The local station is close to the shore, passenger traffic has long ceased though the ferrocarril remains active for the transport of hydrocarbons, along the coast and inland to Arequipa and Cusco. This knowledge was imparted by a senior official of the local university affiliate that uses the old station rooms for teaching. He approached curious to know what this gringo was doing taking pictures, including the student medical facility housed in a small repurposed station building.
It was a chance encounter to the good, as we wandered around to the university office he pointed out a 200 year-old wooden building that once operated as a hotel. Evidently the style was typical for the period; I hope funds are secured to preserve the structure. I was then introduced to the office staff, Jose Chavez and Lisbeth Roque.
The station houses a small museum, filled with artifacts from the Chiribaya peoples that occupied the area 700 years ago; pre-Incan. Skull trephination was part of the culture, exhibited in various forms, along with intact examples of decorated ceramic vessels and fabrics woven from alpaca wool. A small but extraordinary museum locked away from sight, what luck to be treated to a private tour!
On return to the office Jose provided several tips of places to visit in the locality while Lisbeth offered one of her homemade heart-shaped chocolates, delicious. Great people, proud of their heritage and town, giving of their time.
After thanks and goodbyes I headed to the disused port, reclaimed in part for mostly Peruvian tourist, offering excellent views of the coast.
As with everyday life, a moto traveler has a chores to contend with. Daily cleaning of visors, chain lubrication every other day, periodic laundry by hand unless there is an easy option to send it out. Once in a while other things come up and I took advantage of the good weather and a nice covered garage area to get some things done.
Laundry, got the bike washed, removed and reassembled the right side mirror with more blue Loctite; it had been rattling loose over the last few days of travel (tightening it every few miles on the bumpy unmade roads is a PITA). Taking advantage of a clean bike the rear brake pads were replaced (I have been carrying a set since my return). Completing these tasks brought an odd sense of satisfaction. Unfortunately the pressure sensitive tape in the spares kit is understrength to hold the camera and mount. Helmet cam for the rest of leg 2!
A short ride on Wednesday in response to the recommendations offered by Jose Chavez yesterday. A visit to Meija, a few miles down the coast with examples of the old style seaside homes, though he did not mentioned the many new and high end developments going on (much like the US 25 years ago). A few miles further on the Lagunas de Meija, a bird sanctuary saved from being drained and turned into rice paddies back in the 80's.
Time is up in Mollendo. Heading east for the final time on Thursday to arrive at the shore of Lake Titicaca and likely my final night in Peru.
T2
Laundry, got the bike washed, removed and reassembled the right side mirror with more blue Loctite; it had been rattling loose over the last few days of travel (tightening it every few miles on the bumpy unmade roads is a PITA). Taking advantage of a clean bike the rear brake pads were replaced (I have been carrying a set since my return). Completing these tasks brought an odd sense of satisfaction. Unfortunately the pressure sensitive tape in the spares kit is understrength to hold the camera and mount. Helmet cam for the rest of leg 2!
A short ride on Wednesday in response to the recommendations offered by Jose Chavez yesterday. A visit to Meija, a few miles down the coast with examples of the old style seaside homes, though he did not mentioned the many new and high end developments going on (much like the US 25 years ago). A few miles further on the Lagunas de Meija, a bird sanctuary saved from being drained and turned into rice paddies back in the 80's.
Time is up in Mollendo. Heading east for the final time on Thursday to arrive at the shore of Lake Titicaca and likely my final night in Peru.
T2
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