First Night In Santiago

We had previously booked an Airbnb for Santiago.  Here is a link to the blog where I give tips on booking an Airbnb and with our current apartment.  

When we arrived the concierge had our key waiting for us.  When we walk in the first thing we do is put on the Air Conditioning the second is notice a lovely bottle of wine and a box of chocolates waiting for us.  It is the lovely little touches that mean so much.

We get settled and put things away and then we both lay down for a short nap.  There is minimal time change (one hour) from home but we are tired for a long night on a plane.  After an hour nap we shower and dress and head out to explore.

It is early evening on a Sunday and not much is open.  The area we are staying is quite safe but you still need to be aware of your surroundings.

We walk and walk and our goal was to find the local hop on hop off bus called Turistik.  We finally find it and buy two tickets for it for tomorrow morning.  A good thing he took us outside and walked us to the pick up spot because there are no markings at this stop for the bus.  The bus was $23,000 Chilean Pesos ($27 US) for the tour.

We need to get something to eat and we found a lovely Italian restaurant with outdoor seating and we enjoyed a fabulous meal with a bottle of local wine and the bill came to $50,000 - quite reasonable.  Actually I find the prices here to be very reasonable.  

After dinner we decide to head to the W Hotel that is nearby as our friends had recommended the rooftop bar and they did not disappoint.  Stunning views, great drinks and it the end of a great day.

Oh and Santiago has Uber and again is much more reasonable than a taxi, where they seem to want to scam the tourists.  At least with Uber we know how much it is and it is reliable.

Copenhagen Accommodations Booked

After putting down our deposit on the cruise and booking our flights - see blog we started looking at accommodations.

As many of you know we are huge fans of Airbnb or VRBO.  We love living like a local.  We also prefer to have more space and the ability to shop and prepare our own meals if necessary, especially the morning meal.

Because we are heading into Copenhagen early (four nights) we definitely wanted an apartment.  Although I did look at hotels, but quickly ruled them out after much research because of a few reasons.

• So darn expensive.
• So very small.
• Located in center of city with lots of noise.
• Oh and the cost - oh yeah I already mentioned that.

If we would of only been there for one night I would of went with a hotel (love the option of checking in early and storing bags if necessary).

But we arrive in the early evening and we have a decent check out time so we are good to go.

Here is a link to the Airbnb we reserved.  

It is easy to get to from the airport with the metro and easy to get around to all the sites.

And the four nights add up to less than $500!

If you are travelling and have a few nights prior or post cruise really consider trying Airbnb.  Here is a link where you can sign up and save whenever you do reserve in future off your first stay.  

Airbnb Booking Tips

As many of you know I am a huge fan of Airbnb.  I do have certain criteria when booking an Airbnb.  We have been searching Airbnb for a few vacations and booked a nice place for our stay in Santiago, Chile.

If you have never used Airbnb, first off just go to their site and register.  If you use this link you can register and you will save a bit of money the first time you do book.

• I start with putting in my dates and then selecting what filters I need.  For us, an entire until is the only thing we book (note you can book a room in someone's home, but that is not for us). 

• We then request certain criteria (often varies depending on vacation), wifi, washing machine (especially if there for a while), parking and for this trip we needed self check in.

• I then start going through all the properties. Usually by glancing at pictures I can quickly weed out some.  If the pictures look like the place is not clean, trust me it won't be better once you get there.  I also look for inviting shots.  If a good host doesn't take the time to make the scene inviting and hospitable chances are they won't be any different in person.

• I also check the location.  I am not a huge fan of being right in the middle of all the action.  I am not 25 anymore.  I enjoy being close to sites, restaurants, bars, shops but I don't want to be on top of them.  For Santiago we really wanted to be close to a Metro stop (they have amazing Public Transit).  

• Read the reviews, but take the worst and best with a grain of salt.  Instead take an overview and if mainly positive then it is good.  I always look for things that say what is nearby and how far to certain areas, like downtown.  Also looking for comments about noise levels around the place.   To tell you the truth I do the same thing if booking a hotel as well.  It should be noted that only the people who actually booked and stayed there can write reviews. 

• I also take a glance at the fees that will be incurred. Airbnb charges a fee (nominal) and then the host usually charges a cleaning fee.  If it is crazy I drop it.  I have found that if I need accommodations for two nights or less (although if fees are nominal I will book for a two night stay) it is better to go with a hotel.  Three or more nights it is often a much better deal to go with Airbnb.

• If the location meets all my requirements I then save it to a folder on the Airbnb App for Santiago.  Then my honey can go through them and he either weeds more out or narrows it down more.  Once we discuss and both agree we book it.

• A newer feature on the site is that you do not have to pay for the entire stay upfront.  Often you pay 50% and the remaining amount gets charged about two weeks prior.  Also most spots offer you a refund and if closer to the date of departure a nominal fee.  But always confirm these in the booking details prior.  (my booking offers 100% refund until night prior, then a charge for first night and service fee).

What is nice about Santiago is the places to stay are so inexpensive.  Here is a link to our apartment we are renting for a week and it is under $40 US a night!  Total cost for 8 nights is $475.

Our very long flight gets in at 9:30 am and check in was not until 3:00 pm.  So I contacted host prior to reserving to say we would pay for the night prior to our arrival so we can arrive and self check in once we arrive.

Even has a pool on the rooftop

Can some Airbnb not be a good - oh yeah I am sure.  But I have used the services about 15 times now and have to say only one spot was not to our liking at all.  And truly it might of just been an issue with us because so many others loved it and did not even comment about what we did not like.  Should be noted that we have stayed in a lot of hotels too and we have had our share of bad ones, and I mean really bad ones.  Sudbury comes to mind.  Read all about it here.  And we have had more than this one too.  My point is that Hotel/BnB or Airbnb you have bad ones, but a lot more good ones.

The only time I would never book an Airbnb is if I was travelling on my own.  As a woman I prefer the comfort and safety of a hotel.  

I am also looking at sports for our Copenhagen stay.  But something is different here.  I would say 95% of the spaces seem to be people's current home.  Like they rent it out and stay elsewhere.  All the pictures have just way too many personal items - pictures, toys, knickknacks.  I am use to renting places where it is used only for short term rentals.  Even though I have no real issue with staying at someone's home while they are away I just don't like it.

Of course Copenhagen is crazy expensive to stay, tour, eat and drink at.  So we thought staying in a cheaper spot and making at least our breakfast every day would be more economical.  

But I did search through another site booking.com and found that they had some short term rental apartments as well as hotels.  

Still have not booked anything but looking.  

 

Finally we are HERE - Fort Lauderdale

After a long day we are here.  We have to keep reminding ourselves that even though we are tired and hungry and frustrated we know there are so many people who would trade places with us in a heartbeat.

We booked a car for our stay here.  As soon as our flights were changed I went online and modified our booking to reflect one less day (at least we saved some money there). 

I love booking with National (although many do the same) when you arrive you just go to where the cars are and pick what you want.  

So we picked up a Toyota CRV and loaded the bags in.

We are staying at an Airbnb again.  We booked this place for three nights just north of Sunrise Galleria Mall.

Great location, great apartment.  Also the price was the best.  In fact what we paid for three nights was just over what we paid the hotel in Toronto yesterday.

Here is a link to our Airbnb.  Remember if you ever think you may be booking an Airbnb sign up now with this link and save on your first booking.

It is so nice and comfortable.... and right now that bed is looking very comfortable.  We both agree that we need to rest a bit.

We crash for a couple of hours and then around 3 pm we are off to Sawgrass Mall for some shopping. 

The main spot was Target where we bought toiletries for the trip - soap, shampoo, conditioner, sunscreen, bug wipes, and some food for breakfast each morning.

We also hit a few stores and picked up a few items, but we did not spend as much as we would of in past years.  The Canadian dollar is so low that it is just to expensive for us when we convert the price.

A quick meal at PF Changs and we are not surprised how hungry we are, we have not eaten in over 13 hours!

Back at the apartment we watch a bit of Netflix and then fall asleep knowing we can sleep in tomorrow.

Day 31 - We Get Around Montreal Hmmm

Love this art piece called The Illuminated Crowd made up of 65 sculpted people.  The work is by English Artist Raymond Mason.

When we finally get up and dressed we end up reserving our Airbnb for Fredericton in a few weeks.  Now we are set for even a little longer.

The weather forecast is a little ominous!  They are calling for rain this afternoon, about a 60% chance but it is very sunny, hot and muggy right now. But we are prepared just in case it rains.

We walk up to the Metro station and take the Orange Line up to the closest stop to the Holocaust Museum in the Jewish Quarter.  

It is very reasonable to enter at a cost of only $8 each and we spent around two hours inside.

We both thought it was very well presented and moving.  

Again we learned and were very moved by many of the exhibits.

In a section that described how the German people gained a hatred for the Jews and how it spread rapidly.  We learn that the Nazis handed out free radios to German families, and of course Nazi propaganda was spread on the radio.

In schools written on blackboards were the words Jews need to be expelled, or Do Not Do Business at Jewish Business.

Even little children were not immune. Board games that were played rewarded you if you could get rid of Jews in the game. 

Canada was not welcoming to Jews at this time, nor were many other countries.

And the spread of hate here was evident.  Hmmm history is repeating itself. Key is to learn from history and not to repeat it.

Remember you can not change what you do not acknowledge.

At the end was an Eternal Flame in Remembrance. 

Back on the Metro we get off in Little Italy and go to a restaurant that came highly recommended -- Pizzeria Napoletana.   It was good, nothing special.  I have certainly had much better Napoli Pizza in many other spots. Another crazy thing is this restaurant only takes cash! Come on welcome to the 21st century!  I am glad we tried it, but probably would not rush back.

We are close the Jean Talon Market so we walk over and stroll the aisles and enjoy the sights and sounds!  If we were here longer we would buy some stuff.  We agree that when we get to Drummondville we will go to the market and buy stuff there.

I spot Lobster - another thing scratched off my Scavenger Hunt List

Those yummy egg custard tarts that are so popular in Portugal - Antonio we are thinking of you

It has started to rain lightly and we are back on another metro line (we are getting our money's worth in the 3 day pass, cost of $18 each).  

Now we are heading downtown and to the McCord Museum that is located right near McGill University.

When we arrive it seems a little special.  There is a red carpet, and media is set up and wine!  But none of it is for us.  Seems there is a special event happening tonight. The premier of a new exhibit and the event is for the media.

We go to pay and even offer our receipt from the Holocaust Museum as you get 50% off entrance because of it.  But we are told it is free because of the event.  I knew the museum was open till 9 pm tonight but later find out that it is closing at 5 pm because of the event.  

We tour the first two floors and kind of skim past the aboriginal section. Not because we are not interested but more because is a little redundant to us.  We often visit Anthropology Museum in Vancouver and we have learned even more on our journey across Canada.  We are also loosing steam and we are really here to check out the exhibit about Montreal.

So cool - very modernly displayed and enjoyed the textile exhibit.  Remember is was not that long ago that Montreal was a hub for fashion with small business designing, sewing and selling their fashions.  

Stores like Le Chateau, Reitmans and many others started here.

Another cool art piece

When we leave the Museum it is pouring rain.  We pull out the umbrellas and decide walking back to the apartment is probably the best idea.  The bus could take us there but traffic is bumper to bumper and we could probably walk there faster.  This city has a lot of construction happening - roads and buildings - which does not help.  Plus I later find out the power went out earlier and that could of impacted the traffic.  

We are smart we just keep walking and we are back at the apartment about 20 minutes later.  A little wet but feeling invigorated.  Oh and tired, we logged 18,000 steps today.

Tonight we are staying in.  We are not hungry from the later lunch and we have a big day planned for tomorrow.

Day 29 - Montreal Bound - Hello Quebec

It is always exciting when we are leaving a city for a new place.  Today we wake and we slowly get ready.  We load up the car then walk over to the coffee shop to get coffees to go for the ride.

It is another lovely day and we are both ready to move to a new Province.  We have been in Ontario for 9 days!  

We both really like Ottawa and would really like to come back some time.  We also LOVED our Airbnb.

Today I planned to meet up with a high school friend who now lives in Riviere Beaudette which is just East of the Ontario border. 

While driving there we are driving down a country road and are coming into the town of St. Andrew.  On a sign it announces that the grave of Simon Fraser is here! Wow what a small world.  You see Simon Fraser is a well known explorer who explorer and the path to the West Coast.  The large Fraser River in British Columbia is named after him.  In fact we really have to thank him for making sure B.C. is part of Canada.  A university in the lower mainland of Vancouver is named after him.  Simon Fraser University!

We stop and check out his grave.  

But right near it is the grave of John MacDonald who was a Premier of Ontario.  Seems odd that Simon Fraser's grave is so small and nondescript beside the Premier's grave.  Mr. Fraser's was a much bigger contributor to Canada!

I just love when we stop like this and learn something.  Because we are able to just stop whenever we want gives us the freedom to explore!

Today marks four weeks that we have been on the road!  Now when we talk to people many have a lot of questions of where we are from, where we are going and why.  A lot of people notice our license plate and some comment - boy you are far from home - actually we are getting closer to our new home.

We cross into Quebec. There is a lovely sign welcoming us to Quebec but it is right on the highway and there is no place to pull over and take pictures like we have seen in all other province entrances.  So sorry to picture of us entering Quebec.

I meet up with my good friend Lizette from high school.  Oh the fun we had in school.  Lots of sleep overs at each other's place and all the boy talk!

Here is a picture of us today!

Here is a picture of us from high school graduation - 1982 - Richmond Regional High School, Quebec.  We haven't changed - LOL

I have not seen Lizette in around 20 years!  But it feels like yesterday and we spend the next two hours talking and catching up.  I hope we can see more of each other now that I am closer.

We stop at a grocery store for some food items.  We try not to buy too much stuff as we just do not have the storage for it.  So we usually end up buying a few pieces of fruit and often a fruit salad, some vegetables to munch on. Some bread, often some cheese, and today we got some beans as well.  We will have a basic dinner of beans and toast.

Back on the road we are heading to Montreal. We are here for four nights and again we booked an Airbnb.  Here is a link to our accommodations. 

When we arrive there are hot croissants on the counter ready for us!

a whole wall of windows

Remember if you are interested at all in staying at an Airbnb in the future, click on this link and register and when you have you first stay you will get a discount.  

We are staying in a cute studio apartment near Old Montreal and we can walk to many places or easily take transit.

However tonight we are staying in.  We actually have cable!  And one thing we have missed is just relaxing and reading, watching tv, and having a quiet afternoon/evening.  Tomorrow we will hit the ground running.

Here is our scavenger hunt list today:

• Moose
• Deer
• Hitchhiker
• Eagle/Hawk
• Licence plates from every Province in Canada - but you can not count the province you are in.  So if we see an Alberta plate in BC then it counts, but not if we are in Alberta. British Columbia Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, Yukon, and North West Territory
• Skunk - saw a dead one
• Sheep
• Beaver
• Goslings
• Buffalo
• Goat
• Owl
• Bear
• Loon
• Crane
• Prairie Dog
• Fisherman fishing
• Canoe
• Hummingbird
• Antique car on the road
• Old VW Bug
• Car broken down on the side of the road
• Helicopter on the ground
• Airplane on the ground
• Speeding ticket- hopefully not our own
• Ambulance with sirens on
• Dump truck
• Line painting crew at work
• Mail delivery person walking their route
• Cruise Ship 
• Coyote 
• RCMP officer
• Hop on Hop off Bus
• Sea Glass
• Lobster

If you have any items you think we should add to our scavenger hunt list, let us know.

So Today's Stats 
Driving distance today 217 k
Total distance 7377 km