Valparaiso, Chile

Chile has three climate zones, arid desert in the north, temperate in the middle, and frigid in the south. Valparaiso is in the middle, with a climate not too different from the San Francisco Bay Area. This is where the wineries are.

	Port of Valparaiso. Note that the map provided by Cunard Lines says we stop at Santiago. However, Santiago is 120 km from the port.
	When I saw this picture, I was a little suspicious that the ship wasn't actually coming to Santiago. The Shore Excursion booklet confirmed my suspicion.
*	There were four cruise ships in the harbor when we were there. Understandably, the shuttle buses were overworked and the terminal was crowded. They had dogs sniffing everyone's purse and backpack as well as the usual X-ray equipment. They are as concerned as California about the importation of pests via fruits and vegetables. The QM2 had to throw away food before they were allowed to dock, and passengers had to sign sworn statements that we weren't bringing in produce.
*	There was continual activity loading and unloading container ships.
*	Our tour bus through Valparaiso and sister city Vina del Mar did not make any photographic opportunity stops, so the only pictures we got were at the winery where we had lunch. The Emiliana Winery is supposed to be making organic wine, but no one explained exactly what that means. You don't fertilize grapes grown for wine anyway. But I would have liked to know what they do if they see aphids or other pests attacking the vines.
*	Some kind soul volunteered to take our picture together in order that we would do the same for him and his wife. They warned us not to let Chileano volunteers take our cameras --- they don't give them back --- but these folks were fellow QM2 passengers.
*	To make up for the lack of a tour of the vineyards, cellars, and processing facilities, the winery provided folklore singers and dancers.
*	Photo opportunity with Blazo in a dancer's serape and hat with one of the singers' guitar. Onward to Acapulco.

*Hover over pictures marked with an asterisk to enlarge them.