November 10: Arrival in Santiago, Chile

Cell phone image inside airport, Santiago, Chile

By Dr. John

The overnight flight is not crowded and sleep comes while stretched across 3 seats. Entering the country the following morning requires three forms and a fee. The Pago de Reprocidad (Entry Reciprocity Fee) is $140; a credit card works fine.

The Tarjeta de Turismo (Tourist Card) includes your name, passport number, and the reason for the trip: Vacation, Business, Conference, Health, and Other. I am not sure of the Health one, but hopefully it refers to outdoor activities.

The third form, the Welcome to Chile Affidavit, a declaration of what you bring into the country. Items for disclosure include fruits, vegetables, and meats including "fresh dried, dehydrated, frozen, and argo-processed". I declare a package each of SeaBear wild salmon, Five Star teriyaki ahi tuna jerky, and several Tanka Wild buffalo sticks and bars. I should have brought more.

My oldest son, John Michael, traveling from Buenos Aires were he has lived since January, is there to meet me. Stepping outside, we find Santiago bathed by a clear, sunny, cool day. A cab takes us to the central market repleat with fresh catch from the nearby fjords and the Pacific. Lunch of sole and salmon at the Galeon, recommended by the cab driver, is delicious. Bottled spring water, Vital, found at almost every stop, is clear and without aftertaste.

Following lunch, we find a nearby Internet caffe - there are many around, however, most don't serve anything. Often small electronic stores, they sell internet access in 15 minute increments. After sending e-mails notifying family and friends of our arrival, we walk in the town center and stop at a book fair held in an classic, converted railway station.

A cab takes us to the Terminal del Sur (southern bus terminal) for an overnight ride to Puerto Montt. The small snack or breakfast boxes mostly contain grains and are avoided. Simple lesson: carry on your Paleo treats and declare them.