Birthday surprise........

Well my birthday surprise from Susan was....a trip to Viña del Mar. She said we had to leave the house by 8:00, but didn't tell me where we were going.

We hopped the bus to Tobalaba metro station, on our way there, saw our first accident here, Even though they drive crazy have not seen any accidents. Seems taxi and small van had a problem when one of them was exiting the gas station We got on the metro and were heading to Pajaritos metro station. That is about 18 stops from Tobalaba. We had never been this far on the Metro. I still was not sure  what she was doing. When we got off I could see the bus station... so she bought our tickets, the only problem was they didn't understand that we wanted a round trip ticket.. no problem.

Here are pictures of our trip to  Viña del Mar

Our bus

First toll stop

It is about an hour bus ride from Santiago to Viña del Mar.

Our approach into Viña del Mar

Well we made it with no issues, was a nice ride.

Here are some pictures we took:

Susan had me take this picture as she liked the dress

Santa 

This is the name of the cafe we ate at.

These pictures are of the Wulff Castle.

We didn't get a chance to go in as it was closed and wasn't opening again until 2:00 PM.

More pictures of the bay

We had a great time, the only problem..... is we both kinda of got sun burnt. Susan is more burnt then me.... me just a little sore today. But Susan says she is hurting...even to wear clothes...

Happy Birthday ....to me

Well yesterday was my birthday...am I getting old. It's a bit different usually is cold on my
birthday, not 60.

Our neighbors brought over a present for me... a nice wine bottle opener and wine  and  candy. Laugh, we needed the wine open as we didn't have one.

Also had a surprise, our son Ryan called from North Caroline, haven't heard from him in a long time.We had a good chat.

Susan hasn't given me my present yet.... she says it needs to be a warm and sunny day....? Not sure why, it has been cool last couple of days... today is overcast,expecting rain.

Well here are some new pictures

 The pictures below are a building that once was the home of the President of the Chile Supreme Court, now its individual  shops.

pretty cool.
One thing we have notices is that they spend a lot of money on Santa displays in the malls. See below

 That is Santa, inside a snow globe...sorry not very clear was taken with my Iphone.

Here is another Santa display in another mall:

Well afterwards, we went outside and visited small outdoor shops next to the mall

this is a Merry-go-round next to the mall.

caught the clown before he turned away...

Susan getting us fruit smoothies, as it was quite warm out

The below pictures are taken at Jumbo, a grocery store in side the mall. Jumbo always does something cool 

And then we have the Nativity , here is ours:

then this is the one as you come into our Condomino Elmo

 hard to see, but baby Jesus is not here in the manger....? Why.....because here in Chile, baby Jesus is placed in the manger on Christmas day.. and then you sing Happy Birthday to him....

Well guess time to post. Hope everyone is doing well, drop me a note.

¡Feliz Navidad