[Hyacinth Bucket]

More from - Travelling with Sue

On January 10th we said goodbye to Santiago, with the recognition that there were numerous museums, restaurants, markets, and many other places that we never had the time to visit. For us this is a good reason to come back, as if we need a reason. Carlos and Johann met us downstairs and loaded our huge amount of luggage into the van. On our way to Valparaiso we passed farms, orchards, and grape-growing areas, as well as lots more beautiful scenery as we drove through the coastal mountains (a different range from the Andes). We passed the one and only public golf course in Santiago. It looked like any other golf course we had seen. Along the way we stopped at what could best be described as a local snack stand where we tasted fermented grapes before they became wine, a popular drink. It takes ten days for the grapes to reach this state. After that we visited Veramonte, a major winery in the valley. The wine was excellent here; we have nearly reached our limit on the amount of wine we can bring back, so we bought only a few bottles of the wine produced here. In the evening on the cruise ship we drank the various wines we had bought with our dinner meal. We enjoyed all of the different wines and wished we had bought more.

Our next stop and area to tour is the beach side city of Vina del Mar. The community looks just the way the picture postcards portray it, with houses in a myriad of brilliant primary and secondary colors built into the sides of hills and numerous funiculars going up and down these hills, along with old-fashioned steps. One of the stories that is related about this town is that the houses were painted with paint left over from painting their boats. (This is the same story we had heard when we were in the Maritime Provinces of Canada.) Here we visited a beautiful park which was on the grounds of what had been a huge and spectacular private mansion. We saw the newly constructed state-of-the-art musical performance venue. We did not have time to go into the mansion but were told that it was quite magnificent.

We drove along the ocean where the water was a brilliant color blue. We saw a colony of sea lions along the rocky coast, which reminded us of southern California. We knew they were sea lions because there was a split in their tails. This road was windy as we drive to a local market, situated on top of a hill in a lovely setting under beautiful old trees and overlooking the ocean. Here we saw many local handicraft items. The handicrafts were primarily knitted items made in the local region. These were the type of items we were looking for. We bought a handmade sweater, hats, and other local items. In this area there are numerous benches where you can sit and view the magnificent scenery. Or one could just gaze out into the distance and daydream. I wish we had time to stay longer in this area; it was so inviting just to sit and sip coffee.

We became quite friendly with Carlos in the course of our travels with him. He added another dimension to life in Santiago, the government, people, and attitudes by sharing his own personal views. He showed us not only where the wealthy lived but also neighborhoods where there was a high rate of poverty. There we saw houses made of wood and tarps, which reminded us of news broadcasts we have seen. The government also built four-story apartment buildings where a family could buy their own apartment. These houses appeared to be well kept.

Johann and Carlos were both very attentive to improving my fractured Spanish, and we all had wonderful times together as they assisted me in pronouncing the words correctly and informing us of words that we did not know. I am sure our paths will cross in the future when we return to Santiago.

We continue to meet people who have traveled extensively and we share travel stories. As you all know, this is one of my favorite subjects. Last night I had met an architect from England who reclaims old buildings from ruins. The next day, in Valparais, we saw a building in which the interior was demolished but the façade maintained; that is, behind the façade was a mirrored modern building. This is one way of preserving the architectural history and at the same time providing modern office space. I wish they did that in more cities.

ARRIVAL AT THE CRUISE TERMINAL AND BOARD INSIGNIA

From the craft market mentioned earlier, we went to the Oceanic cruise ship terminal to board the Insignia. We arrived at our appointed time, presented our passports, signed the necessary papers, and boarded a bus for the ship. As we board the ship, we are grateful that we are not faced with the ship’s photographers hounding us to have our pictures taken. We are shown to our staterooms which are 165 square feet, and we have a window. The room is well appointed and includes a love seat with a round table. Considering the size of the room, all space is used wisely. The boarding process could not have been easier or more efficient.

We have a late lunch, read all the literature that is given to us, and book excursions that can be arranged only on board. We are wait-listed for the catamaran ride to the UNESCO World Bioshere Reserve Heritage Site: Parque Nacional Laguna San Rafael. At the other ports we plan to rent a car or hire a tour guide with a car in each port and create our own tour. Our colleague who enjoys trekking experiences signed up for three treks. Generally, the places we want to visit are fairly close to the piers. He later cancels two of these treks, after going on the first one, realizing that where he wanted to go was not available on the guided treks.

I never seem to change as the years go by. As I am reviewing all of my choices of what to do in each port , I first try to see if it is at all possible to do all of them. I never want to miss out on anything. I quickly realize that this is not possible. Then I know I am in a dilemma: What am I willing to give up at each port? I wish I could say that this was an easy decision-making process, but it wasn’t. After much internal debating with myself, I decide that one of the best ways to know a town or a place is to walk the streets, see if we can meet local people, have coffee at a local non-tourist café, and get a feel for the town.

That evening, as we left the port, the ocean became rough, with 10 foot waves. One of the decks was closed because of the condition of the ocean. From the 11th floor deck you could feel the spray from the rough waves. The water was not warm even though we were in South America in the summertime. When I looked out of our stateroom window on the fourth deck, we were eye level to some of the waves, and the spray went over the top of our window. We walked on one of the decks and it was not easy when you walked against the wind. It was thrilling to feel the force of the wind attempting to push you in one direction as you walked in the opposite direction. I guess I should modify the last remark: I find it exciting.

Fortunately for me, I enjoyed the rocking motion of the ship when in bed. When the ship went up you felt yourself rise on the mattress, and when the ship went down you felt yourself return to the bed. It felt like I was sleeping on an air mattress that went up and down. Other passengers, I am sorry to report, did experience varying degrees of sea sickness.

January 11th was our first full day at sea, during which I explored the ship with keen interest. The library is well stocked with books on numerous subjects, the seating is quite comfortable, and to give the room a cozy feeling there is a faux fireplace that is lit. On the ceiling a mural is painted in pastel colors of women. I see some people sleeping with their books folded neatly on their laps. To me this proves the chairs are definitely comfortable. On past cruises I also recalled people sleeping in the library with their books folded on their laps or chest.

The pool deck chairs are padded and are extremely comfortable. An attendant brought me a blanket; I was feeling chilly as I made myself comfortable in the deck chair, soaking up the sun under a blue sky. All I could think of was “What a life!” You could hear the ocean and feel the gentle rocking motion of the boat. Many people were napping with their books in their laps, while others were engaged in conversation. There were two jacuzzis as well as a small swimming pool. What I also liked about the pool deck was that there weren’t numerous barhops pushing “the drink of the day”; this made the pool deck more inviting.

The ship’s main lounge—a venue for the various evening shows as well as other events—is intimate—appropriate for the size of the ship—and the viewing from various seats appeared to be good. The lounge reminded me of a cabaret. I looked forward to seeing the various productions that were planned for us.

The casino was small but offered a wide selection of games to keep guests happy: slot machines where the betting starts at one penny (that is the one for me) and goes up, while there were also tables for various card games.

Boutique shops offered very good quality clothing, jewelry, and other items. One of my favorite places to go each day – they usually have a “special of the day.” I find it fun perusing all of the jewelry and other items they have displayed.

The dining room had windows on three sides, the arm chairs were extremely comfortable, plus the china, silver and glassware were elegant. I would not mind having a set of 12 for myself. Meals are beautifully presented. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner selections are numerous.

The two specialty restaurants—the Polo Grill and Toscana—are elegant, and the menus remind me of fine restaurants, which they were! The dinners we ordered were prepared the way we requested them. One main problem was that the choices are numerous and very appealing to the palate. I could not wait to go back to the specialty restaurant, even though the food in the main dining room and the buffet were also very good. After the first two days onboard you can request an additional reservations at either of the specialty restaurants for that same evening and get it if it is available, again with no charge. There are many choices on the menu and I am looking forward to trying all items that are offered. Fortunately there are enough days on our cruise to do this. The first thing we did upon rising, after the second day, was to call to see if we could get reservations in one of the specialty restaurants. Gratefully, there are no bathroom scales in the rooms. . . .

My favorite specialty restaurant was Toscana. They served excellent Italian food, superb Parmigianino – Reginato cheese, wide choices of balsamic vinegars and oils from all over Italy, for dipping your bread. We are each given half of a roasted garlic to spread on any one of the tempting breads. My favorite bread is a roasted tomato-flavored open roll with whole grape tomatoes and onion rings roasted in it. I can still taste them!

Each time we had dinner at this restaurant we started off with carpaccio. During the day, I was very careful what I ate, but at night it is another story. I must mention the desserts. Not only are they presented with real class and artistry, but they are divine. In both specialty restaurants they offered a sampling of five of their most popular desserts. The fruit and cheese plates are also excellent.

In the Polo Grill they served only prime beef, lamb, and other meats and fishes. Whatever you ordered was so tender you could cut it with the edge of your fork. The appetizers were also excellent – choice of oysters, escargot, shrimp, and numerous other selections. Each item was prepared to perfection. The soups were very good, and if a soup was served with brandy, the choice was a top shelf brand. Desserts at this restaurant were also excellent.

The informal buffet cafe was well designed and similar to buffets on other cruise ships, but there were more extensive offerings to choose from. They had a sushi and sashimi area and a tapas selection. There were various theme luncheons and dinners. Outside, near the pool area was an outdoor grill for ordering your typical hot dogs, Angus beef hamburgers as well as other items such as paninis. Both indoor and outdoor seating were available, and the service persons were extraordinarily attentive. Considering that this is a buffet restaurant, I did not expect this level of service. In the evening the tables were covered with tablecloths, and there were musicians playing as you enjoyed your dining experience.

[deano_hoosier]

Keep up the journey reports as we read them with great interest. We leave mid-November for several days in Buenos Aires and several more in Santiago before we board the NCL Sun on Nov. 23 for a similar cruise!

Dean

[Hyacinth Bucket]

Hi, please let me know if I can add any more info than what is in this travelogue. I end up writing so much that I do not add many of my Travel Tips that I have given my clients over the years.

Please let me know where you plan to stay in Santiago and Buenos Aires and what you plan to do and/or your interest. What ports will you be stopping at?

Looking forward to hearing from you, I enjoy talking and/discussing travel.

HB

[deano_hoosier]

We are flying out of Cincinnati on Delta with a stop in Atlanta then on to EZE. Staying three days in Buenos Aires at the Marriott (will be our 2nd visit there). Then back to EZE for a flight on Aerolineas Argentina to Santiago. Staying 3 nights in Santiago at the Hotel Panamericano which we selected because of its location in city centre and favorable pricing. On Sun, Nov 23 we'll make our way over to Valparaiso for the 14 night cruise back to Buenos Aires on the NCL Sun where we've booked a balcony cabin on the port side. Seems to me most of the views will be off the port side (hoping that is the case anyway!). The Sun's itinerary:

 Mon. Nov. 24 @sea
 Tue. Nov. 25 8:00am-5:00pm Puerto Montt, Chile
 Wed. Nov. 26 10:30am-6:00pm Puerto Chacabuco, Chile
 Thanksgiving Thu, Nov. 27 Cruise Patagonic Channels and Chilean Fjords
 Fri. Nov. 28 Cruise strait of Magellan
 Sat. Nov. 29 6:00am-6:00pm Punta Arenas, Chile (opt Artic trip)
 Sun. Nov. 30 Cruise Beagle Channel (glaciers) and
arrive Ushuala, Argentina 2:00pm – 10:00pm
 Mon. Dec. 1 Cruise Cape Horn
 Tue. Dec. 2 10:00am-4:00pm Stanley, Falkland Islands
 Wed. Dec. 3 @ sea
 Thu. Dec. 4 7:00am-4:00pm Puerto Madryn, Argentina
 Fri. Dec. 5 @ sea
 Sat. Dec. 6 Noon-10:00pm Montevideo, Uruguay (will be our 2nd visit)
 Sun. Dec. 7 Dock @ 8:00am in Buenos Aires, Argentina

How do these stops compare with yours... starts off similar I see.

Dean

[Hyacinth Bucket]

Hi Dean,

We stayed at the Marriott in both Santiago and Buenos Aires. For us the locations were perfect. I will let you know which restaurants we ate in in Buenos Aires.

Do you have any plans in either city? If so would like to know what they are.

Your itinerary on the cruise ship is the same as ours. I would like to make another trip to this area going to Patagonia, Easter Island and the falls.

We just got back from our first river cruise, were in France and now we are in Boston. I will post more of what we did in a couple of days.

Do you have a travel agent?

Best,

HB

[deano_hoosier]

Actually, the first time in Buenos Aires we were using Marriott points for the flight down/back plus 7 nights at the hotel... have done that same thing twice to Spain and once to Australia/NZ. We have enough points to venture out again on that package, but don't have plans for that yet.

Haven't started working on things to do in either city -- will leave that to Mrs Deano (she's a soon to be retired Spanish teacher) so this cruise is sort of a retirement cruise She's reading your posts as I make this reply! Once she registers on the board, you'll probably get some questions from her.

Nope, don't have a travel agent as we tend to do the arrangements on our own.

Dean

[Hyacinth Bucket]

Hi Dean,

As a Travel Agent I do not want to step on another Travel Agents toes - so to speak.

Sounds like you and your wife have travelled quite a bit. I did not know if you knew about the different types of travel insurances that are offered and the importance of having travel insurance or hiring a local taxi in each port.

By the number of points you have with Marriott I started to wonder if you live at the Marriott. We have been to parts of Australia hope to get to New Zealand by the end of this year. Everytime we plan to go to Spain we end up cancelling our trip to Spain. This time we went around the Cape.

How soon does Mrs. Deano retire? I am sure she is looking forward to that. I have a cousin in PA who is a Spanish Teacher and tries to get to Spain as often as possible.

Best,

HB

[Hyacinth Bucket]

Hi other than the trip to see the glaciers (no choice) we hired a taxi when we got off the ship to site see. Cost for all of this, If I recall correctly, was less than the cost for one person if we purchased the tour from the cruise company.

We told the driver where we wanted to go and also asked them for their suggestions. It always worked out. My husband and son can both speak Spanish to varying degrees and this helped out. With your wife being fluent in Spanish you should have no problems.

I think we have the email of one of our guides who we thought was exceptions. If you want it I will look for it.

HB

[deano_hoosier]

I've been on a trip to Dallas to see a couple of Army buddies that I hadn't seen since 1968!

My wife retires at the end of this week after 29 years of teaching. She's ready to go, I think.

We usually do buy some form of travel insurance based on the trip, etc. I usually go to "insuremytrip.com" for quotes and based on air fare, destination, and such make a decision on what to buy. For example, since we probably wouldn't be able to reuse the air fare portion of the SA trip, I've included that amount in the coverage.

Dean

[Hyacinth Bucket]

That is a long time between visits. Hope your next visit will not take so long.

I went to your site and it did not state what dates they meant when they used the word departure. Did they mean a cruise departure date, tour date, date you leave your home. Same for return date.

I could not find a definition of what they meant by departure date - part of the problem may be all of my knowledge on different insurance policies and I do not assume anything.

If you know please let me know and then I would like to compare the two.

Thanks,

Susan

[deano_hoosier]

The trip coverage starts on departure date for the trip.. can be for a cruise, but can also just be for a regular vacation trip, etc. So in my case the coverage starts when we leave for the plane and ends when we land back home.

[Hyacinth Bucket]

Hi,

I checked out the company you use. I also compared it to CSA which I use and the company I use to sell insurance to my clients. The cost was the same.

I have had experience with this company when someone needed to cancel due to medical reasons and another with cancelled flights due to weather. They have been responsible and all claims were paid.

I scrolled down to the bottom of the page and found the information that was provided there informative.

Thank you for the web site.

Have a great day.

HB

[deano_hoosier]

Once you are on the "insuremytrip.com" website and put in the trip details (cost, dates, etc.), then you get quotes from multiple companies. Latest trip I used American Express and have used AIG Travel Guard and CSA as well. Fortunately, we've never had a claim yet so can't vouch for payouts of the different companies. Good to hear you've had positive results via CSA.

What I like about the website is that I can compare several different policies and what they will cover for the cost of the policy. For example, some policies offer different levels of "protection" against in-transit delays due to weather. If we are doing a cruise and flying in the same day, I'm interested in this part of the policy, but if flying in several days earlier, then I'm not likely to pay more of a premium for this part of the deal.

Dean

[Hyacinth Bucket]

Hi Dean, I added the companies you feel are good to my list of travel insurance companies.

The clients I was referring to were flying into Fort Lauderdale a few days before their cruise. If it wasn't for CSA's travel department they would have had to wait two or three days to get a flight out.

As you can guess - since the airlines were grounded they had to get travellers to there destination as fast as possible. In this case CSA came through. What I am suggesting by this example is even if you are flying in a few days early it is good to get a policy that will cover you if you are stranded.

Just my thoughts.

HB

[deano_hoosier]

We are getting closer to our SA cruise! (Still have one to go before that one, though). It looks like you used a private driver from Santiago to Valparaiso?? We are thinking about doing the bus from Santiago to Valparaiso and were wondering about the cost for hiring a private vehicle??

Dean