December 20,

We awoke refreshed, both having slept well our first night. In fact, when I had realized my wakefulness (if that makes sense), I heard our host’s pet rooster! That was the first time I recalled hearing it! It was 0700. Blessed be!! Anyway, Jeff went to the kitchen and lit the pilot for hot water. He came back and hunkered under the covers. He said it was cold out there. I stayed in bed cozy for ten minutes, then got around quickly as it was chilly! We readied and then set about to our Javas and breakfast of muesli and yogurt. This cabin is very eclectic with many hodge podge windows. It does allow for great light and the interior walls are white, so it’s bright and doesn’t require daytime lighting. It’s also a rustic, country feel in the middle of the city. A little too much of a “country” vibe for me, but we love the quiet sereness of the place.

After we finished eating, I made a blog. Then we decided to work on our website. Well, Jeff did most of the work, he is way more tech savvy than I! I put in only a few cents worth. We made changes to our home page and the menu. (Those reading – if you notice give us any feedback). We also had a spam onslaught that we had to deal with. Hopefully fixed! 🤞🏻

When we finished, we took a much needed break and went for a walkabout and “lunner.” We went to Cholos Restaurante. It’s another Peruvian place – it’s hard to find local Chilean places! Anyway, Jeff had Ceviche Clasico, which was fresh fish of the day marinated in key lime juice, onions, and aji limo (lemon drop pepper); and toasted corn and plantain chips. I had Salmon en Salsa de Maracuya, which was grilled salmon filet topped with passion fruit sauce, served on an olive risotto with raisins. We were given a starter of rolls with two sauces (mayo and mustard, maybe?) and we shared a yummy piece of carrot cake for dessert. We had a Chilean Sav. Blanc wine with our meal. Very nice! It cost us 53,460 CLP or $58.82 with a ten % Propina or Tip. It is practiced here to tip. So we do. But we have found food, in general, more expensive here than our previous venture.

We finished and went back to our place by way of a couple of grocery shops. Still just checking things out. Relaxed at our place and cooled off from our workout of walking up and down the hilly terrain that is Vina del Mar. We did go back out in the early evening and walked to the coast. There were a couple of sandy beaches and rocky ones. A few brave souls were in the water at the sandy ones! The water is pretty cool here!! Also there was a nice walkway/boardwalk and a park area with a huge running clock made of plants. In general the city of Vina del Mar seems a good size, and walkable – if you can get used to the hills. The hills actually remind us of San Francisco! We finished our walkabout and snaked back to our place. We settled in for the night; had a light supper of trail mix, and olives.