Mannequins of Arica

I can easily say that the mannequins of Arica are much creepier than any we've come across in our travels so far--they're dated, broken, dramatic, depressed, angry, bald, naked...you name it:

Yes, these mannequins are chained together by their necks... perhaps it takes a bit more to catch the attention of South American shoppers?

Octopus Ceviche

On our last night in Arica, our hostel owner's friend Eddie (owner of a popular empanada stand), taught us how to make octopus ceviche. Now, we'll teach you!

First, boil the whole octopus for 45 minutes-1 hour in salted water. You'll know when it'd tender because you'll be able to cut it with a fork. (A lot of recipes reccomend putting a cork in the water to help tenderize the octo. Eddie didn't, but it can't hurt, right? You can also freeze the octopus to tenderize it, or beat it with a rolling pin...)

For the marinade:

- 5 tblsp lime juice

- 1/4 c finely chopped red onion

- 1/2 tsp finely chopped garlic
- 2 tsp finely chopped scallions
- finely chopped hot pepper, serrano or red chilies to taste (we
  used one hot pepper)
- salt and pepper to taste

Cut the octopus into bite-sized pieces, toss with the marinade, and voila!

On-site with Costa Norte Surf Magazine (Arica)

Yesterday we had the good fortune of tagging along on a Costa Norte Surf Magazine video-shoot for 16-year old surfing prodigy, Guillermo Satt. He was interviewed against the backdrop of some awesome coastal caves just south of Arica.

Arica Surf House

Arica Surf House has edged out Pariwana as our favorite hostel in South America. The space itself is so terrific that one hardly notices the complete lack of amenties (breakfast, hot water, organized activities, etc.). We´ve spent four nights here, and are continuing south tonight with heavy hearts and excellent suntans. Next stop: San Pedro de Atacama.

Partially open-air common room/kitchen with unreal view of the stars at night.

Our airy, bunk-bed-free dorm room.

The hostel´s owner, Kurt, is always down to dole out surfing tips or lead a workshop in sushi-making.

Arica

We have been having a wonderful time in Arica, a beach town in Northern Chile.  It truly feels like vacation...we've been reading on the beach, cooking great meals,  swimming in the ocean, and watching friends from the hostel surf what are supposedly some of the best breaks in South America.