3/13   Yesterday was pretty much spent getting to Talca. We had to take 2 buses. Total of about 7 hours.  Once here, we grabbed a taxi, who ended up taking us to the wrong hostel. After a nice drive around the city, we got to the right place.  At first we were a little concerned. The area by the bus station looked really seedy and our hostel was suppose to be pretty  close to the station. But, we are on a dead end street, at the end, right next to the little river. Perfect. To top it off, the whole place is gated, but inside you would never know. T and I have our own room. There is a beautiful garden to sit and relax in. The only bad thing, we can't use the kitchen to cook. So......last night we walked around the plaza area and found a "happy sour" not happy hour place. We had our first completos and a pisco sour. These are hot dogs with tomato, onion, mashed avocado and mayo. Yummy, and a staple here. I think I would just leave off the mayo next time. The pisco sours are quite strong and one was enough for me. G had a 2nd one. We also went looking for the office for the wine tour B and G want to take.  As we were walking, some girl understood us and offered to help. Turns out she worked for the tourism office. Go figure. Anyway, she helped us but it was closed. We did a little more planning and went to bed.
This morning, up at 7:30 so we could get to the office in time to catch a tour today. But, no tours from here. Somehow B and G got it wrong. So instead, we went to a local vinyard on our own. We jumped on a bus to San Javier, the next town over, and the driver let us off right at the end of their drive. We loved the tour. It was just us 4 and the girl was so good. Baluduzzi is the vinyard. Small, but well run. We got to taste 6 different wines. I liked the late harvest best.  After, she suggested a local restaurant in town. Oh my goodness. We got the Chilean version of the garbage plate. French fries, sausage, tons of onions, pork pieces, chunks of cheese and 2 fried eggs on top. I could only eat about half. See below
We took the bus back and walked around exploring the town. Partly to walk off what we just ate. T and I are taking a train to the pacific coast tomorrow. It is a slow, local train and I guess it is very interesting as to the locals you see on it. I like this kind of cultural thing. Anyway, it is 3 hours and costs $4 US.  Once there, you take a minibus to these amazing sand dunes. There is a local fishing village as well. Should be fun.
B and G are going to a park an hour away to hike to another waterfall.
The train leaves at 7:15am so it's off to bed.