Day 2: Just stepping out a bit and already feeling exhausted…
Today, two hours before sunset, I set out to visit a viewpoint recommended by Lonely Planet to see the port containers. But halfway there, an eerie feeling started to creep in, and I couldn’t shake off the goosebumps. As I passed through a bright, round square where young people were chatting by the fountain under the warm sun, I noticed more and more ragged, idle figures, and the atmosphere felt increasingly off.
Finally, as I crossed an intersection opposite a church, an old man poked his head out of a car window and shouted at me, “CUIDADOOOO-” (Be careful~). I took this as a clear sign and decided to turn back, taking a photo of the church instead. When I reached the front of the church, the old man’s car also stopped.
He got out, waved at me, and firmly shouted again, “Niña! Cuidado! Váyase de aquí!” (Girl! Be careful! Leave here!). A chill ran down my spine, and I immediately turned back 🫠.
Feeling uneasy, I retraced my steps to an elevator I had passed earlier, mistaking it for one that was more frequented by tourists. Climbing up, I found myself in a small, empty square with a couple making out on the only bench. This didn’t seem like a tourist area, though there were some graffiti, but then again, where in this city isn’t there graffiti?
While hesitating about which way to go, a figure in a hoodie and cap quickly walked by. My senses heightened, and I kept an eye on him from the corner of my vision. When I turned back, he was standing in the corner across the street, staring at me. That moment sent a shiver down my spine, and I quickly thought of going back into the elevator for help 😭.
Then, I looked again, and he was gone, so I immediately retraced my steps down the stairs. It wasn’t until I reached Sotomayor Square, with its bustling market, that I felt a sense of relief, but it was only one street away! 5555, I won’t wander around recklessly anymore. (The last time something similar happened was in the Boca district of Buenos Aires.
..)
p1-6 muelle prat
I don’t know why the light of the sunset was so white, giving the whole dock an ethereal, almost studio-like glow.
p7-8 On the way to the viewpoint I wanted to see
I can’t understand why these neighborhoods, with their grand, imposing buildings, seem completely abandoned. The bus in p8 has a Chinese sticker saying “Guardian Angel” (reminds me of seeing a car on Chiloé Island with “José Luis” on the back).
p9-11 The square and church where I started to feel uncomfortable
p12-13 The almost deserted elevator, ascensor cordillera
p14-17 Finally, plaza sotomayor
p18 current mood—having a hot tea to calm down🥹
Upon arrival, I was immediately swept up in the excitement of exploring the sprawling market near the station. After a successful bus ride, I confidently strolled along the narrow path to another breathtaking viewpoint, Plaza Bismarck. Yesterday, I must admit, I was feeling a bit too confident… However, today, as I sat at the dock enjoying my snacks, I encountered an unsettling situation.
Two homeless individuals approached and harassed me, leaving me genuinely frightened—a stark contrast to my usual boldness and disregard for caution.
