January 21, 2025

PUERTO MONTT, CHILE 

This port was all about volcanos and waterfalls. To maximize seeing the sights we ended up doing a Port offered excursion for $50/pp for about 6 hours, in a private van. There was 5 of us from VVR ( Bob & Sarah, Anna, Sherrie & Me) and 5 others from the MSC ship, that was also in Port, plus our driver and guide. We ran into many other Villa Vie Residents, like Wade and Starr above, who were doing similar routes along the way. Our first stop was Petrohue Falls, which are feed from the hills of the near by Osorno Volcano. The chute type falls are more like rapids, with only a few vertical drops visible. The crystal clear, green hued water surges through the rocks at the base of the viewing area.

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Next we headed back along the same road and stopped along Lake Llanquihue, where we had clear views of both Volcan Osorno, the 2nd most perfect shaped conical volcano after Mt Fuji, and the further south Volcan Calbuco. Below is Bob and all the Ladies!

We also got to explore a little bit in the town of Puerto Varas, the city of roses. Rose bushes are everywhere in full bloom as it's summer here. This town has a very cool chalet vibe - lots of wood clad houses and businesses all no higher than 2-3 stories. There was a large German settlement here after WWII. When they came, they found the climate very similar to southern Germany and stayed. So wanted to find some German food for lunch, but we didn't have time.

Our tour guide was very enthusiastic and a really sweet young lady. Asked her about some of her and Chilean Favorites and here's the recommendations:

  • Favorite candy bar - Nestle Super 8 - tried one in next port - not a fan - chocolate wafer w peanut dusting.
  • Special Cocktail - a Terremoto or Earthquake - made w/coconut ice cream, grenadine & Pipeno(sweet white wine) - still looking for
  • Notable Singing artist - Los Iracundos - driver played some of their songs in van for us

We had a little bit of time when we got back to cruise port, so they told us about this local statue that is so ugly but has become a landmark because so disputed and known - "The lovers" and it sits on beach promenade.

KOH SAMUI, THAILAND - Final Day

By Pat Patrick • July 14, 2026
I really enjoyed my first trip to Thailand! On our final morning here we went to try breakfast at this spot, down the road, we had been hearing rave reviews on, King Of Bread . The hype was correct, the breakfast was delicious and they had some unique choices. I had eggs benedict on a croissant, in lieu of the standard english muffin and Bosco had it on Milk Bread, which was equally tasty.

KOH SAMUI, THAILAND - Cooking Class

By Pat Patrick • July 14, 2026
We love having authentic experiences with locals to really get a chance to see how they live and thrive in the Ports we visit. So when I found a cooking class, by a local woman offered in her home, we were excited to book. Um ( our teacher) picked us and brought us back to our hotel along with the family of 4 from Sydney, Australia, that had also signed up for this afternoon class. Um's house, which has a lovely open air kitchen, garden and dining area, was about a 30 minute drive and turned out to be on the beach, right next to the Grandparent Rocks.

KOH SAMUI, THAILAND - NIGHTLIFE

By Pat Patrick • July 14, 2026
The nightlife scene doesn't really get going till after 11pm and goes till 5 am in the Chaweng section of Koh Samui . We made our way over to the club district, and one of the hot spots called the ArkBar a little past 10pm to have some dinner, while watching the beach fire shows.