Santiago

Today it was time to say goodbye to the Seabourn Quest

after three lovely weeks. We were up early for our last breakfast on board at 7am and were able to disembark at around 9am. All the senior staff including the Captain were at the bottom of the gangway to give a personal goodbye. The entire process was as efficient as the whole cruise. We were in Santiago by 11 am. The journey was not notable with the exception that it is easy to see why Chile exports so may apples.

Chaos reigned in Santiago as many of the streets were closed for a formula E grand prix, add this to street works and getting to our hotel was something of a challenge. By now it was really warm however it was a pleasant heat, not humid, as we had experienced in Buenos Aires. Our room was not ready so we took the opportunity of the first good WIFI coverage in three weeks to catch-up with personal things and the world in general. Then we had a stroll and found a little street side café that served the most amazing mojitos and tapas. As were eating who should walk down the pavement but our Australian friends Carol and John from the ship. They had been the last to wave us goodbye and now we bumped into them within in three hours. Some things are just meant to be.

We then took a taxi to what is reputedly the largest urban park in South America. The main attraction a very old fashioned funicular railway. At the top there were fantastic views of the sprawling metropolis that is Santiago. I went a little further travelling on a cable car to see the financial district, and in particular the tallest building in South America. As it was a lovely day there were many locals strolling in the park.

The journey back to the hotel was a little fraught due to the street closures, and we were not able to get close to the hotel. This left Marion with a long walk, which was not the best in the heat. The taxi driver also refused to accept my 20,000-peso note (about £25) as it turned out to be forged. This was a shock as I had got it from a bank machine. I foresee that this will be an epic case with RBS in Scarborough.

This evening we dined at a wine bar near the hotel, specifically to try the Chilean wines and to select one to bring home. It was a difficult choice but in the end we plumped for a Sauvignon Blanc that was extremely dry. Against convention I think that it will partner strong cheese.

There was a great vibe on the streets tonight as there were crowds promenading and giving their custom to pavement cafes in the heat of a mid-summer evening. Now I have access to a forecast I see that it is going to snow in England next week, now that will be a shock.