wow. what a day! I went to la marcha! -- a protest march from plaza Sotomayor to the congress building (I realize this means absolutely nothing to most of you...I get to say most of you now because my parents actually do know these names and places! anyways, this walk is approx 2.5 km according to googlemaps.
I got there at 10:30 and stood with my group of gringo friends watching different groups of students arrive according to their carreras (majors). They started walking around 1pm with lots of shouting, chanting, dancing, singing, jumping, running, laughing, yelling, waving, etc. We stood on the sidewalks taking pictures of interesting signs and what not.
Technically foreigners aren't allowed to participate in protests. If caught, they can be deported. However, walking a long side taking pictures, buying a Chilean flag and waving it, and chanting with the crowds isn't hurting anyone - so says my chilean mom who attends many of these sorts of things. She's quite the activist. This particular march has to do with the education system here in Chile. According to one of my professors, their Constitution claims education as a human right. Therefore, the lack of free and public universities is a violation of their rights because many students cannot afford education here. This is why they are protesting.
At the end of the protest things got a little.....interesting. exciting. rowdy. The students decided they were going to push the limits (litterally) and break through the barriers that the police had set up around the congress building. The police knew this would happen and were thus ready with their sheilds and guanacos. guanacos are the big tanks of either water or tear gas seen bellow.
I was amongst the crowds of [smart] people who ran away to a safer place to watch the more feisty people toy with the police. I did not get sprayed directly, but since air travels my throat was burning a bit and it caused me to sneeze uncontrollably for a while. The hardcore students who stayed in the front lines got soaked and yet continued throwing rocks and chanting at the police at least until I quit watching.
After finally making it home (there were a few close calls with the guanacos) I excitedly told my host mom all about my experiences. She reprimanded me gently for forgetting the salt to help my burning tongue and throat but seemed pleased that I had thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
A little later in the evening, Diego and I ended our crazy march day on the streets of Vina del Mar playing guitar for an hour. we earned 850 pesos or $1.50. That was the first time we played and sang for money. It was fun! I want to practice up a little more for the next time. I like when people stop to listen to a few songs, but it also makes me a little more...aware of the skills I'm lacking. I'm glad this isn't what I have to rely on for my only income like some people who live here. I think I'll be a little more generous with tipping the street performers from now on!
All in all it was a wonderful and cultural day. If you haven't figured it out by now, I absolutely love this culture and these people :)
I got there at 10:30 and stood with my group of gringo friends watching different groups of students arrive according to their carreras (majors). They started walking around 1pm with lots of shouting, chanting, dancing, singing, jumping, running, laughing, yelling, waving, etc. We stood on the sidewalks taking pictures of interesting signs and what not.
Technically foreigners aren't allowed to participate in protests. If caught, they can be deported. However, walking a long side taking pictures, buying a Chilean flag and waving it, and chanting with the crowds isn't hurting anyone - so says my chilean mom who attends many of these sorts of things. She's quite the activist. This particular march has to do with the education system here in Chile. According to one of my professors, their Constitution claims education as a human right. Therefore, the lack of free and public universities is a violation of their rights because many students cannot afford education here. This is why they are protesting.
At the end of the protest things got a little.....interesting. exciting. rowdy. The students decided they were going to push the limits (litterally) and break through the barriers that the police had set up around the congress building. The police knew this would happen and were thus ready with their sheilds and guanacos. guanacos are the big tanks of either water or tear gas seen bellow.
I was amongst the crowds of [smart] people who ran away to a safer place to watch the more feisty people toy with the police. I did not get sprayed directly, but since air travels my throat was burning a bit and it caused me to sneeze uncontrollably for a while. The hardcore students who stayed in the front lines got soaked and yet continued throwing rocks and chanting at the police at least until I quit watching.
After finally making it home (there were a few close calls with the guanacos) I excitedly told my host mom all about my experiences. She reprimanded me gently for forgetting the salt to help my burning tongue and throat but seemed pleased that I had thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
A little later in the evening, Diego and I ended our crazy march day on the streets of Vina del Mar playing guitar for an hour. we earned 850 pesos or $1.50. That was the first time we played and sang for money. It was fun! I want to practice up a little more for the next time. I like when people stop to listen to a few songs, but it also makes me a little more...aware of the skills I'm lacking. I'm glad this isn't what I have to rely on for my only income like some people who live here. I think I'll be a little more generous with tipping the street performers from now on!All in all it was a wonderful and cultural day. If you haven't figured it out by now, I absolutely love this culture and these people :)
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