The good news is that the ship was docked next to the
railway station. The bad news for TSH is that it is only used by electric
multiple units.
The ‘Circlers’ were taken on a complementary outing to a
winery in the Casablanca valley. In order to get there, the bus climbed a steep
hill out of the city before descending into the fertile wine-making valley. The
Andes mountains are further inland – any peaks seen at this point are just
foothills. There is now vegetation rather than bare rock. It is a bit more like
Northern Europe, but it is strange to see conifers growing alongside palm
trees.
The wine was enjoyable but the famous South American steak
was disappointing. Nothing like the filet mignon on board Silver Spirit. The
best food was the pre-lunch bites served at the wine tasting. Including one
that was like a spicy pasty.
The temperature has dropped and long sleeves are now needed
for warmth rather than sun protection.
‘Smudging the Air’ is still selling a few copies on Amazon in
UK, USA and Europe but more positive reviews are needed. A relaunch, including a Kindle
version, is planned for April.
Security in Chile seems very tight. Customs papers must be
carried at all times, although no-one has asked to see them yet. Luggage,
including hand-bags is scanned in and out of the country. When returning from
one excursion, a guard boarded the bus and checked everyone’s ship cards.
Politics watch: Most of the US citizens on board are
appalled and embarrassed by their new President.
On board Silver Spirit is not only an acupuncturist but also a 'Shopping Ambassador'. (TSH and Diva think he is the shop manager but they don't understand the role. Excellent talk from ex-member of CIA about Kennedy's crisis with Pakistan/ India/ China in 1962. Also, Herb Keyser is due to give a talk on George Gershwin.
For the first time on this cruise no pelicans were seen.
TSH and Diva saw the first other cruise ship – a Princess –
for days.
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