SANTIAGO TO VALPARAISO FOR EMBARKATION!

-Santiago to Valparaiso, chile
-Casablanca wine county
-seabourn quest embarkation process

After a very long flight through Houston we finally arrived in Santiago, Chile yesterday morning bright and early. We were met by a representative from Seabourn who escorted us to an amazing little coffee shop where we were given a delicious cup of cappuccino and asked to wait a few minutes while he checked on other guests. 

Just as we finished our delicious coffees he returned with our driver in tow. We were escorted to a very clean van and our suitcases were loaded. We booked a private driver so that Michael could have some privacy during some of his work phone conversations. The photo is of the cruise ship terminal in Valparaiso - modern and comfortable. We arrived a bit early but there was plenty of seating so we sat and waited for the crew of the Quest to arrive. While we waited we were entertained by a cruise ship version of the Keystone Cops who spent their time rearranging a check-in counter for a different (one that shall not be named) cruise line at least three times. Even in our jetlagged state, we were much amused.

After a few hours, Seabourn opened their section of the terminal and we were escorted through the process with great efficiency. Crew members took our bags to our room as we were checked in. The entire procedure took about ten minutes and was completed with zero errors. There was order, discipline and most importantly an obvious plan. It was the first of many wonderful surprises that Seabourn had to offer. Arriving in our stateroom we were greeted by the attendant in charge of our room along with a bottle of chilled champagne. Our attendant's name was Jovanka and she was from Slovakia. A tall, lanky woman with a smile that lit up her face. Laughing came easily to her and so we knew we were going to like her a lot.

Shortly after we got unpacked and settled,  the Quest set sail for our first port of call, Puerto Montt, Chile. The seas were rolling and rocking back and forth, up and down. Blech! Seawater sprayed up and onto the deck and I looked toward the horizon. The Southern Sea and the Drake Passage lay ahead and it was too early to allow myself to think that far in advance. To be fair though, there were quite a few folks (in addition to me) who were feeling it. I put the patch behind my ear and chomped down a few motion sickness pills. Tomorrow (I am told by those in the know), will be calmer seas. We'll see.

Just a note regarding the drive from Santiago to Valparaiso: The drive is lovely as you pass through the Casablanca Wine Valley (about 50 miles or so from Santiago.) One of the more famous of the vineyards Loma Larga Winery produces many varieties of wine most notably a wonderful Sauvignon Blanc. However, you can also pick up a Malbec, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah to name a few - most rated above 90 points across the board.

Our driver happily informed us that these varietals won out over France in a taste test so you may want to pick a nice Chilean wine the next time you have the chance. It's probably worth it. Also, let it be noted that as we entered the city of Valparaiso, he also happily described the city as an ugly but full of character. He was spot on!