The most short-lived republic in history

Left Temuco as soon as I could this morning, well rested, as there was absolutely nothing to do in that city! Drove the 3 hours to Concepción (which has quite an interesting history, which I'll explore tomorrow) with a continuing view of the snow covered Andes volcanos in the east. War was a constant presence in colonial Concepción in the 1500's, both due to the constant threat of Mapuche uprisings and because the capture of rebellious indigenous people to be sold as slaves became a lucrative business. However, Spanish-Mapuche relations were not simply a military conflict, but also led to a system of trade between the two worlds of Europe and South America. But was more interesting today was the story of the Independent Republic of Hualqui - located about 20km up river and about a 30 minute detour on my drive. During the Chilean Wars of Independence (from 1810 to 1826), this tiny riverside settlement was right at the frontier of the Chilean territory. The people of Hualqui were caught in the crossfire as Chilean nationalists fought troops loyal to Spain for ultimate control. Eventually, Hualqui was abandoned by both combatants, and left vulnerable to attack by the Mapuche tribe that controlled the land south of the river. For the war-weary population, enough was enough. They duly declared their small municipality to be an independent republic in 1823 and to be left alone. Unfortunately for the newly free citizens of Hualqui, a small detachment of troops from Concepción, violently quashed the rebellion two days after the declaration of independence.

Nevertheless, Hualqui has yet to forget its brief statehood, and still boasts its own flag, a "national" soccer team, an online TV Channel (La República Independiente TV) and a "national" radio station (Radio República). It would have to be the shortest lived country ever!!

Just another funny thing in Chile are the people selling stuff at the numerous toll gates. You can but just about anything from them! (apologies for the fuzzy photo!)