Valparaiso, Chile

Mitzi's sister Katie did study abroad in Valparaiso in 2001. The family that hosted her were gracious hosts to us today.

As we sailed toward Valparaiso we passed this tower that is being constructed for a huge bridge that will span this bay. The picture doesn't represent scale very well. This thing is huge! It was fun to count how many outhouses are on the structure. 15. Yes I counted them through the binoculars haha.

When we met Katie's family (mom, dad, sister Paula, and Paula's best friend) they gave us huge hugs and were so warm and welcoming.

They don't speak English and we don't speak Spanish. It took a few minutes to figure out how to use our translation apps to communicate.

They first drove us to their house up on the hill overlooking the port and the bay.

The stairs from the street up to their house is stunning!

This is the room Katie lived in when she stayed there in 2001.

They have pictures of Katie on their wall. They love her so much and her them.

The view out their window.

An antique sewing machine on the stairs.

Then we hopped in the car and drove past the school were Katie went. I've noticed that the school buildings in Chile are very nice. They must value them and take good care of them.

We went over to a populated area for pictures. The mom and dad were very worried about us getting robbed. They were particularly worried about the Leica camera and insisted I hold on to it at all times and not just leave it draped around my should on the strap.

Pictures by the water.

Then we drove over to their favorite restaurant. By now we were all really good using the translator apps. We had a wonderful meal sharing stories, talking about Katie, and lots of good laughs.

Paula ordered for us. I got this moist delicious beef. Ate it all up, so good!

Paula had cow tongue. Mitzi saw it on her plate and didn't know what it was, so she asked. Paula told her, then asked would she like some? She held a piece out on her fork and handed it over.

Now Mitzi is not a meat person, and especially not a mystery meat person! But she ate it. Swallowed. Nodded her head and gave two thumbs up. It was a special moment that's for sure. We have a video but not a picture, alas.

Then it was time to go back to our ship. It was sad to say goodbye. Mitzi was teary and felt really sad. It was a special day and she appreciated connecting with people who love her sister so much. Fun to get a glimpse into an experience Katie had that meant so much to her.

When we were back on the ship Mitzi and Katie spent a lot of time on the phone catching and up and sharing their experiences.