Rancagua (September 1-2, 2009)

First things first, need a map. We head off down the street and Ken asked for directions to the tourist office. We not only got direction, but anice young lady going that direction walk us most of thye way so we would not get lost. This was the best tourist office we have been to. They even printed out a list of hostels with prices. We went to a few and were not happy with the cost. Needing a break we stopped in a park and saw some children dressed in traditional costumes getting ready for some sort of performance. With September 18th being Chilean independence day, these types of celebrations and performances were seen everywhere all month. These children to great joy in showing off their English. We went to another hostel then decided walking all over with our packs was just too hard. This meant using the cell phone we had with us. My Spanish is bad enough in person, now I was going to have too attempt it on the phone. We sat in a park and I managed to call and actually converse with several hostels and hotels. We ended going with a hotel close to where we were. So off to the hotel. Dump bags then go exploring.

We had seen a number of sights on our stroll through looking at hostels, but still had more on our list. We went to the historical museum and were surprise to find a celebration going on. It happened to be the day they were celebrating 100 years of fire department. All firemen in Chile are volunteers. I thought it was very interesting that a country as old as chile has only had a fire department for 100 years. Everyone was extremely welcoming and excited to share with us.

We continued to enjoy the sunshine and wonder around the city. At lunch time we found a resturant offering the common (menu) this is a set meal for a set price which is very common for lunch in Chile. For about $3 we got a small salad or soup, main course of beef or chicken with rice or potato salad, a dish of jello for dessert and bread. It is a good value. Drinks are additional. Being nice and full we did some window shopping. No luck finding a pack for Virginia or shoes for Ken.

We went back to the hotel where we researched wineries and decided wine tasting was not and option, too expensive. We decided we would leave the next day. Found a bus station near the hotel. We researched and emailed hostels in Santiago. Later that night we left the kids watching TV in the hotel room and snuck across the street for a beer.

Come morning I was excited about getting a shower, it did not last long. I have come to understand that hot water in the shower often means..it is not cold or that it will be hot for all of 60 secounds. After my invigerating shower I subjected the kids to the same. Then we enjoyed a decent breakfast and left for the bus station and said goodbye to Rancagua.