Things Ive observed in Santiago #3 • Young lovers kiss and cuddle everywhere -- the metro station steps, the trains, the roots of these giant trees in the park that I must learn more about, but especially by the urban river at dusk: even the stray puppies curl up in pairs nearby. • I havent seen many people walking their dogs. Is that not a thing here, or do people sequester their dogs? I need a dog. • Pablo Nerudas home is well worth the climb. Google La Chascona and you will be amazed. • The American ambassador lives in a huge walled compound around the block from our apartment. Still waiting for our dinner invite. • Ive had very limited phone and Internet access while here and it suits me just fine. Did I miss anything big? • The cost of living is about the same as where were from (equivalent housing is even more). • Im eager for an earthquake – just a teensy one. Shades of my childhood…. is that so wrong? • The top right-hand dryer is the best one, according to the maid I met in our buildings laundry room (washer and dryer in an apartment is rare). It costs $4 to wash and dry a load. • I have no freaking idea how to work the remotes on our A/C units. That is problematic. • Coin currency is confusingly minted in different sizes for the same amount; the 50 peso piece is larger than the 100 peso. Both are worthless on their own. • FROM FRANK: Lady bike riders need to realize the view they present from the front as they are bent over while riding, so maybe they should consider this when dressing. NOT! • Most homes here do not have A/C. I wont go to them. • About 30 percent of the populace smokes, and theyre all walking in front of me on the sidewalk. • The guys a few levels below us are watching a futbol game and screaming as if theyre being tortured. It’s great fun to listen. • Dont have a car, dont want one – very liberating to not hate people in traffic.
Posted on: Thu, 14 Nov 2013 20:07:06 +0000