FRIDAY & SATURDAY - It's getting a bit warmer, wind has died down. The usual is going on. There were 2 matinees by comedians we saw earlier in the segment - both were good. All the entertainers have done at least 2 shows - not sure if it's tough to get entertainers to some of the small ports we've stopped at or if it's just cheaper for Princess to bring on 5 or 6 people and have them do more shows. We'll see what the next segment brings. The good thing about having the same entertainers around for a lengthy time is that you run into impromptu concerts at the various lounges during the evening. The Princess guest pop choir performed. Quite surprisingly, there are almost as many men as there are women in the group. Another Pub lunch.
The Captain who joined us in Punta Arenas is a big change from Captain Michele. We never get interesting little updates during the day and we haven't seen him out and about.
Saw whales again.
SAN ANTONIO - This is a substitute port for Valparaiso which was the original stop. Both are gateways to Santiago which is around 70 miles away. The port info handed out by Princess was for Valparaiso so we don't even have a map of the area. This is a busy cargo port and we must take a shuttle to the terminal as we're not allowed to walk on the pier. We ended up just staying on the ship as everyone we talked to who did not have a tour booked said there was nothing to do. It's Sunday so most shops are closed. There were some handicraft tents set up but they were quite a walk and it was the same sort of goods we saw at the last stop.
This is the first day of our 3rd and final segment. There are 2126 on board from 30 countries - US 1246 (59%), Canadian 482 (23%), Argentin 102, followed by Aussies and Brits.
It was Oscar night and the ship had a live feed in the Explorers Lounge and at Movies Under the Stars starting with the Red Carpet. As we're 2 hours ahead of N.Y. we only saw about half of the show before hitting the bed just after midnight.
COQUIMBO - This is our last stop in Chile. Chile is the longest country in the world but very narrow. Coquimbo is a picturesque city with small, colorful houses dotting the hillsides. Some appear precarious as most of the house is sitting on stilt like supports. The area seems quite poor but it is the gateway to La Serena which is a popular holiday resort located across the bay and a 40 minute drive from Coquimbo.
We wandered the streets. Most of the shops are tiny , dark spaces with the same leather and wooden handicrafts. Banks seem to be on every corner and dogs are sleeping on the uneven sidewalks. School is back in session after their summer break. Students we saw all wear uniforms.
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