Patty arrived safely after her long redeye flight, and we headed to the hotel where we would be spending the next 5 days. To spend 5 whole days in one location can only mean one thing....backpack explosion!! We wouldn't have to be living out of our packs for 5 days....ah, luxury!!
*side note: this hotel was much more chic than our usual hostel accomodation [thanks to our gracious and generous parents-Patty & my mom and dad (who would be joining us in a couple of days)]. This new found indulgence included a mini bar, TV, air-conditioning, a beautiful pool area, restaurant and bar...not to mention wonderfully fast internet connection!
On Patty's first day, we headed to the city center to wander through some outdoor markets. Later we climbed to the top of Cerro Santa Lucia, where we found hazy, but exquisite 360-degree views of the city.
The following morning we took a guided tour back towards the Argentinean border, stopping at the San Estaban winery on the way. We then rode up the 27 steep s-curves through Los Andes to Portillo Winter Resort. Another breathtaking moment....an absolutely gorgeous location with a crystal blue lake settled amonst the mountains. The weather couldn't have been more perfect, warm and sunny with a cool mountain breeze. And despite our impeccable weather it was easy to visualize it's potential winter wonder in our mind's eye. We had a wonderful lunch at the resort, and then spent a couple of hours basking on the rocks at the lake's edge. Later we spent and entertaining evening at Bali Hai for a dinner show with typical Chilean dancers. Both Ray and I were pulled on stage multiple times, Ray was even suckered into a dance competition.....shook his booty with the best of 'em (we were proud)!!
The following morning we hit the streets once again....often the best way to explore a place. Visited the amazing Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombio (a museum that chronicles 4,500 years of pre-Columbian civilization). Later we continued to wander the streets, and through a small twist of fate ran into two hilarious girls from Denmark that we had given a ride to (2 weeks prior) in Bariloche, Argentina. After catching up with them, the three of us returned to the hotel, then headed out to a local seafood joint where we were awkwardly serenaded by a crooning Chilean Sinatra! Back to the hotel in time to greet the rest of our crew (my parents Ted & Nancy, sister Liz, and niece Willing), who had been traveling through Patagonia via boat for the previous few days.
The following morning (with our group complete-7 in all), we packed into our rental car and headed for the coast. Drove through Valparaiso and moved on to Vina del Mar (a well-groomed, garden city by the sea). We enjoyed a fabulous patio lunch and then spent the afternoon walking, lounging and frolicing (no joke...a few of us had the sillies) on the beach. Again, the weather was perfect. We piled back into our car, sunkissed and satisfied. Our trusty driver/navigator team (Ted behind the wheel, Ray in charge of maps) got us home for a shower and a catnap before heading out to catch some nightlife!
Next day....Vina Concha y Toro Vineyard and Winery (noticing a theme?....when in Rome, right?!). Some of you may recognize the name Concha y Toro as it is the largest exporter of Chilean wine. Had a wonderful tour of the vineyard followed by an excellent winetasting (paired with various cheeses)...Willing and I made an efficient team, she tackled the cheese (that I unfortunately can't), while I tackled the wine (that she unfortunately can't)! Off to the wine and gift shop both Patty and Liz did some damage....hard not to. Topped off the evening with a outdoor dinner in the trendy Bella Vista section of town.
On everyone's last day we headed to a wonderful and authentic artisan market before regrouping to head our seperate ways :( Patty off to Maine; mom, dad, Liz & Willing back to Connecticut; and Ray and I back to our "pre-parent" accomodations....hostel here we come!!
Next stop San Pedro....nearing the end!
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