¡Chile Sí! ¡Eclipse No! Day #2 “Time for a Nap” 12/8/2022

by reissmd, posted in Uncategorized

We left Los Angeles at 1:10 pm flying to Miami then on to Santiago arriving shortly after 8 AM local time which translates to 3 AM back home.  Arrival at the Santiago airport (SCL) went quite smoothly. The immigration area had a tremendous number of people but things went very smoothly. I think the rapidity of turnover had to do with their excellent system. See below.

Numerous agents, each identified with large numbers. You can see the sign (between the 14 and 15) that informs you of the next available agent.
If you don’t go to your assigned agent fast enough this woman shoots you. Lucky for some of the passengers she was more interested in using her phone rather than doing her job.
It was our turn and number 22 was available.
Annie Oakley sent us to 14 and I was not about to argue thinking we might have been interrupting a game of “Mortal Kombat” on her phone.

Outside immigration we were greeted by our guide, Mauricio, and driver, Pablo. They escorted us to the car and then it was off to the hotel where I was looking forward to a nice nap. We arrived at the hotel at about 8 AM, and our room was not ready. So instead of a nap, we went on a city tour.  Mauricio and Pablo were terrific. We drove and walked all over the city.  Mauricio was very kind and attentive, realizing that this old body was sleep deprived.  He also had lots of fun facts about Chile and more specifically Santiago. We went to a lovely Neptune fountain (see below). Mauricio told us about the fountain but all I remember is that young people come here at night for romantic interludes

Here were are in front of the fountain as I try to convince Patrice to come back after dinner.

Mauricio also pointed out a bar where Bill Clinton had his driver pull over so he could relieve himself. Apparently, it was such a monumental event they renamed the bar. See below.

Mauricio said that La Pica is slang for a place that is little known but very good.

After touring for about 4 hours we returned to our hotel (Singular Hotel: Merced 294, Santiago, Región Metropolitana).  The staff, as has been our experience on all our recent trips, was wonderful. 

While we waited to register a bellman handed us some treats. They won me over with chocolate.

The room is very nicely sized with a beautiful bathroom.  We won’t be here long since we leave at 6 AM to head to Rapa Nui (Easter Island) so not much time to enjoy the accommodations.  

Tonight it will be all about getting rested, cleaned up, and of course dinner.  See you tomorrow at Easter Island.

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