Santiago

Sadly, most of places that I enjoyed going to are not the same anymore. As an example, Parque Almagro is not an option anymore because it's crowded of hobos and policemen. On the other side, Parque Forestal was really great when a fair was installed and you could buy music, movies and clothing really creap. You could also enjoy an ice-cream at "El Emporio de la Rosa" and watch juggling tricks, as well as learning and playing yourself, if you were able to. But now, the fair is almost gone, and the Park is crowded with policemen. You can still practice juggling tricks, though, just beside the "Museo de Bellas Artes". I miss the free performances of La Rompehueso (a chilean blues band) outside the subway, too.

I think I've replaced the joy of these places with strikes or "marchas", because I meet most of my friends (those who are not my classmates) and dance and sing with the bands of fanfare or "murga"... You can also scream a lot, and feel a little more civilian, conscient and activist. As long as a "marcha" is a party, I enjoy it.

Santiago is a beautiful city, but its beauty is very hidden. I think it is mostly in the ancient part of the city, like Santiago Concha neighbourhood, just beside the "República" subway station. Nearby is the Plaza Brasil, which is a very nice place, specially on the day, because there are a lot of kids playing around.

I would recommend Parque O'higgins and Plaza Bogotá only when there are singers or performances of any kind, because they are usually free and you can enjoy music and information with a lot of people. Also, both are really close to my place.