Santiago de Chile
“So close yet so far” OR “between street fights and street parties”
I think these are the right words for my visit in Santiago. It was really educational to see the situation there with my own eyes.
In the news you will see only the bad things, street fights, crime, suffering. But if you are standing in the middle of the protests, you will see the truth. It was terrifying, brutal, warmly and communal, all in all!! But I have to say that I was in Santiago after the most brutal time. Since my arriving there have been over 50 deaths and over 200 lost eyesight (the military was ordered to hit on the heads and on the eyes – no eyesights mean no graphity and no protest marches). The locals called the current situation, civil war.
I also had to feel it myself. I groped my way every day closer to the Plaza Baquedano or better known as Plaza Italia and one day I went too far. I was in the middle of the protest marches but I have to say at this moment it was safe. But it changed one second to the other. They came from the front with water cannons and tear gas. I couldn’t breathe because of the tear gas. However, it got worse. The military also came from behind, there was only one way out, the right lane was still free. But not for a long time, the militäry also came from this side. We were in a mouse trap. everything was planned exactly. And then it started, water cannons, tear gas and ground troops.
I am sorry, I have no pictures of this action. The only thing I did was running away. My eyes burned because of the tear gas and I was wet from the water cannon. After this action the military reformed for the next attack. The only difference this time was, I was behind the military. I will never forget this brutality of human beings. The worst thing for me was that the military hit its own people, Chilean.
And now the craziest is coming. A street festival was in full swing about one or two kilometers away from the Plaza Italia. Children danced on the street, several live bands played and everywhere people were dancing, drinking and partying. The world is crazy!!
I also had great experiences, for example:
At the street party I met an excellent musician, jazz drummer.
I did two Free Walking Tours. At the first I met Fanny. With this beautiful girl I spent my first Advent. Thanks for this nice day!! We were also in a museum about the history of South America and Middle America. I was also was at a cool street market with her.
The best thing is coming =) I had a reunion with Lisa =) I don´t need no more words about her, everybody knows her =) I did my second Free Walking Tour with her, the market tour. It was awesome!! I also drunk the most important drink in Chile, Terremoto (earthbreaker) =) nice strong Cocktail =) I met in this old bar two beautiful Chileans, the barkeeper and his friend. We talked about the Chilean situation, I got so many interesting information about the whole system there!!
What else…..
I went up to the Cerro San Cristóbal statue and did some prayers.
I also had the best reunion ever =) !!! Familia Patagonia forever!!! We had a nice evening at their flat, with some beers, Activity and Uno!! This flat was on the 19th floor, so I saw Santiago at night like a bird!! Very very nice!
I think that was all, enough impressions for one city!! My trip is going on, up to Calama and San Pedro the Atacama!!
Be First to Comment