The Chilean Apartment

As I sit here in an internet cafe (doesn't serve food, is only a hall type thing full of Chilean weirdos) in central Santiago, only a few streets away the HQ of Chile's Investigative police (like the Australian Federal Police) is burning down. The HQ is not too far from where I stayed for the first two nights- the Sama Hostel; someone should burn that down.

Come to think of it, much of Santiago could do with being either burnt, bombed or simply knocked down; so much of it is so run down and dirty that it doesn't amount to much more than third world standards. They would be better off starting from scratch. However I have since moved into Eduardo's flat in Providencia, a more affluent area (fewer stray dogs), it is much more pleasant and comfortable than the hostel, and even has hot water although its a bit tricky to get it going.

Have spent most of today shuffling between Chilean International Police offices so as to get my 'Cedula' which is an identity card that is compulsory- what a hassle, beauraucracy here is worse than in Australia.

Eduardo is very nice (and very short), there is a miserable German with a buzz cut named Jenz also staying there, one of Eduardo's pipe puffing friends from Spain, Marcel. And also another Chilean called Jonathan (odd name for a chilean) who I think is Eduaro's 'partner' (still trying to work out if they are gay). Anyway last night we all watched 'The neverending story' in Spanish; can you imagine it?- 2 chilean poofs, a VERY stereotypical German, a stoned Spainard and me all watching what was a bad enough film in English, let alone Spanish.

Anyway must close now, would be good to hear from any of you that can be bothered. Will post again soon. Bye.