MUMMIE!!
No, I'm not homesick - but perhaps I could be considered sick of some sorts, since I am fascinated by the mummification of dead bodies?!

A visit to the Chinchorro museum this weekend has been a educational experience to say the least!  The museum exhibits the mummies found in Atacama desert and the coast line not far from here.  They are the oldest mummies in the world, predating the Egyptian mummies by 2000 years, making them about 5000 years old!
Unlike the Egyptians who mummified only their elite, the Chinchorro people mummified all their dead, including fetuses!  They varied their techniques over time but generally process involved disassembling the body, treating the internal organs with salt and then reassembling it, skin and all, wrapping it in mud and bandages made of vegetable fibre.  This is a lot of attention to a dead body that seems very alien to they way that we do things now, and is surely linked to beliefs about assisting the soul in the afterlife.
I remember a couple of empathetic students who had researched a little about attractions around Arica, teasing me about the possibilities of mummies laying dormant under my house.  At the time, I laughed and dismissed their teasing, but as it turns out there may have been some truth in what they said as it is not uncommon for mummies to be unearthed when foundations are being laid for new constructions!
To be honest I wasn't in a hurry to visit this unique and world class museum, it has taken me four months 'to get around to it'. It seemed kind of morbid to go and check out dead bodies, but now that I have - I think that when one considers the time and attention with which these people treated their dearly departed, I can't help but respect the expertise of their practice.
No one really knows the final fate of the Chinchorro people, its seems that they disappeared in the course of time.   Their mummies are their legacy. 
 For those of you who might be further fascinated by this practice - check out the details of there techniques here.

Feliz Cumpleanos Arica,

On the 7th of June Arica celebrated her Chilean birthday - and for a 132 year old she can still party!!
In honor of the occasion, El Morro - the point of victory in the 1880 battle in which Chile finally claimed the port city from Peruvian control, donned her best party dress - the largest flag in all of chile.
During the week long celebrations young and old flocked to the downtown that was bursting at the seems with markets and fairground, musicans and comedian buskers, concerts of tradtional music and dancing,  Creating a jovial and festive atmosphere which reflected traditional and diversity all the same time!  At the stroke of midnight on the 7th of June the celebrations came to a climax as hundreds of locals gathered in the town square at the foot of El Morro to watch the elaborate fireworks display.
The victory at El Morro was a significant moment in the history of Chile as it consequently secured the entire northern regions of Tarapaca and Arica from Peruavian rule. The city still pays tribute to Fransico Bolengesi, the valiant Peruvian Commander who died in the final battle, by naming her prettiest cobble stone pedestrian street after her.
The enthusiastic and communal celebration of "Arica's birthday" demonstrates a strength of cultural and national identity and is an active expression of solidaridad - solidarity which is a value and characteristic that the Chileans are duly proud of.
Viva Arica!!  Viva Chile!!

More about the Battle of Arica .