Valparaiso. We docked early (4 or 5am) but didn’t start disembarking until around 7 or so. This was a fascinating experience. A major industry of Chile is agriculture and they protect it fiercely (not that I blame them – living in California I really appreciate how quickly a stray fruit fly, apple moth, or glassy-winged sharpshooter can destroy an entire crop). Every port in Chile we’ve been warned not to bring any produce ashore with us, that we were subject to search and the fines were substantial. We were also reminded extensively in disembarkation announcements and flyers – no food. So, okay I still wasn’t ready for the search. You know how they bring the drug dogs around in certain airports/ports and they’re sniffing around? Well, the Chilean authorities took us in groups into customs and had us line up with our bags and brought the dogs through. Except they weren’t sniffing for bombs or drugs – they were sniffing for produce. Wow! It was fun to watch, but kind of intimidating. One lady was escorted away from the customs area with her bags disallowing any knowledge of the apple they found in her purse. Don’t know if they’ve let her out of the country yet or not.
We’re not staying over in Valparaiso or Santiago and our flight doesn’t leave until midnight tonight, so we signed up for shore excursions. I went for a wine tasting tour (naturally!). The excursion includes a drop off at the airport later today and they are managing the luggage, so that is handy.
This was a really fun excursion. Saw a lot of sights in Santiago, including a trip on the funicular to the top of San Cristobal Hill. Great view of the city and the mountains, but unfortunately rather smoggy.
After our city tour, we headed to a local family restaurant for lunch. Guess what was pre-lunch? Of course – Pisco Sour! Great lunch – grilled salmon or steak with plenty of sides and wine.
Next stop was Concha y Toro Winery. We toured the grounds and caves and tasted as we went. The guide was great, the wine good, the weather spectacular. And, we got souvenir glasses – just what I need something else to try and schlep back home!
By the time we headed back to Santiago, it was a struggle to stay awake. All the food and wine at lunch, plus a couple of hours touring and drinking. I didn’t want to nap because I really wanted to sleep on the plane.
The flight back was uneventful – I was in coach this time as I’d only upgraded one way. Our return was to LAX and we connected there back to San Jose. No jet lag, since the time difference was only four hours, but boy was I tired.
Overall, this was one of my most memorable vacations. The one regret I have is not spending more time in Buenos Aires at the beginning. Oh well, guess I’ll just have to go back!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009 ;)
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