February 12 - Santiago, Chile Sunny 32 C

An interesting day overall. Much of the day was spent driving but we stopped a few times for a closer look at some things. The major part of the drive was through another area of the wine country (said to be the best area) outside of Santiago. We went first to the Casablanca Valley where the vineyards go on as far as the eye can see. We drove through the quaint small town of San Jose but didn't stop as I didn't see anything I really wanted to photograph.

Contrary to my expressed wishes yesterday we then went on the Villa del Mar winery. After explaining my back problem to the winery tour guide she agreed to give me a verbal version of the tour and that suited me just fine. She brought three glasses (only about 1/3 full unfortunately) and explained the production differences of each. The was a Cabernet Sauvignon, a Pinot Noir and a blend. All were good but I liked the blend best. After that I was taken upstairs for lunch and it turned out to be the best meal I have had on the entire trip. The appetizer was a fantastic salmon carpaccio, followed by a very refreshing lemon sorbet, the entree was excellent spinich and ricotta ravioli and the desert a melt in your mouth custard with fruit bits on the side. Along with that I was given a glass of merlot and a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon. The glasses were full this time. Both this winery and the one I visited yesterday are like huge mansions and the upkeep of both the buildings and the lush grounds must cost a fortune.

By the time I finished lunch I was ready for a nap but managed, barely, to keep my eyes open as we drove to Villa del Mar and then to Valparaiso. Villa del Mar is Chile's main resort area so is very busy and also extremely touristy. Sadly the views of the sea are almost completely barred by a sea wall that covers then entire beach area. Valparaiso is an important seaport but is now more dependent on the tourist trade in neighbouring del Mar. It is very colourful in that the houses are painted bright colours (shades of St. John's and Greenland). Unfortunately I didn't get any good shots because the driver was unable to stop on the narrow and steep hilly roads. Also unfortunately it was quite misty so I couldn't get decent photos of the landscape either.

On the way back to the hotel I talked the guide and driver into taking me through the poorer area of Santiago. It was obviously a poor area but is nothing at all like the flavellas in Rio de Janeiro or other barrios I have seen (including the brief glimpse in Buenos Aires). We didn't stop so there are no photos once again.

My trip comes to an end tomorrow and I have nothing planned other than to relax and get myself organized for the long trek home. It has been another experience of a lifetime.