches up to us at some point. Punta Arenas is “Sandy Point” and is considered the main port of the Strait of Magelllan. Founded in 1849, the city replaced the Chilean Fort Bulnes, a timber stockade built in 1844 to enforce Chilean claims to the region. Coaling and provisioning ships through the straits was the principle business until later eclipsed by Panama Canal traffic. It has a population of 120,000, a large main square (Plaza de Armas) with the Ferdinand Magellan monument statue flanked by recumbent Indians. One toe is polished smooth. I guess local folklore suggests that you should kiss the toe to ensure a safe passage on your sea voyage.