continuation

To continue our travels--
Docked at the city of Puerto Montt today, a city much like a Bavarian city, even one that has a large population of Germans. Along with our friends Jim, Merri Lynn, Donald, and Carol, we hired a driver with a small van for a 4 hour tour.
Our first stop, about 20 miles inland, a German flavored town of Fruitillar. This town is located along the shore of LLanquie (pronounced Junky-way). Two dark German beers, 4 coffees and some very rich pastries and we were on our way to the other side of the lake.
Next town on the lake, Puerto Varas, a larger town with numerous shops selling local crafts.
Our driver gives a running comentary as he drives us back to Puerto Montt, and his country pride is evident as he explains the history of the area. We are finally dropped off near the water front, where we have lunch at a very small eating spot. Food was good but not inexpensive.
Our cruise ship was anchored out in the channel, so we boarded "tenders" to go from the dock to the ship. The tenders are actually several of the enclosed life boats carried aboard the ship, that are lowered into the water and used to transport passengers to and from the ship.

Another day at sea, this time in the Pacific, and early the next morning we dock at Valparaiso, Chile, our last stop on the cruise.
After disembarking we (Merri Lynn and Jim) rented a driver and vehicle to take us to Santiago, about an hour away to the east. Along the way we stopped at a VERY modern winery, did a tour of the facility, and were treated to a wine tasteing. After several pictures, we were on our way but soon stopped at a typical Chilean restaurant for lunch. Dirt floors but really a very nice place with waiters dressed as Gauchos. Empanadas, cold beer, great bread and once again on our way to Santiago, where we spent the night. The people in this city have much more indian influence than in BA, where the people are very Euopean in their looks and speech, and what we saw of the city was not as impressive as BA.