I have discovered that one of the pieces of paper we were given on entry, and since ditched, is actually our police visitors permit, and we cannot leave the country without it! It must be a frequent occurrence because the address to have it replaced is on the tourist map from the official tourist office! I have not told Ted even though I discovered it a few days ago. He would not have slept!
Today I fess up and we find the office listed. There is a mass of humanity lined up outside and inside in stifling heat, clutching pieces of paper. But we soon learn we don’t have to get into that lineup. Obviously natives of the other South American countries hoping to snag permits to live and work in. Chile.
We discover the place we have to go is miles away so snag a taxi and pay $34 for a short ride. Another bunch of people lined up outside and sweltering in the sun outside buildings all along the road. But, oh joy, we just fill in a form, no lines, get a stamp on the new paper and are off legally again. Chilean efficiency at best.
By now we are close to the area we know, but it’s a very hot walk back to the river and central market. We decide it’s time to try the corvina, sea bass, and retire up on the 2nd floor to our fav spot. No corvina today! But they have merluza (hake) which sounds OK. We can only share full meals, they are huge, two whole battered fish with 2 salads, fries, and Ted orders the huge seafood empanada too (OK but very filling). An artery-blocking combo. But 3 huge draft beers wash it all though well. We are getting used to these free pisco sours too.
Beside us two hefty friendly Chilean guys polish off a huge special seafood soup each and assure us that white wine is the only thing to drink with it.
Back on the metro, we stop off at the supermarket for a gallon of cold water (we’re not drinking nearly enough here) and some fruit and yogurt, that will be dinner tonight. Too hot for much more.
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