Jan 1 - Jan 2

I was just closing our second suitcase when the Stratford Airporter arrived to take us to Toronto Pearson. We made two stops in Stratford, one for a woman who was 10 minutes lates. She is a Syrian refugee who is now working for the UN in the Ukraine and was home for a two week Christmas break. Even with the delay, we were at the airport shortly after six. 

We found the business class check in desk at the far end of the terminal and then quickly made our way through security. We walked for what seemed to be miles and finally arrived at the Maple Leaf Lounge. We were denied entry because we were too early. You are only allowed in 3 hours before your flight. It was suggested that the Signature Lounge was right by our gate, so we could try there in 90 minutes. Another long walk, and we arrived at the Signature Lounge. The staff overwrote the time and let us in. 

The Signature lounge is much different from the original lounge. Instead of lots of sitting spaces, the Signature lounge is set up only with dining tables. There is a small buffet in addition to the a la carte menu. We both had the winter salad, followed by beef tenderloin. The food and service were fine dining quality. 

Our flight was delayed by about 10 minutes until 11:40 and also had to be deiced. There were only a few flights still waiting to depart so that process didn’t take long. 

I am grateful that we can afford to travel business class. We were offered sparkling wine or sparkling water as soon as we boarded. Hot towels were a welcome touch. We both ordered the express dinner that is served all at once and does not include a hot entree - I certainly could not have eaten another big meal. The express meal comes with an appetizer, salad, cheese and fruit. I finished a movie about the same time I finished eating at 1 am Toronto time. I was ready to lay my chair flat and sleep. 

I woke up around 7:15 as they were starting to prepare breakfast. Overnight oats with an apple compote, fruit and a parsley omelette with little potatoes and a tomato chutney were on the menu. 

Shortly after 9, we started the descent into Santiago which is located in a valley between the Andes and the Chilean Coast Range. We taxied into our gate right on time at 12:15. Santiago is 2 hours ahead of EST. The yellow is the shading from the plane window. 

Again it seemed like we had to walk miles to get to customs control. As usual, there were not enough booths open to accommodate all the passengers. We were almost at the front of the line when some of the agents decided it was lunch time! We finally got to the counter and the agent started processing my passport. He got a phone call and left us waiting for several minutes, then asked for our boarding passes. We couldn’t figure out why as obviously we had come in on a plane and didn’t look like we had been hidden away in a wheel well. Eventually he stamped both our passports.

Our luggage was already on the carousel. As Lawrie was taking it off, a lady by the name of Lisa asked if we were from St Marys. She had seen our Stonetown Travel branded luggage strap. She had worked at Westover and was in Santiago to visit a friend. 

Our driver was waiting outside the baggage claim area. Twenty minutes later we were at our hotel. 

We checked in, had a shower and a nap then headed to the hotel bar for a drink and an early dinner. After dinner we went for a walk to orient ourselves and find our meeting point for our walking tour tomorrow morning. 

We also came across Cerro Santa Lucia, a park on a small hill. Numerous pathways and gardens cover the hill. Castle Hidalgo rises high on the summit of the hill. 

We meandered back to the hotel, hoping to find a liquor store to pick up a bottle of wine and a gelateria but the shops close at 8