Downtown!

It was another eventful weekend in Santiago! (I have a feeling I am going to be having a lot of them) Both weekends now we have headed to the Plaza del Armas which is pretty much the center of town. It's the site of the first congress, Santiago's central church, the former presidential residence, and has a lot of historical ties. On the weekends people descend upon it for street performers, vendors, artists, and completos. Today's picture is of a group of performers that have become famous for their rapid spinning and timed drumming. They come frighteningly close to you and seem to have little control over where they are going, so it's kind of scary. I think you can find videos of them on youtube if you look around a bit. (I could just post a link but then I have to find them, way too much work) The coolest thing that you can find in the Plaza del Armas is the giant healing snail. You kind find these booths set up on most street corners in the Plaza that sell creams made from rare giant snails to heal acne, boils, headaches, hangovers, bad vision, unwanted spots, moles, and unpleasant scents. These snails are (and I kid you not) about the size of my fore-arm. I'm hoping to hold one and take a picture with it next weekend, I assure you it is utterly revolting.