¡Chile Sí! ¡Eclipse No! Day #9 “Home Sweet Home” 12/15/2022

by reissmd, posted in Atacama, Chile, Rapa Nui

Star gazing was fun last night. We got to see Orion up close and a great view of Jupiter and 4 of its moons. We also saw something else but please don’t ask me for details but the two staff members who led the activity were going crazy when they got it in view. To me it looked like someone had just dropped a salt shaker and the top of the shaker came off spilling granules over a beautiful black tablecloth. Sorry, astronomy is not my thing and that is as specific as I can get. I will leave this area to my friends Samir and Ralph.

Today we had a long trip home. First, we left Atacama for Santiago arriving on time at about 4:00 pm. We then walked a significant distance to check in for our next flight only to find out that American only has evening flights out of Santiago today so they don’t have any staff until 6:00 pm. I managed to use the self-check-in machine to get our boarding passes but we still needed to wait to check our luggage. We finally got everything set. We are taking this flight on miles and luckily it gave us access to the lounge for the duration of the wait for our flight (8 hours total but just 5 since we made it to the lounge).

To sum up this trip I have to say I am a bit disappointed. I really loved Rapa Nui and am so glad we went there. Atacama was a bit of a disappointment most likely because so many people had told me such glowing things about the place it was bound to fall short. Being at altitude was also difficult for this old body. The hotel is at 8,000 feet and the locations of the various activities ranged from 11,000 to 14,000 feet. That part was not fun. Of course my biggest disappointment was not taking the trip in December 2020 to see the eclipse.

As usual, I will leave you with some interesting photos taken during the trip. They are only meant to amuse or at least be of some interest. Enjoy.

When traveling I always like to seek out local cuisine and hangouts.
Dinner Menu: Before you freak out these prices are in Chilean pesos the conversion was 879 to 1 USD the last time I looked but it varies dramatically on a daily basis.
In Rapa Nui they had lots of these signs saying that jumping is not allowed. Just kidding, these mean do not enter.
My best guess is “No popcorn allowed”.
Glossary of terms at the Hanga Roa information Center in Rapa Nui. Notice the 4th from the bottom. What does that have to do with ancient ruins?
Apparently throwing paper AT toilets is a pastime that is very much discouraged by the government.
I love this translation regarding shrimp.
This was a film offered on our flight from Rapa Nui to Santiago. Do you think they are followers of my blog and read of my battle with the hormigas?
I am sure you are all aware of Juan Valdez and his advertisements for Colombian coffee. It looks to me as if Juan might have had some issues with the Colombian cartel because he is currently operating a coffee shop at the Santiago airport.

Apparently they charge $50 USD for a 2 hour stay in the airport lounge. I guess some people try to get their money’s worth by drinking. See below.

No drinking alcohol from 3:00 AM to 10:00 AM. That has to be someone with a drinking problem or VERY scared of flying.
I don’t go to McDonalds, but do they have this in LA? Order on a machine outside the restaurant (did I really call McDonalds a restaurant?). Tell them want you want, if you want to eat in or take out, pay at the machine, then go inside and collect your food. (Did I just refer to McDonalds as food?).

And finally, check out this video from the Santiago, Chile airport baggage claim area. I start by showing you the baggage carousels and then pan around to the other side where you can see planes at the gate. A very interesting setup.

I hope you enjoyed our vacation. Nothing planned for the near future but when we are on our way, we will invite you to join us.

Hasta luego

10 thoughts on “¡Chile Sí! ¡Eclipse No! Day #9 “Home Sweet Home” 12/15/2022”

  1. So glad you two are homeward bound. An interesting trip and so glad to have seen it with your eyes. 

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  5. I’ve only seen those McDonald kiosks at airports. Far too complex for my smooth brain.

    Good blogging as usual. Look forward to the next trip (but hopefully I go on one before you two!). Happy holidays Robert and Patrice.

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  7. I enjoy every travel blog you post. I love to travel but don’t know how many of the places you have seen, I will see. So it is great to see your trips through yours and Patrice’s eyes. I learn form you each and every time. Your commentary, information, photos and videos bring your trips to life for all your readers. Welcome back to reality! Until your next trip…..

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  8. Thank you so much for your comments about your travels.Patrice, I see a new career on the horizon for your beloved.  However, i’ve heard/read that some writers are difficult to live with!!!Have you thought about Ireland, the land of rocks, cows, goats and rain?  We were lucky, only one afternoon drizzle. It is quite green and not very big.  Maureen

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