January 14,

We were up and around, not so spry today! We set about having our Javas and breakfast of granola, yogurt. I wanted a day off, and Jeff agreed. So it turned into a rest day. We did not have an agenda, so it worked out. We watched some YouTube, played games and read. Before we knew it – it was lunch time we had our leftover stir-fry with eggs, toast, celery and PB.

Afternoon slipped away. Jeff noticed that he had an email. It seems one of our credit cards has been compromised… yet again! So he called our credit card company. They said a vendor we had done a past charge with was compromised and law enforcement was involved! WOWZA!!! So… we have to get a new card! We are going to have it sent to Mendoza, Argentina as we leave for there in two days. Jeff also booked an “onward air ticket” for leaving Argentina, as this is a requirement upon entry into the country. These are weird… we have to order tickets for a small nominal fee that we will lose, but it is cancellable.

After Jeff dealt with all that he went to our nearby local shop buying two empanadas- one Pina; one ham & cheese. We heated them in our oven, ate them and a cucumber he bought. We ended the relaxing day seeing an update on our future cruise. Excited for that!

     January 15,

We both awoke having neither slept the greatest, but wanting to get out on our last day here. Tomorrow we leave Chile. We had our Javas and breakfast of French toast and yogurt. I went ahead and blogged. Jeff read.

When we were finished, we went out and about, around 1230. First we went to a print shop to print up three copies of the “onward tickets.” That only cost us 300 CLP, 34 cents. That accomplished we set out. We went to Palacio Rioja. This museum was set in the mansion of the Rioja Ruiz family from 1880’s. According to many placards throughout the mansion, Fernando- a Spanish born man, moved to Chile; became a Chilean Magnate; and married Sara- a Bolian born lady. They had nine children, only one died at one month shy of five years old from meningitis. We walked through the various rooms of the mansion with placards describing the rooms. Fernando had become very wealthy and the rooms reflect this- room after room of beautiful designs, plush furniture with gorgeous decorations. As the saying goes, “It’s good to be King,” or in this case very wealthy. There was a very formal dining room that was only used on New Years and very special events with important guests, and one place setting at the table was set up! Quite elaborate. The dining area even had a balcony that musicians would play from to serenade those eating below! There was the main hall that was large enough to be a ballroom. I could go on and on, it was fascinating.

From there we went to lunch at Taqueria La Mexicana, Una Fiesta de Sabores (a feast of flavors). This restaurant was hopping! We scanned the QR code for the menu and ordered. The place has a motto: “Because Mexico without Chile is not Mexico”… it was fun. Jeff had Cazuelita de Pollo al Mole Roja- a chicken casserole smothered in red complex mole served with tortillas, red rice, black beans, and chipotle salsa with a Michelada- beer with lime juice. I had a Cazuelita de Carnitas- pork casserole in orange juice, herbs and a touch of Coca-Cola served with avocado-jalapeno, pickled radishes and onions, and corn tortillas with a Dona Margara Francisca. The meal may have been one of our best here in Chile. The bill was 38,456 CLP, or $43.46.

We left and took in a Craft Fair Exhibition at a park. There were lots of different wares for sale. It was refreshing that it was handmade, individual crafts… even had Cuban Cigars! We left and walked back to our place, by way of the Lider for crackers and chocolate. At our place we cooled down and then had supper- the last of our hummus with the crackers. Then I blogged as Jeff started our packing.