Valdivia day 1 and the mixed seafood plate

Our day started early, as we arrived at the bus station at 8 am. We were lucky to catch an 8:10bus to Valdivia. We did not have to pay for the kids as we explained they would ride on our laps if nescessary. The bus was almost empty, therefore they did get thier own seats. We arrived 2 hours later in a very cold foggy Valdivia. Oh did I mention my incredible headache and nausea on the bus. Thankfully i had improved by the time we reached our destination. After acquiring a map we headed for the Fluvial Fish market. We were also in search of a place to stay. With the weather so grey we chose to hit the Mc Donalds for coffee and WIFI. Searched for accommidations and waited out the weather. By 12:30 the sun wa out and temps in the low 40's F. (heat wave!!!!)
We set off to find a place to stay. Unhappy with our selection we continued along till we reached the fish market again. We decided to eat. We ordered Salmon Calle Calle ( salmon with cream, mushrooms, shrimp and potatoes), Salmon in tarragon sauce with rice and the mixed seafood plater). The salmon was EXCELLENT with huge portions. I will forever regret not taking a picture of the mixed seafood platter. This was a huge plate of more than 30 mussels. All different kind. This was quite an experience. I was truely impressed with my children's willingness to try most of them. Virginia likes clams and Theodore fond one he was fond of. They both enjoyed the salmon. We could not finish all the food and left there stuffed. The best part all for $32. We left and stopped by the fish market and saw the sealions who come right up on the sidewalk. Then continued to a chocolate shop on our seach for housing. We saw a Hotel and went in. It is the same price as the other places we looked, but is right off cetro and only 2 blocks from the fish market, has wifi and is like a small apartment. It has a livingroom and kitchen downstairs and 2 bedrooms and a bathroom upstairs. We felt between location and wifi it was a good deal. With our room secure and bags unloaded we headed off again. We found Virginia boots and me badly needed shoe laces. We also picked up a spanish english dictionary, the phasebook wasn't enloygh. I located a thrift shop which we hope to return to. Pit stop at the room and off to the mall. We fed the kids pizza and stopped at the grocery. We finally got back around 9:45 fed the kids a small piece of cake and of to bed for them. The day was great fun. We are tired, but happy.