Around South America in 80 Days

January 22, 2019

San Antonio, Chile

The excursion I chose was “Highlights of Santiago” because I wanted to see the capital city. I was a little put off because it was marked “strenuous”. The ticket said there would be two hours of walking. Luckily, this was totally wrong. We walked for about 90 minutes but it was in small increments like 20 or 30 minutes and if you didn’t want to walk you could find a place to sit.

We started with a ride from the port of San Antonio into Santiago which took a little over an hour and a half. We had a special treat that was not scheduled – the changing of the guard in front of La Moneda Palace. It only takes place every other day. It was interesting to watch and our guide, Cecilia, told us that the band plays some pop music as well as military.

Back on the bus for a few minutes as we were taken to Plaza de Armas. Our main purpose was as a bathroom break but we had enough time to see some of the National History Museum (where the bathrooms were free) and the Metropolitan Cathedral.

Another short bus ride to the Los Dominicos Market where there were a number of different items for sale. I wish we had had more than 30 minutes.

By then it was time for lunch at a nice restaurant in the Santiago Metropolitan Park. We started with champagne or a Pisco Sour, then soup, fish and rice (I was able to get chicken), and an excellent custard desert. Wine or beer or soft drinks were included.

Our last stop was at the top of San Cristobal Hill for a panoramic view of the city and Andes Mountains. We left at 3 pm and returned back to the pier at 4:40 (all aboard was 4:30 but there were at least two excursions that returned after us). I snoozed for about half the ride back.

I missed afternoon trivia but Sherita was nice enough to write them down. The team had 17 out of 23 but the winners had 19.

1) Who was known as the “Brown Bomber”?

2) In 2004, what was established as Alaska’s state flower?

3) From what country is Absolut vodka?

4) Name two US states that have three vowels in a row.

5) Name the actor and actress that have the most Academy Award nominations?

For evening trivia we had 14 out of 19. I forgot to write down what the winning team had but there was a tie.

1) What liquor was first distilled by monks in 12^th century Holland for treating the plague?

2) What type of whale migrates more than 12,000 miles a year?

3) What brain chemical is depleted in people suffering from Parkinson’s Disease?

4) The 1914 Cadillac was the first to use what type of engine?

5) Other than English, what four languages can James Bond speak?