Arrive in Santiago, Chile. Feb 24

7 am wakeup for final breakfast followed by disembarkation.  Turned out we were sharing our tour/transfer with two of the people at our table for dinner with Steve Stevens.  They recognized us and figured there couldn’t be many Maxines on the ship.  After waiting about a half hour, our tour guide, Alwin, returned to pick us up and we were on our way.  We drove along the coast through some pretty beach towns and rock strewn beaches.  Apparently the rip tide is so strong that it’s illegal to ocean swim in this area.  Saw Pablo Neruda’s beach house and had lunch at a beachfront restaurant.  Afternoon included the largest swimming pool in the world -- it was big and basically fronted a 15 tower condo complex reminiscent of Las Vegas.  Wine tasting at Emiliana, an organic vineyard and label owned by Concho y Toro.  Landscape and light of countryside on the way to Santiago strongly reminded us of Southern California.  It was a little spooky.  We got to our hotel about 6 pm.  We were underwhelmed with the hotel staff and service but the room was a good size.  Disappointing dinner at Bocanariz.  Service was terrible and we were there for an hour and a half before dinner was served.  Food was acceptable but not special. Redeemed our welcome drink vouchers for Pisco Sours at the rooftop bar.  Very nice view of the city.   All in all not a great night.

·        Supposed to be out of rooms by 8am.  Works since ship was shuddering from 430 and we slept badly after that.

·        Hang out in breakfast.  Bleached blond woman manager.  Leon.  Roland.  Saying goodbye to “friends”.  Feels quite poignant.

·        In AM open room door and see Sari/Jim Esserman while sporting bed head.

·        Leave a bunch of clothes for Lucy to keep/throw out.

·        Never open quart of Captain Morgan rum.  Have opened all but one beer.  15+2-1.

·        As we leave ship are thanked by Stefan Hotel director for first time.  He’s often visible but you never hear him talk.  Think he knows my name.  Nic is also there.  Bus to port then ½ hour wait for our ride.  MJP luggage inspected.  Chileans seem more rules oriented than Argentineans.

·        Vlad and Kristina who remember us from Steve the comedian dinner.  We didn’t remember them even though only 8 at table!

·        Alvin the tour guide.  Studied journalism.  Father was German.  Only child.  Some talk of politics --had not idea of level of US fucking of Chile.  But for good cause.

·        Pablo Neruda’s beach house

·        View some rocks to start.  Worry that our valuables will get rifled in the car.  Bumpy roads.  Glad I still have my scop patch on

·        Restaurant at beach.  Isn’t open at first.  Alvin is really trying.  Good lunch.  I get chicken.  Restaurant has bottles built into walls/doors. Unique.  Would be an “A” in LA for location.

·        World’s largest swimming pool.  “I bribe guard so you can go in”

·        Wine tasting.  Vanity project of Concha y Toro people.  Gorgeous views.  Could be pdx

·        Fire near nuclear plant on way into town

·        Dr and Mrs Vlad..  Daughter UVA son is interventional radiologist U Richmond.  "Daughter makes more even thought Dr’s make a lot".  Roanoake.  20 yrs?

·        Drop us off at hotel.  Alvin has to help with luggage because Noi Vitacura doesn’t.  They don’t help easily with check in either.  Room is nice.  Wifi for first time in a while.

·        We believe it is dangerous here but never have problems at all.

·        Pisco sour drink at hotel bar afterwards with coupon.  Another couple from ship