Four-Day Weekend

The whole country of Chile pretty much closed down for the Independence day celebrations and the military day celebrations back-to-back. Mrs. Globetrotter and I went to Parque Intercomunal to see the festivities. Apparently it was the place to be--we saw several other Embassy families there too.

There was lots of entertainment, such as the dancing kids from Easter Island, a province of Chile, and lots of good-old-fashioned cueca dancing with men and ladies dressed up from a by-gone era.
Calf catching was another popular activity, but not for the faint of heart.
On the parade ground they had some type of extravaganza showing the history of Chile, enacted by dancers and people on horses. They went from the prehistoric times through the Spanish colonial period, with the integration of the native tribes and Easter Islanders. There didn't seem to be much historical after that, perhaps because Chile's last half century makes a few people uncomfortable, and perhaps because there haven't been many landmark or proud moments to boast about.
The Indians on horseback performed amazing stunts on their horses. The next day, we ate at a vegetarian fonda, which carried all of Chile's traditional holiday delights in a non-carnivorous feast.
That night, we watched the military parade at the Escuela Militar from our balcony, and watched a brilliant fireworks display.
My honey made some delicious soup over the weekend. I keep trying to spot a subliminal message in the cream poured over the top, but I realize that the message is staring me in the face: my wife loves me enough to make special healthy soup just for me, sprinkled with _____. Honey, what is that again?
On Saturday afternoon we took a walk on the hills overlooking the city, and found a warm sunny patch to relax. To celebrate my birthday on Sunday, we packed a picnic lunch and had a good time outdoors. Back at home we ate the delicious volcanic mountain cake my wife had lovingly made for me. It even had snow at the top and an edible erupting core, thanks to some creative research on her part. I really do have an amazing wife--who else would go to so much trouble to make such a unique and birthday cake for me--I love mountain climbing, and Chile has several active volcanoes. The cake & ice cream helped me assuage that creeping feeling that I am getting closer to geezerhood.