santiago surprises

here are some of the interesting things i have noticed throughout the 3 weeks i have spent in Santiago

#1 is probably the most trippy/confusing of them all: the streets CHANGE DIRECTION depending on the time of day. good thing i don't have a car to drive otherwise i'd surely find myself going the opposite way down a one way street. one of the main roads by my house is one way during the morning and evening (rush hour) and two ways during the middle of the day. at least i think that's how it works. i just don't understand how everyone knows which way to go because i have yet to see a sign explain all of this.

#2 water goes down the drain clockwise, as opposed to counterclockwise like in the northern hemisphere

#3 "las nanas" often have a very distinct uniform. when walking down the street it is extremely obvious to determine who is employed as a domestic house keeper

#4 often times when traffic is stopped at a red light, street performers go to the very front of the cars and start showing off their weird talents: unicycling, juggling, playing with some huge magic marble-type ball and having it roll over their arms and such

#5 people water the sidewalks. to me this seems a huge waste (especially considering the huge water shortage in the area), but apparently it is to eliminate the heat (it's at least 90 degrees every day during the summer), and to prevent polvo (dust) from getting into the air. despite all of this, i still don't think it is justifiable to use so much water to try and prevent dust and heat since these 2 things are pretty much inevitable.

#6 stray dogs know how to wait at the cross walks before crossing the street so they don't get hit by cars

#7 it's extremely easy to not pay for the bus. i've seen numerous people crawl under the locked turn styles at the front (that only allow you to enter if you scan your bus card) and people entering the exit doors at the back. the bus drivers don't seem to care, but two times my bus has been stopped by traffic police during rush hour, where they proceed to check EVERYONES card to see if they payed. this is kind of a nuisance because the buses are always extremely crowded and it takes about 10-15 minutes to scan everyones card. both times i experienced this they have caught people who didn't pay and pulled them off. i don't know what the repercussions are, but probably a fine. the transportation system is viscous cycle for many people in Santiago because the poor can't afford to pay for the bus/metro to get to work in the first place, which is their only opportunity to make money.

#8 there are no tourist shops whatsoever. however, there are SO MANY shoe stores.

#9 you have to pay for most public restrooms. apparently this is common in other parts of the world, but it is the first time i have experienced it. i had to pay $250 chilean pesos (CLP) which is approximately $0.50 USD, and the person at the kiosk gives you a very oddly shaped coin that fits into the slot at the turn style to get in

#10 when you are lost or need help, there is always someone who will go out of their way to get you where you need to be. you just can't be afraid to ask!