WPC: Anticipating Antarctica

Well, here we are on our ‘Bucket List’ cruise, and after leaving Valparaiso on Monday, our first port of call was Wednesday when we weighed anchor just off the coast of Puerto Montt.

Once ashore, I was able to get a good photo of our cruise ship, the Seabourn Quest.

It started to pour with rain and we had to run for shelter, but after a while, when it subsided we ventured out again and made our way into the town. Not very inspiring, but we pressed on.

The town is a real hotch-potch of old and new buildings; mostly old.

This house on the hill looked quite pretty, if in need of a bit of a haircut.

Graffiti in Chile is everywhere,

as are the street dogs. Someone told me that they are called ‘Scrap Dogs’, because they exist on the scraps of food which they can find.

This sweet one had made her bed in among the clover.

We passed a sad-looking fun fair, in the process of being taken down.

This rather strange-looking  sculpture loomed large, with no explanation as to who this couple represented.

We found our way to the local mall, but didn’t stay long, as there  was a frenzy of Christmas shopping going on.

The smaller markets were colourful and far more interesting.

One could buy almost anything there.

On our way back to the ship, we found an old steam engine.

a few busts of long dead naval heroes,

and a couple of old anchors made into a sculpture.

One thing I hadn’t anticipated, was being mugged by a bag-snatcher as we navigated our way around some rather large puddles when we neared the harbour. This six foot youngster came up from behind and grabbed my shoulder bag. I held on tight, so he yanked it really hard, breaking the leather strap, and pushing me over in the process. Hubby gave chase and made a grab for him, just as he ran into the road, dodging through the busy traffic. Thankfully, there was no way, my man was going to risk his life following the thief any further. Happily for me, a couple of burly workmen saw what was happening and tackled him when he got to the other side. They got my bag back for me and crossed the road, waving it aloft and beaming triumphantly. I was so grateful that I could have kissed them. It was a very unpleasant experience, but all’s well that ends well.

I may not be able to blog again before Christmas, so I wish you all a very happy one. Tomorrow, we are anticipating seeing our first glacier as we start our six day Antarctic experience.

Merry Christmas everyone.

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