Chile's Atacama Desert Day 6

Day 06 - Monday, March 16, 2015 - Overland to Calama; LanChile Flight to Santiago; Afternoon on Our Own

Even though we did not have to get on the bus until 10:15, our morning went quickly as we had not packed for our travel day the night before. Ricardo loaded our bags and by 10:30 we were on our drive to Calama with San Pedro in the rear view mirror.

We arrived at 11:30, thanked Ricardo, and then went into the new terminal. Because this area is noted for the huge copper mines, the decor of the airport is decorated with beautiful copper panels. The gift shops also featured jewelry designed in copper, bronze, and silver.

There were very few people ready to fly this early so it took no time at all to get our bag checked and our boarding passes. Gennie had called LAN before we left Colorado for seat assignments and so far we have been lucky to get the correct seats.

Lunch was on our own today so we bought a small order of empanadas and a Coke to share. By the time we had finished our lunch, the gate area began to fill up and we could see we would have a full flight.

The flight was scheduled for 1:15 and we left the jetway at 1:25 - not a bad delay. The flight was only 90 minutes and the weather cooperated for a smooth return trip back to Santiago.

We returned to the Domestic Terminal, retrieved our checked bag, and met our driver, who loaded all of our bags in the van to take them directly to the hotel. We thought we would be going to the hotel also, but Christian had a surprise for us.

The driver took us directly to the old city market center and we walked a few blocks to the famous local bar La Piojera, meaning abundance of lice. The music was loud and the drinkers were louder.

The traditional Chilean drink served is the Terra Moto (Earthquake), which is made of white wine and a scoop of pineapple sorbet. We both tasted it and then ordered a Coke.

The menu is an abundance of comfort food. A large pork hock served with green vegetables and potatoes and a plate of French fries, onions, and beef strips covered with fried eggs were enough to feed all nine of us.

When we had been serenaded with a Chilean welcome song, hugged, and wished well by almost everyone in the bar, we started out the door. Vic got behind the bar and started assisting the bartender. The locals loved that! We left at 6:15 to ride the Metro back to our hotel.

The underground system is very well organized and from the city market to our hotel we had to go 11 stops and make only two transfers. Of course, it was time for all of the students to get out of school and the people were getting off of work, making the ride very crowded but certainly authentic!

We checked into the hotel at 6:30 and got our bag from storage. We reorganized the two big bags for our flight to Buenos Aires in the morning.

After working on the journal and photos we took a break to go to the cash machine and buy an ice cream, conveniently located right next door to our hotel.

By then the room had started to cool down so we were able to take a shower, do a little hand laundry, and get to bed.

Accommodations: Hotel Torremayor- - - Meal: B

A man in his element. I can vouch for his delicious margaritas...or whatever they are!

How fun!!!

Mr. Garcia, I see you have found your next career!!

Day 13: Azores & Madeira: Portugal's Unspoiled Archipelagos

Island Beauties

Island Beauties

Island Beauties

Island Beauties

Island Beauties

Previous Next

Day 13 - Saturday, April 22, 2022 - Depart for U.S.

The hotel prepared a box breakfast for us as we had to be in the lobby way before the breakfast room was open.

Last night we found out that our departure flight back to...

Continue Reading Day 13