September 18th 1810 Chile officially became independent from the Spanish, and so every year around this day, the whole country celebrates with the Fiestas Patrias. This year it falls at a weekend so I have a lovely 4 day weekend. Chileans go mad celebrating this event- think Christmas style in the UK plus a bit more.
Tuesday was our office party, which saw us head to Los Buenos Muchachos show restaurant. We had a fantastic 3 course meal with wine, chicha, piscola etc watched an amazing show full of traditional dances, and songs with everyone dressed in traditional costume. Obviously it wouldn't be a how without audience participation! And which token foreigner got picked up to go dance on stage? Why, me of course. Luckily it was a pretty easy dance/ run around the stage- but all the same it was good fun to get involved in the Chilean culture. Luckily I didn't have to dance Cueca (the chicken dance) and I do not have a clue how to dance it!
After the show, there was a live band playing more modern reggeaton, cumbia, salsa and whatnot. Everyone had a fantastic night, and we headed home very happy.
At 4am, I awoke to a strange sensation. A bit tired to begin with, I didn't know what was happening but I felt like I was on a giant water bed and someone had kicked the side of it, resulting in me bobbing up and down and side to side like a buoy in the sea. I soon realised it was my first earthquake, lasting for around 15 or 20 seconds. The day after I read that in Santiago it was the equivalent of 4° on the Richter Scale- so pretty small. At least I now know what one feels like and have been told if there is a bigger one that I should run to the main door of the flat and hide under the door frame (apparently the only thing that remains standing in case of the building collapsing).
So, here I am at work with a bit of spare time updating you all. I finish work today, and shall be heading to my first fonda of the Fiestas Patrias. A Fonda is a place you go to eat, drink and dance. Luckily it's free for me through the agency I work for. But I will blog again after the weekend finishes with photos and all! Take care x
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