Anchors Away

Welcome back!
It looks like we have some catching up to do after being incommunicado for the past few days. Computer access, and therefore blogging, on the ship has been difficult (and very expensive!) so we decided to give it up until the time was right. Now (Sunday Feruary 8) appears to be the time for quick update so we will step into the time machine and set the dial for Monday February 2, 2009.

This is a day that we have both looked forward to with great anticipation, and also dreaded, as it would mean the end of our time in Valparaiso. In early December, we saw our first cruise ship in port and started to wander what cruising would be like and how much it would cost. Before we knew it, words turned to action and a few days later, we were booked on the very ship that we saw in port on that fateful day. We had never really considered a cruise before but it seemed like such a cool way of wrapping up our adventure that it was difficult to resist! We had always planned to see southern Chile and since seeing pictures of the giant glaciers in Patagonia, Charlene had her heart set on visiting. Stopping in the Falkland Islands, Uruguay, and Argentina would be a bonus. We never dreamed that we would be visiting Buenos Aires, Argentina before returning home! Ahhh . . . . but I have gotten ahead of myself! First, let's wrap up our time in Valparaiso.

Both of us are generally pretty organized and as a result, the morning was simply a case of putting a few remaining things in our suitcases and a little bit of house work before our landlady (Gladys) arrived for the final inspection. That was the easy part! The hard part came when it was time to say good-bye to our dear friend Ines. She picked us up at the apartment and we then dropped by to say goodbye to her husband Javier at his office (he is a doctor) prior to going out for lunch. Caleta Portales was the spot as it was where we had lunch the first day we met Ines. During lunch, Charlene presented Ines with a scarf that she had knit, and a photo album of our time together. We knew that this goodbye would be difficult . . . it was . . . and it wasn't over yet. After lunch we returned to the apartment to pick up our bags and made our way to “VTP” Valparaiso's cruise ship terminal. It was there that the final goodbyes took place. Once again, very difficult for the “Sisters” as we have come to call Ines and Charlene!

It is difficult to explain how our relationship with Ines became so important. Ines is the cousin of our neighbour in Saskatoon and at most, we thought that we might get together, say hello, and then part ways. It would have been very easy for Ines to have said good-bye after our first visit and carry on with her life. It didn't turn out that way . . . and we are very grateful for that. Despite the language barrier, we grew very close. Our road trips (paseos) together were an opportunity to see parts of Chile that we would otherwise have missed, but more importantly, were a chance for our relationship to grow. Once on board, we would open the gifts from Ines (copper notebooks, wine, Lapis lazuli earrings, scarf).

The boarding process was very easy and included an unexpected visit from a new friend. Ian (as in Ian and Heather from Santiago) was seeing a tour group off and saw us in the line! Very cool!
At 3:00pm, after seven weeks of anticipation, we were finally on board! The cruise adventure aboard the Star Princess was about to begin! Giddyup!

We enjoyed the afternoon sun while getting used to our new home . . . a home that would include room for 2600 passengers, 1100 crew, four pools (one of them indoor), hot tubs, several restaurants, a casino (don't care!), bars, live entertainers, spas, golf simulators, show lounges, indoor theatre, outdoor theatre with a massive screen, library etc. etc. etc . . .

Anchors away at about 6:15 for what we assumed would be to be our last look at Valparaiso . . . but one never knows for sure!

Vina del Mar,



Renaca, and Concon



After settling in, we grabbed a little supper, went for a short swim ,watched a little “Mamamia” under the stars on the outdoor screen and then retired to our room! I know what you're thinking, and yes. . . we are embarrassed by the decadence! . . . but the deed is done so we might as well enjoy the ride!

Speaking of the ride, the Pacific was calm but there was an ever-present motion and it took a while to get our sea legs under us. I expect the real test of our seaworthiness will come when we sail around Cape Horn, a notoriously rough stretch of ocean at the bottom of the world!

Till next time,
Hasta luego,
Norm and Charlene