Day three in Chile

Day Three

Our day started out with a buffet breakfast. Fortunately we didn't have to meet the bus until 10 AM. We still are trying to catch up on sleep and figure out where everything is.  We drove about 45 minutes to Conchay Toro,  a winery that was established in 1883. Our drive took us through the suburbs and out into the foothills. The setting at the foot of the Andes was perfect. The day was beautiful- about 75 degrees, sunny, and a light breeze. We took a walking tour of the grounds, saw the original summer home from the outside, walked into the vineyard, sampled different grapes, visited the cellars, and saw the devil!  Yes, this winery is famous for Casillero del Diablo--sells for $300/bottle in the USA and only $110 at the winery. And NO we didn't buy any but did sample one white and two reds.  Back on the bus for another ride. When we pulled up to the restaurant, our guide quickly explained that this was where the locals ate.  She described the architecture as a cross between Seven Dwarfs and Gaudy. It was quite unique with chicken cooked over a wood fire, impanades with cheese, Pisco sours (a Chilean drink similar to a Margarita), potatoes, salad, ice cream served in their version of a waffle cup, and then a tiny chocolate cup filled with Amaretto (one fellow thought that it was just enough for communion!). Back to the bus for the ride home. The rhythm of the bus, the warm day, full bellies, and alcohol made a very quiet ride back. 

A couple small world stories. While talking with Diane today, we discovered that she was on the Africa trip immediately after us. A Vantage film crew started with our trip and ended with theirs. At lunch, I sat next to Roberta and discovered that they were on the Vantage North Sea

Cruise with us- where we got caught in a storm and lost power. 

The day before we arrived, the internet in the hotel went 'kaput'. If I find WiFi tonight, I will send this. Nadia, our guide has told us that there will be no internet in Puntas Arenas.  I will write and try to send when I can. However, I have accepted that sending blogs will be a challenge on this trip. 

Tomorrow our wake-up call is 2:30 AM for a very early flight to Puntas Arenas.