After two days in Valparaiso, Chile, we
are still saying “wow”. We decided to go off on our own and
explore the area without benefit of an organized tour and it was the
right decision.
On Friday, we went to Vina del Mar. I
think it is part of Valparaiso. It is the area that the wealthy
Europeans built houses and hotels back in the day before the Panama
Canal was built. It is on the sea and is quite lovely.
We happened to find the museum in our
walk and to our surprise, it was very enjoyable. We saw shrunken
heads (see photo), Easter Island heads, the now-requisite mummies,
and even such oddities as a two-headed lamb. Upstairs was the natural
history section, with lots of examples of birds, fish and wildlife.
We saw a condor and an albatross, both stuffed, mind you.
Today we explored Valparaiso. It is a
city that is built on 43 hills, so it is full of steep and winding
roads. We took a local bus and I think he must have been practising
for the Grand Prix in Monacco. Even the locals were hanging on for
dear life as he took the corners. But, for $1 each, it was great fun.
We took a funicular that was built in
the 1890s and is now a heritage site. Actually, funiculars play an
important role in how the people of this city get from neighbourhood
to neighbourhood.
We did lots of walking today and saw
many examples of revolution slogans and unrest. We will definitely be
keeping an ear out for anything to do with Chile in the future.
I don't want to sound like an
advertisement for Crystal Cruises, but I do have to talk about the
wonderful onshore event they planned for all the World Cruise guests
last night. We travelled about an hour outside of the city to Valle
Casa Blanca.....a valley that is renown for its grape growing. We
went to an Estancia which I think means 'ranch.' It was
amazing...right in the middle of miles and miles of grapes nestled in
the valley of the Andes mountains.
Riders on horseback met each bus at the
entrance to the Estancia and escorted us in. We were immediately
given a glass of wine and hors d'oeuvres at every turn. They had
several stages set up with folkloric entertainment which was very
very good. Included was a trio of young men that wore body paint and
not much more. Scattered around the grounds were lovely seating
areas....white couches/chairs and tables with elaborate flower
arrangements.
After about an hour of eating and
drinking (I had smoked eel...I thought it was sausage), we were
invited indoors for dinner, unlimited wine and more entertainment.
When we got up several hours later and made our way to the bus, we
were serenaded by a 30 piece full orchestra which was playing under
the stars of this most perfect night. Truly....I can't imagine how
Crystal could have made it any better.
But, enough of the advertisement.
Suffice to say that life continues to be good and we are enjoying
ourselves immensely. And, for those of you who are wondering, we
still like each other!
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