Dia Uno

First Day:

We arrived in Santiago around 745am. To get through the international terminal at the airport took patience. First we went though the reciprocity line where we had to pay our US fee for entering Chile. Then we had to go through immigration, next customs. Long lines but nice people.

Poor Jimmy his bag did not make it. Delta got an ear full. It was his carry on that they made him check at the gate b/c they were no longer taking bags that wouldn't fit under the seat. All room in the overhead compartments were full. Needless to say when we arrived Jimmy's bag was still in Atlanta. Good news....Jimmy's bag is here now. I am glad.

The people here are very gracious and speak good english for the most part. We are trying to speak spanish and they are very helpful when we try to converse with them. If we look lost on the street people will come to help you find your way and warm you about neighborhoods you should not walk in. Very nice.

Yesterday we took a city tour of Valparaiso. We saw the whole city and rode two funiculars (outside diagonal elevators). They are elevators on the hillside. Valparaiso is extreemly hilly. I saw avacado, lemon, orange, almond and olive trees. 

There are dogs and cats everywhere. They rule the city. Sara, you would love it and would want to take every one of them home with you. 

Today we went to two vineyards. The prettiest I have ever seen. We ate lunch with our tour guide Jose and he told us about Easter Island and Chilean customs.

One custom that is hard to get use to is.....little or no dinner. They eat big lunches and then have ounces. Basically, high tea, as in England, around 4 or so. It is hard to find a resturant open at 6pm. Most open around 8pm and we have been the only people eating at that time both nights we have been here. 

The food is wonderful. SEAFOOD!!!!!!!! My kind of place. Olives, Avacados and Seafood. My favorites!

We are off to Santiago tomorrow. I will blog more then. Ciao.