An entry in the TFS Travel Journal
Ugh, up at 6:30; at least not much traffic en route to the airport at that hour, but damn chilly here at the southern end of the world. There was, however, a 25-minute line just to check in, then the power in the airport kept going out, which messed up the computers, so getting the boarding passes took even longer. One good thing about flying on these State-owned airlines, though, is that they always offer one or two full meals (though they’re not always what one would choose to eat) and free drinks -including alcohol - even on relatively short flights. Southwest could really kick some butt here.
We returned, yet again, to Santiago, Chile this time for about 90 minutes — the perfect visit. Transferred terminals, checked our bags, then enjoyed some deliciously greasy Sbarro pizza; mmmm, just like Times Square. Boarded our first Aerolineas Argentinas flight, with its accompanying beautiful flight attendants, en route back to Buenos Aires, Argentina.
We checked back into the Palace, almost like returning home! We lounged around in our junior suite (no upgrade this time), catching up on the latest White House sex news, then taxied over to Puerto Modero to meet Kelly and Bob for dinner back at Cabana Las Lilas. We first walked along the boardwalk, though the heat and humidity necessitated a short walk, which was pretty with small sailboats docked along with some large schooner-looking masted ships. It is basically block after block of modern, but appropriately understated brick office buildings and trendy restaurants with outdoor tables. We saw several of the benches occupied by young couples in various stages of entanglement, who, we figured, still lived at home and so needed to make best use of all available opportunities.
K & B soon joined us at our table, and we rapturously enjoyed our t-bone, baby beef, and rib-eye, along with some of their good salads, mushrooms, and pappas fritas. A special mention should be made of the chimichurri sauce — a blend of herbs and peppers in oil — which most restaurants have and which is perfect for the beef here. (though, of course, it really needs no help) We sat and talked of past lives, future locations and family dynamics before heading home sometime around 1:00.
Wendy went back to the hotel, and Milton stopped in a neighborhood club which had been recommended by a local expert. The club is labeled a Piano Bar, and he had to demonstrate his familiarity with the place before having the rules explained (take 5-10 minutes to look around, then buy a drink, which were $20-$40) Rather than being (as he expected) a NYC-style lap-dancing venue, it was a bar scene populated by a few guys and about 20 quite attractive (and attractively dressed!) women who made constant, and beckoning, eye contact. After the 10-minute grace period was up, he left rather than buy a drink with whatever else that entailed.