Vina del Mar

It took Carol many phone calls to get our National car rental squared away; or so we thought.  We thought we had full insurance and GPS.  Insurance yes, GPS no! They don't supply cars with GPS since "everyone has it on their phone"; except for international travelers without international service.

Drive from Santiago to Vina del Mar was uneventful.  Drive to hotel once we found the ocean was ten minutes. But it was much more difficult to find the Pacific Ocean once we arrived in Vina del Mar than we'd anticipated.

Staying in an older hotel perched on the rocks.  Staff is marvelous.

On our first morning we get a rescue swimmer demonstration from our balcony. Later in the day, a Chilean destroyer arrives back in port.

 

Ventured into nearby Renaca for lunch and to find a bank.  Success on the lunch with a delicious and tender octopus dish and shrimp and cheese empanada.  Failed to get cash at three banks.

 

 

Buildings in Renaca were boarded up as if they were expecting a hurricane. We discovered its protection from the window-breaking protestors terrorizing the country.

Fine dinner in hotel.  Socialized with a marvelous multinational couple at dinner.  We might have found someone who's travelled more than us.