Bus Clowns, Wines, and Beer

Something I will miss about Santiago are all the street performers who entertain you at the red light or take your mind off the fact that the bus driver is piloting his spruce goose of the Santiago bus fleet like a driver at Le Mans mainlining red bulls just to make it past that 23rd hour.
These men and women will dress up in everything from clown suits to mime gear. They will play music with a band of friends or throw down some serious chilean rap to the always soothing dre-snoop beat of ain't nuthin like a G thang. Never mind the guy ripping off a perfect rendition of some bach on a pan flute while the bus reincarnates the horse chase from zorro

While my folks were here, the conversation often turned to the fact that the Chilean economy is leading the South American continent. At a time of serious economic pain in the States, the Chileans have barely flinched as their long-term economic planning, that took some heat during the good times, has now paid unbelievable dividends. Squirreling away revenue like batteries and bottled water before a storm, the Chilean finance minister was able to save for a rainy day. Boy, are they putting it to good use now! The city continues to grow each day with new housing and commercial properties being built in every direction. It's not hard to look at their brand of capitalism and be a little envious. It seems like a place where you could truely pull yourself up by the proverbial bootstraps.

From the food vendors selling spring rolls and sandwiches made in their kitchen that morning, to the guy Cait and I bought new socks from as we waited for the crosswalk light to change...this place just oozes capitalism and opportunity. It's really impressive.
We're looking at a long weekend that serves essentially as their memorial day weekend. The official arrival of daylight savings time and the fantastic weather that we've had a taste of this last week. After visa problems, weeks of double classes, bad weather, and a fun but exhausting week of hosting my folks...cait and I are looking forward to some food, a bbq and some relaxation. No better way to start than a little beer and wine sampling night with guacamole and a movie.