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.
Your photos reveal a city that is a collection of such diverse sights, Sylvia. Walking about would have been quite an experience — without the mugging. How awful! So glad that you weren’t injured and that your bag was retrieved intact. Now it’s on to Antarctica!!!
Thanks, John. It was a very interesting city in more ways than one. The mugging is something I could well have done without, but thankfully it had a happy ending. 😅
oh my goodness! I hope that is the only incident you will have during the next days of your trip.
Sorry to hear about the mugging experience, but glad you had help and all ended well. What happened to the mugger?
terrible experience, but I’m glad you are alright. Wonderful pics as always! I’m a bit behind but wishing you all the best of the season!
This was an upsetting occurrence, Sylvia! Don’t carry much cash or Traveler’s checks around! I had my purse stolen two times last summer (once in the library!) People don’t realize how hard it is to replace driver’s license without identification and get new phone and glasses! xo Merry, happy holiday travels, dear friend!
Thanks, Robin. I wasn’t carrying anything of value except for my iPhone and my ship’s pass. I was so happy to get my bag back. 😅
Your ship is beautiful, your experience horrible. I do hope the rest of your “bucket list” trip is wonderful.
Thanks so much, Karen. I keep everything in my pockets now. It wasn’t the best experience I’ve ever had. 😰
A very smart thing to do as nothing is worth being hurt over.
What a horrible experience, Sylvia. Your post gives no indication of your trauma until the very end. The place, in general, does not invite me to visit. From the wirey skies to the unshaven house, and expressionless couple on the bench, it does not seem like a happy, well-cared for vacation spot. :(. Have a great cruise. Be safe. Have a Merry Christmas tomorrow. I am on my way Monday to see Carol and Leanne. It’s amazing how much bloggers become part of your life over the years. 🙂
Thanks so much, Marsha. Yes, it was very traumatic and I have a few bruises and scrapes to remind me of the attack. Today we go ashore in Punta Arenas to see the ‘red roof town’, and learn about the tycoons of Patagonia. A rather different way to spend Christmas Day. Looking forward to it. Hugs to you. Marry Christmas. xx 🙂
You certainly have an exciting life, Sylvia. Be safe. I just read a quick article about two of those tycoons because I did not even know where Patagonia is. Fascinating. Keep us informed. 🙂 Hugs back for a Merry Christmas.
Enjoy your trip and happy holidays to you both! So glad to hear that the purse snatching was not successful and neither of you was injured in the process.
Thanks so much, LuAnn. It was quite traumatic, but we recovered quite quickly. Happy holidays to you and your family. xx 🙂
Sylvia, so incredibly exciting! I can’t wait to read all about your trip. Merry christmas and best wishes for 2017!
Thanks so much, Nicole. Have a wonderful Christmas. xx
Well, you’re getting all of the local flavor, for better or worse! Glad you got your bag back. When in Rome, my ex-husband got his wallet stolen out of his front pants pocket. The money wasn’t the issue; the credit cards were. At least I got to see the inside of an Italian police station. He wouldn’t let me take a picture of us in there, though. No sense of humor, that man! 😐
Wow…….that’s also quite scary. I would have thought that a front-pants pocket was pretty safe. 😕
That’s what I thought, but we were n a very crowded tram with lots of people pushing and shoving us.
Ah ha … a bucket=list cruise to celebrate the 50th. Well done! … Merry Christmas to the happy couple!
Thanks so much, Frank. Having a great time on the cruise. Merry Christmas to you and yours. 🙂
Glad you got your bag back, and no one is hurt. probably just use a “bumbag” or put everything you need in pockets. These are great pictures.impressions of Chile. Wishing you a safe journey and a merry Christmas to both of you! Enjoy!
Thanks so much, Ute. Merry Christmas to you too. xx
Very fascinating images. Wishing you happy holidays wishes and prosperous 2017 Sylvia.
Thanks so much, DellaAnna. You too. 🙂
Ooh, I’m so enjoying following your (very adventurous tour!). have a lovely Christmas and awaiting more photos soon! 🎄💕🎁
Thanks so much, Marina. You too. 🙂
Happy Christmas to you both. I’m glad the bag snatcher was caught and you got your belongings back. I hope they gave him a good fright! Enjoy the rest of your cruise.
Thanks so much, Carol. I didn’t see, but I hope they punched him before sending him on his way. 🙂
I had that thought too. He certainly deserved it.
What a shock that mugging was for you both and those of us reading along but so glad you weren’t hurt and some good Samaritans intervened! Enjoy that fantastic trip you have ahead of you and looking forward to future posts.
Thanks so much. Yes, it was a very horrid experience, but we’re over it now.
Brilliant Sylvia, even the heart wrenching bag snatch…Glad it worked out in the end. Thank you and hope you have a great xmas…
Thanks so much, Gerry. Merry Christmas! 🙂
Sylvia I’m sorry to read about your horrid experience, I hope you both feel okay now. Onwards and southwards to your exciting destination, have a very Happy Christmas!
Thanks, dear Gilly. Yes, we’re both fine; just a few bruises and scrapes. 😕 Merry Christmas to you and your lovely family. xx
That looks an interesting, if bizarre, place. So sorry about the mugging. Hope all improves from here on. Happy Christmas!
Thanks so much, Anabel. It’s not a place i would recommend visiting. 😕 Happy Christmas to you. xx
Anchors away and merry Christmas hardly seems appropriate in the circs, Ad. Hopefully your last misadventure 😦
Yes, very hopefully, Jo. Merry Christmas to you and yours. xx 🙂
Sylvia I’m so sorry to hear about the mugging! Thank goodness you and your husband weren’t hurt and that two strangers jumped to your aid. Hoping all has gone smoothly from now on. Happy holidays and so looking forward to reading more. Xo
Thanks so much, Sue. All is going well now. Having such a great time on board ship. Today we’re in Punta Arenas. Excited to go ashore in a few minutes. xx
The burly workmen were in the right place at the right time . . . glad you got your bag back. Take care! And have fun.
Thanks so much, Nancy. Merry Christmas to you. xx
You always bring joy and beauty to my day! Merry Christmas!!!
Thanks so much, Rebecca. xx
What an eventful start, Sylvia! Bah! Pesky muggers… at this time of the year to boot! Hope you’re OK. And enjoy the rest of your cruise.
I’ve pre-prepared the rest of the comment as I’m hastily trying to catch up…
My visiting, replying, commenting and the like have fallen a little by the wayside of late, for which I apologise, but wanted to call by today and wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Thanks so much, Tom. Merry Christmas to you and yours. Internet on the cruise is very patchy, but today we’re in port, so can use my T-Mobile. That’s a good Christmas present. 😀
Glad there was a happy ending there Sylvia … very unpleasant and scary . We loved watching the *Pot dogs Grenada take themselves off in little groups to have fun at the beach and then saunter back home for their scraps from the cooking pot 🙂
Have a fantastic time aboard Seaborun Quest . Look forward to hearing about your adventures and seeing your photos . Happy Christmas to you and your DH !
Thanks, dear Poppy. Happy Christmas to you and yours. xx
Wish you and Hubby a fanrastic cruise and Merry Christmas
Thanks so much, Marylou. 🙂
Terrific photos and information…cannot wait to see the rest – thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much, John. 🙂 Merry Christmas.
Hi Sylvia!
I enjoyed so much your read and photos about this Antartica experience!
I’m sorry for your bag accident , but agree with you (and Shakespeare ) that All’s well….. Etc
Hope you enjoy the rest of the adventure and wish you and Hubby the most joyous Happy Holidays!
A big hug,
A.
Thanks so much, dear Anna. Hugs and a very merry Christmas to you too. 🙂