Day 50 At sea, en route to San Antonio. Day 51

We are heading towards good weather once again. The sea appeared choppy with plenty of froth as far as the eye could see. However, the current must be behind us as there is next to no wind on deck and very little movement. Although an air temperature of 25 degrees Celsius was announced on the Navigational Channel, it felt far cooler. Nevertheless, I allowed Jo to thrash me at backgammon, three times! However, I achieved a top score at whist the day before.

I used this sea day to complete my birthday arrangements for Sunday.  The maitre d’ has the wine in his care, and hopefully, we are expected, now in the Yacht Club. I am very impressed with the concierge who has been most helpful and efficient helping me “put everything together.”  Also, I ascertained that I have no shore excursions tomorrow. This gives me a day to do as I please.  Tonight, I have little inclination to explore; I may well feel differently in the morning.

Table companion Lorraine who joined us, I think while I was at Iguassu Falls leaves us tomorrow. She has two days in Santiago before the long flight home.

I learn that Buxton has its first case of coronavirus! I feel a sense of uncertainty coming on.

Day 51

I have no excursions booked today, and at the moment, I just feel like “chilling out.” However, I have no intention of “wasting the day,” and am very conscious that I may very well not be coming this way again.

Somewhat at the last minute, having woken up in good time, I chose to join Jo, Barbara and Richard for a second time on a “preferable” private shore excursion. Six of us shared a minibus for a trip to the port of Valparaiso, where Cunard ships have called during previous World or Exotic Voyages. We were shown, to begin with, the poorer end of the city. There was a degree of civil unrest occurring. The “have-nots” have issues with current government policies and this has given rise to much civil unrest at varying levels of disturbance and damage. There was a significant demonstration in one of the squares we walked through; we witnessed the arrest as a hapless young individual was flung into a dinged-up police van. I thought it wise not to video this incident. The ride on what I am told is a 1903 funicular railway was spectacular albeit short. It certainly was antiquated.

We continued to what is supposed to be a flower clock, past the rich district and eventually to a winery on the way home. We all enjoyed a tiny lunch in a smart eatery at the winery. By now, we were all on our way back to the ship. Although the glimpses around the city were somewhat fleeting, I did enjoy seeing many aspects of Valparaiso. I bought more wine for my birthday celebrations. I doubt that I shall see this part of the world again.

Back on board the ship, we eventually made our way to our cabins; we would meet up with Rich and Barbara. Tandoori lamb shank in the Golden Lion on QV made a pleasant change, and was a “best ever.” We played table tennis on deck 9, Jo and I. We were both hopeless!

More tomorrow, David .