Tuesday 15 March 2016

By the time I woke up we were well & truly docked in the Chilean port of Coquimbo.  We hadn't booked a tour so after a late breakfast decided to take a bus to the next city of La Serena.  Had notes on the bus system etc but somehow missed the stop as we walked along the the lower road, with a couple of Canadians tagging along.  Was interesting as a local guy explained the dreadful conditions the area was in and said that it was due to the earthquake/tsunami late last year.  Apparently the area was under 2 metres of water.  

Finally found the bus and we enjoyed a bit of local flavour on the 35 minute ride.   La Serena didn't have a lot to recommend it but we did go to the Archeological Museum to see, in particular, an exhibition on Easter Island (which we cruised past in low gear three years ago).  According to our notes the only statue to be taken from Easter Island is on display here, but last night someone said they had seen 'the only statue.........' In a  museum two days ago! Anyway, it was most impressive as was the whole display.  Back on the bus to another shopping centre, very modern, beautiful shops & a quick snack before joining the locals on the ride back to Coquimbo.  

By now we had deserved a cocktail so went to the lounge where we have special food and reduced cost drinks (gotta save for the next trip) due to our 'status' and met up with Jeanie & Jeff who I met in the lift in Valparaiso.  Funny where you meet your newest best friends!!!!!  

Dinner was fun, a good table of eight.  George got to sit next to the blonde - she was 80ish & her lovely lady friend 84!  A couple of retirement home ladies from LA.  

I went to the show by myself - was a bit apprehensive  as this guy is from Australia - but honestly, he was fantastic!  Nathan Foley, from Sydney, has just been awarded the top entertainment winner for the Princess Line for the year.  A wonderful singer, apparently he auditioned for Les Mis in Sydney when he was 17, missed the part as was too young to grow a beard, so was then hired with the High Five group where he stayed for 10 years. 

1. Star Princess from the wharf

2. On the local bus

3 & 4 Exhibits from Easter Island