We are finally all together!

Kathe and Russell survived an amazingly lousy flight via Delta from Atlanta to Santiago- bumped passengers, changed seating for them and overall not a great experience….but they got here and that is what ultimately counts ! Here’s a shot of all of us in Vina del Mar at the top of a tramway. First of many group shots I am sure!

from left to right we are:

Lou, Dee, Joel, Sue R., Susan, Connie C., Pam, Harry, Rick, Russell, Connie, Kathe, Keith, Patti, and Fearless Leader Tom!!!

Vina del Mar in the background..........

and Here's.................Connie C!

As I've packed for this exciting S.A. trip, I cannot help but think of a wonderful month in Ecuador that I shared with my sister approximately 10 years ago. I actually left from Punta Chivato to meet up with her in Miami, hummm sounds familiar! Bad news, my sis's luggage caught up with us two weeks into the trip, Good news, we wore the same size. Outcome, we shared my clothes for two weeks and then wore her's for the last two weeks! My favorite expression: WHATEVER. Life is only what we make of it. I plan to make this trip an experience of a lifetime shared with great friends.

There was a moment when I thought I too would be sitting on the shore saying bon voyage to all of you. However, I'm packed and ready and raring to go.

News from Santiago Chile Airport

Our intrepid leader Tom has arrived in Santiago Chile. He arrived early to do some fishing, but he also took the time to send us greatly appreciated information about how to negotiate through Santiago's busy airport. And here it is:

"Here’s the drill when you arrive at the Santiago airport:
First you go to a counter and pay your immigration fee – which is now $131.00 USD cash.
Then you will clear immigration which is a non-event.
Then you can stop at the money exchange counter and pick up a few hundred $$$ worth of pesos. Exchange rate was 448 CPesos to the dollar yesterday.
Then you will grab a FREE cart and pick up your luggage and proceed to customs where they x-ray your luggage for who knows what. Again, except for the hassle of putting it on and taking it off the conveyor belt not a big deal.
When you exit customs you will proceed to the outside of the terminal where lots of transportation is available. It is $25.00 US for a cab to the Sheraton Four Points. If there is a group of you (i.e. arriving from Peru) one of the small vans might be a better choice – you can check the price outside and then decide. There is no shortage of drivers wanting to take you into town."

So there you all have it! Thanks Tom and happy and safe journeys everyone.

Photo is thanks to okwest on flickr site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/73409321@N00/