January 11 and 12; SFO to Santiago, Chile
We had an early start on Friday morning. Left the house at 7:00 because we were afraid that with the government shut down, there would be lines through the TSA process. After fitting the huge bags into a lovely sedan that called for us, and jamming ourselves into the back seat, we were off. We had little to worry about because the process was so slick. Am still thinking that we probably got into the incorrect line, yet when I checked over the area, there was nowhere to take out computers and put them into the usual bins for going through x-ray. No one was asked to take off their shoes, and before you could fully digest this tremendously efficient check-in, we were headed to the United Club where we could nibble, have some coffee and wait for our flight to be called.
On our way, wondered whether or not one of these planes would be our transport!
But alas, we were boarded onto a beautiful Dreamliner airplane with individual cubicles for Business/First. Extremely private and comfortable. The seats turned to almost flat beds - very nice.
While waiting to board we'd seen Eric, our travel agent, who was heading in the same direction as we. He would also be on our flight from Houston to Santiago, the second leg of our trip.
. . . and off we went - smooth takeoff and landing.
Upon arriving in Houston we had a 4 to 5 hour layover which turned into closer to 5-1/2 to 6 hours because of some unexplainable delays. The plane to Santiago was older than that of the first leg, but had the same cubicles installed so we were once again able to lie almost flat and get some sleep. That flight was eight hours. It was long - I don't sleep at all well on airplanes!!!
So tired when we arrived. Hadn't arranged a private transfer so we got a taxi. Though it was expensive, we did have tons of luggage between the three of us, but the driver and those who helped him with luggage were very nice to us.
Our hotel, The Singular in Santiago, is a lovely small hotel. The staff has that wonderful old world charm - so polite and gracious. Hard to believe that John and Sandi's room was ready when we arrived shortly before noon, and mine was ready just 20 minutes later. While we waited in the lounge and filled out paper work, we were served water infused with fresh orange - so refreshing, and a beautiful plate of chocolates arrived for our pleasure.
Eric had arrived at the hotel shortly before us and had an interesting tale. He'd left his backpack in the cab. The following fare found the backpack and forced (not certain how!) the driver to return to where he'd dropped off his last fare (Eric) to return the backpack, which contained camera, and all sorts of valuables. Eric had dodged a bullet!!
Believe we were all a bit travel weary, so we all four retired to the roof lounge (bar) and spent the next two hours drinking Pisco Sours (John had a Manhattan!). So delicious. After we shared lots of Seabourn stories, it was time for a nap - at least for me! John and Sandi took a walk around the neighborhood. We would all four meet at 7:00 in the lobby and go out for dinner at a local restaurant. Will report on that later.
While napping, the phone rang, and it was Maurizio, our wine expert for tomorrow's tour. He's discovered another wonderful winery and wondered if we could do three, rather than two. That would be fine, and to make it easier, told him that living so close to the wine country in California, we'd been on many tours, so we're only interested in the tasting rooms!!! Now, for sure, we'll get in all three wineries, and also a lunch on the way to Valparaiso, where the ship will be waiting for us!
That's all for today. Check back tomorrow . . . .
On our way, wondered whether or not one of these planes would be our transport!
But alas, we were boarded onto a beautiful Dreamliner airplane with individual cubicles for Business/First. Extremely private and comfortable. The seats turned to almost flat beds - very nice.
While waiting to board we'd seen Eric, our travel agent, who was heading in the same direction as we. He would also be on our flight from Houston to Santiago, the second leg of our trip.
. . . and off we went - smooth takeoff and landing.
Upon arriving in Houston we had a 4 to 5 hour layover which turned into closer to 5-1/2 to 6 hours because of some unexplainable delays. The plane to Santiago was older than that of the first leg, but had the same cubicles installed so we were once again able to lie almost flat and get some sleep. That flight was eight hours. It was long - I don't sleep at all well on airplanes!!!
So tired when we arrived. Hadn't arranged a private transfer so we got a taxi. Though it was expensive, we did have tons of luggage between the three of us, but the driver and those who helped him with luggage were very nice to us.
Our hotel, The Singular in Santiago, is a lovely small hotel. The staff has that wonderful old world charm - so polite and gracious. Hard to believe that John and Sandi's room was ready when we arrived shortly before noon, and mine was ready just 20 minutes later. While we waited in the lounge and filled out paper work, we were served water infused with fresh orange - so refreshing, and a beautiful plate of chocolates arrived for our pleasure.
Eric had arrived at the hotel shortly before us and had an interesting tale. He'd left his backpack in the cab. The following fare found the backpack and forced (not certain how!) the driver to return to where he'd dropped off his last fare (Eric) to return the backpack, which contained camera, and all sorts of valuables. Eric had dodged a bullet!!
Believe we were all a bit travel weary, so we all four retired to the roof lounge (bar) and spent the next two hours drinking Pisco Sours (John had a Manhattan!). So delicious. After we shared lots of Seabourn stories, it was time for a nap - at least for me! John and Sandi took a walk around the neighborhood. We would all four meet at 7:00 in the lobby and go out for dinner at a local restaurant. Will report on that later.
While napping, the phone rang, and it was Maurizio, our wine expert for tomorrow's tour. He's discovered another wonderful winery and wondered if we could do three, rather than two. That would be fine, and to make it easier, told him that living so close to the wine country in California, we'd been on many tours, so we're only interested in the tasting rooms!!! Now, for sure, we'll get in all three wineries, and also a lunch on the way to Valparaiso, where the ship will be waiting for us!
That's all for today. Check back tomorrow . . . .
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