Chile Fjords-Patagonia Day 4

OAT Day 04 - Monday, December 3, 2007 - Santiago - Optional Valparaiso & Viña del Mar Excursion - Discussion About Chilean Politics

Today we had an early morning optional excursion to Viña del Mar and Valpariso, Chile’s leading port and one of its most important cities. We had an early breakfast and then met our group at 7:55. The day was BEAUtiful with 63 degrees and 43% humidity as we began in Santiago.

On the bus Maria Elena gave us a handout of new information about the cities we would visit as well as a sheet of helpful Spanish phrases. We were joined by Rodrigo our guide from yesterday and by Alfredo our driver as we set out for a new adventure.

As we drove out of the city, Rodrigo told us about the education system of Chile and the difficult exams the students must take to get into university. He also told us a great deal about this wine country and the vegetation of this area.

At 9:00 we stopped for a coffee and to use the restrooms at a roadside area. There are not many places to stop along this road that can accommodate a large group.

As we continued on to the coast, Maria Elena and Rodrigo showed us a map of Chile and gave us more information about the 250 volcanoes and the 50 that are still active today. This area is also the most active earthquake region of the world.

We entered the Casablanca Valley where the most famous of the Chilean vineyards, those of the Concho y Torro has been located since 1883. In this 15,000 acres, there are also 13 more vineyards which produce wines for the world as well as local consumption here in Chile.

We drove through small towns with large wine production facilities until we came to Viña del Mar, at the top of the coastal ridge. This is Chile’s version of Miami Beach with a huge casino, many expensive hotels, and a lovely sand beach.

We had 30 minutes to explore this waterfront and time to buy an ice cream! The weather was fantastic, a cool ocean breeze, 63 degrees, and 67% humidity.

Our next stop was the city of Valpariso. Built in tiers on hills that rise from the bay, Valparaiso has quaint cobblestone streets, electric cable cars, hillside neighborhoods, and splendid sea views. It was once one of the most important seaports in the world until the building of the Panama Canal.

We were able to visit the port, take photographs, and visit an open air market of handicrafts and local wares. Our next discovery was a ride on the ascensor or funicular, one of the remaining 22 elevators which are used by the locals to navigate the hills of the city.

We then strolled through the narrow streets, taking photos of the people and the stunning views. The beautiful homes here were built by the rich British and European Copper Barons who made millions in the copper and sulfur mines of Chile. Many have been restored, but the salt breezes and humidity have taken their toll on the colorful and once elegant homes.

We followed Rodrigo back down to the busy commercial streets below. As if by magic, our bus appeared to whisk us off to our next adventure.

Because our home hosted lunch was to be held way up in the hillside, our big bus could not fit through the narrow and steep streets. We got off the bus and by groups of four we were shuttled in small (very fast) collective taxis to our destination.

Our host Coto and his family welcomed us to their home. Coto works at the customs office and he and his wife and several relatives prepared a home cooked meal of chicken, vegetables, tomato salad, and rice for all of us! We also enjoy a merlot Concho y Torro wine.

We were able to talk together and learn a bit more about a middle class couple here in the port city of Valpariso. At 3:00 we said good-bye thanking them all for a truly exceptional experience.

Back on the bus, and with a soothing Chilean music, we relaxed during our 2 hour drive back to Santiago. We had just enough time to go to our rooms and then at 6:00 we had a political discussion of the country’s turbulent modern history.

This discussion concentrates on Chile’s most controversial leaders—Salvador Allende and Augusto Pinochet—as well as the country’s current economic situation.

We had time for a quick run to the shopping center to buy some CDs to give as a gift to a school that we will visit later in the trip. We returned to our room to write the journal, work on Gennie’s University of Phoenix classes and sort photographs.

Accommodations: Hotel TorreMayor - - - Meal: B, Home Hosted Lunch

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Hi Mom and Dad (Ed and Linda Runden). This is a cool site to keep track of you all. I'll forward it to the rest of the family. Jackson says he misses you.

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