Boarding the Oosterdam

19-03-25

This morning we are off to San Antonio to board the Oosterdam for our cruise up the West coast of Chile, Peru and points north and east. We have some excited kids with us, all looking forward to what the next couple of weeks will hold. We are through check in and onboard quickly, then some lunch, sorting of cabins and finally the girls can have a swim. Some exploring of the ship before dinner and finally a thermal spa for Philip and I before bed.

(P:- the Author must have been excited to have some of the family with us! She has omitted to mention anything about the 90 minute drive to the the Embarkation Port. I was pleased to leave the 8-9,000,000 people and their city of Santiago. Not a city person and a couple a days in any city is enough for me. The drive once we left the “burbs” was thru a large flat river valley where agricultural activities were prominent. Vineyards, vegetables (including Onions being harvested, lucerne for fodder, silage being made). Although just a drive by always good to see the rural techniques and activities. One thing of note both here and in Peru is the massive numbers of Blue Gum Eucalyptus trees -they are everywhere and evidently we were told quite a weed and huge fire hazard. Now we have seen a few sights it’s back to the Family and cruise).

20-03-25 Thursday

We are off on a private tour of Coquimbo and La Serena today with our guide Veronica. Visiting the old Fort Amador Area, the fish market, monumental lighthouse and the Cross of the Third Millenium. (P:- the fish were much fresher here compared to Santiago as we are in a fishing port there was lots of interesting “takeaway” dishes of raw fresh seafood that looked delicious but with the obvious lack of refrigeration to be seen and a few insects having a free feed I deemed it wise to look and not sample, didn’t really want a bonus Belly ache!).

Coquimbo is a port city located in northern Chile and adjoins the larger city of La Serena.

The Cross of the Third Millenium commemorates 2000 years of Christianity. It’s 93 metres high and is the tallest in South America (P:- and ugly).

The responsibility of being a Pa

(P:- Tough job being a “responsible” Pa! Miss Emily and Miss Kaley are attracted to the swimming pool like a chunk of steel to a magnet! It clearly says on the pool sign that “Minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult as no Life saver on duty”. Somehow all the adults in our family disappeared and Pa was left in charge- go figure – 2 young ladies who swim like a fish who are supervised by a “Responsible” Pa who can’t swim and frequently nods off to sleep! I guess that works?)