The promise of a warm, sunny Mother´s Day prompted us to shake off the dust and smog of the city and take a road trip to Valparaiso and Viña del Mar. They are coastal communities and although they suffered damage from the earthquake, it was business as usual for the locals. Amid damaged buildings, the port was bustling with ships and a large flea market filled the boulevard. Business was brisk and people bartered for goods new and old.
On our way back to the city, we took a detour into Casablanca. While we did not spot Humphrey Bogart, we did find a true jewel in the valley. The Casas del Bosque winery was open for tours. Aboard a tractor pulled wagon we wound our way through acres of grapevines of varying colors until we reached the top of the rolling hills. From there, with a light warm breeze gently rustling the ornamental grasses, we sipped wine and enjoyed the view while being serenaded by a jazz combo. It truly was a breathtaking experience.
Despite having suffered the loss of 10,000 litres, they carry on the wine making process and proudly displayed their premium products that have won them awards and are exported world wide. Gracias to Casas del Bosque for the wonderful afternoon.
Our mini United Nations has grown this week with the addition of an Argentinean, and a Swede. We continue to review claims and await our move out of the crowded CAT room to a floor below us dedicated to the Disaster Team.
Thankfully we have not experienced any recent rumbles to rattle our nerves.
More next week from our Calgary colleague Mike Stewart.
- Carolyn Vroom
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