I HAD A VISION

February 2, 2010

Long before we left for Chile, while in the planning stage of this trip, I  had a vision of a bright apartment with balcony, overlooking the ocean. We have been very fortunate that on a few occasions we stayed in such place, or at least close to it. But it was never for long. Our plan was to break our trip up into four stages, and settle down for a week at the end of each stage at a place I visualized. So far this has not happened. We’re constantly on the move from one beautiful place to the other.
But something is telling me that it is going to happen real soon. I just know it.

Before we move on, we get the car washed while we visit Ramiro's cousin Guillermo, who lives in San Antonio. It is almost shameful to pay so little for such a thorough job. The fellow even applies wax.

We decide to continue a little farther north, where the beaches are. Less than two minutes out of San Antonio, along the main road, we see a sign Cabañas. First we make sure they’re not the hourly type.
It’s not quite what I had in mind, but I rather not get Ramiro cranky by getting too picky. The swimming pool and the beautiful garden certainly is a bonus, but there is nothing to do here. No place to walk. It’s the rocky part of the coast.
I am somewhat relieved when I learn that there is no internet access. which is a must.
We enter Cartagena, drive down the hill and back along the coast line on the one way road hoping to find the perfect place. 
After a little searching I spot exactly what I have been hoping for. A nice bungalow with large patio, with doors from both the living and bedrooms. When I further tour the place, I chuckle. I recall, at one of our last Cabins, when we both wanted to use the bathroom at the same time, saying: “The next place we stay at, we’ll have two bathrooms”. How lucky we are. One bathroom for you and one for me. We eagerly take it. I am in suspense: Will Ramiro agree to stay for a full week? YES.

I’m happy, and when I am happy, everyone is happy.

We go to the Costanera  to celebrate with a nice Parillada lunch, starting with Pisco Sours and toasting to two wonderful months in Chile.

Despite the fact that the beach is crowded with people, Cartagena is not nearly as popular for tourism as Viña del Mar. Which in a way is probably a good thing.

It is a colonial town and has a large number of very old buildings, mostly made of wood. Several of them are now used as accommodations, others which have been damaged by the earthquake are sitting empty.

There are two beaches. Playa Chico and Playa Grande. We are at the most southern and of Playa Chica, where it is a big quieter. All I need to do is cross the road and walk down the concrete steps and I am in paradise.

We’re ready to settle down and enjoy.







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