PUNTA ARENAS, CHILE

Monday 15 December - Punta Arenas

This morning we awoke at anchor in the bay at Punta Arena, the sun was shining again. We started the morning with a sit down breakfast and a relaxing get ready, just a little too relaxing though, as when we got to our meeting point the tour director was waiting for us, we were late! We met our tour guide who spoke English very well, he is an english teacher here in Punta Arenas. It seem different to hear him talking about school being out for summer, it is Xmas time. One of our first education is that there are a lot of dogs in the city and that there is no control over dogs, no dog catchers and dogs do what they want on the street. Yes there was sex education on the street, Doggy Style. Punta Arena is a city of aprox 150k people and down town is very busy. We had our history lessons and visited what were a couple of home of the upper class from the past that were now historical sites and museums.

After Julieo left us we were on our own to walk about town, we went to the top of the local hill where we had a good look out over the city and the bay where the Sun was at anchor. We next toured around the town square and looked over the markets set up to try catch the tourists with souvenirs and Alpacka sweaters which were a very good price. We did not break down and buy.
At this time we have left Punta Arenas and are cruising towards Magenlan Straits and from what we are told to expect some great scenery. The next two day are cruising so we can sleep in.
In talking to the waiters at dinner we have been told that the weather on this trip has been great which we can attest to. The last trip was very cold and rainy and the waters were very rough. So much so that some of the tours had to be canceled. Our trip so far has been excellent both in weather and cuising conditions. Our fingers are crossed for the rest of the trip.