Weird looks and awkward conversations. Nothing says that you're an American more than not even managing to order bottled water. These first few days have been more of a crash course in learning to blend in rather than stand out. So far I've figured out how to ride the metro and find my way to the nearest bar. Santiago has been an exciting city in my limited time here. There seems to be a chaotic clutter of people running from destination to destination mixed with a sense of tranquility amidst all of the madness. Aspects that combine to create a lively atmosphere that has proved to be energizing and exhausting simultaneously. I was looking for a way to capture this vibe, but was lucky enough to have a first hand demonstration. As I walked out of my hostel today to go have lunch I made it all of two blocks until I saw something bizarre. In front of me I noticed these two dudes holding bricks in their hand, yes, bricks. Being blessed with slight common sense I crossed the street and observed the action outside of striking distance. As it turned out these brick holders were yelling at a couple other guys and kept running at them pretending to chuck the bricks at them. It was so absurd it turned comical. As they kept yelling back and forth they kept running at these other guys with their arms cocked and bricks ready. Eventually the bricks were holstered and both tough guy groups walked away. It was unlike anything I'd ever seen and even now I know I'm not doing the scene justice. However, right after that I'm walking to the metro and there's a lady casually playing the flute on the corner. The amount of change between those two minutes is the kind of chaotic tranquility I'm talking about. It brings your attention to the everyday encounters that might go overlooked.
Jeff FoxSpending a year in Santiago, Chile teaching English. Hoping you give a little insight into my adventures. Archives
October 2015
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