Day 16 – Sailing the Pacific Ocean

Tim and I looked forward to the first of two days at sea before we reach Valparaiso, Chile, the port closest to Santiago. 

After a very lazy morning, we made our way to the World Café for another special event. Executive Chef Beni and his culinary team prepared a Corallina lunch, a traditional savory Chilean dish. Ours consisted of a bowl of lettuce and salted French fries topped with beef, a fried egg, caramelized onions, shredded cheese, and fried arugula. It was a very unusual combination, but quite tasty.

Restaurant Manager Alfredo, Head Waiter Genesis, and My Corallina Lunch

The highlight of the day, however, was a special event that I had arranged with Restaurant Manager Alfredo. Because there are so many crew and passengers on board who sailed together on the World Cruise, I wanted to arrange a reunion where we could all get together and have a chance to catch up. Alfredo was receptive to the idea, and we selected this afternoon for the event.

Viking World Cruise Reunion Invitation

Nine of the ten crew members were able to attend, and it was so much fun to spend time with these wonderful people and learn a little more about them. It was a bit strange that Tim and I knew the crew better than the three passengers who came, so I enjoyed getting to know them as well. I think everyone had a good time. I know I did!

Dave, Lynn, Khyati, Ralasha, Danang, Asif, Grace, Ron, Bob, Ashley, Joan, and Margie 

A Fun Reunion

There was a Viking Farewell Reception late this afternoon for those passengers disembarking in Valparaiso on Thursday, but Tim and I decided not to attend. We are very happy that we will not disembark until four weeks from now.

Tim and I dined this evening at Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant. It was a nice change of pace for us, and the food was excellent.

Insalada Caprese and Sea Bream with a Lemon Butter Sauce, Peas, and Pureed Beets

I was enjoying myself so much at dinner that Tim had to remind me of this evening’s lecture that I had wanted to attend. I arrived a few minutes late to Matias’ talk on “Chile: A History of Contrasts.” Since we will be spending a lot of time in Chile, it was interesting to learn more about this country.

Chile: A History of Contrasts