Rubbing the toe for good seas!

Main square in Punta Arenas.

 The main square in Punta Arenas is really beautiful.  Some of the trees have wicked huge trunks!

Walking to the square.

Large tree

In the square is a monument to Ferdinand Magellan, the explorer after whom the Strait of Magellan is named. Legend has it that if you rub to toe of the native you will have smooth seas, and when you cross the Drake Passage you need all the help you can get!  Rubbing the toe may also give you good luck, or ensure that you will return to Punta Arenas. We rubbed the toe every time we walked through the square!

Rubbing the toe for a smooth crossing!

A closeup of the native's foot---- it's SHINY from all the rubbing!

Here's the entire monument with Magellan on the top.