Crazy People are Everywhere!
Published by Matt at 9:15 PM
Today we moved into our new hotel (B&B actually). It's much better than the Sheraton, albeit a little more out of the way. It's only a US$2 cab ride to the historical center though so no big deal.
We visited some sights including the Plaza del Armes where kids were frolicking in the fountain (kind of strange) while parents watched. On the other side of the historical center we saw some sort of demonstration for Jesus...they kept screaming things in Spanish I didn't understand but I knew enough to hear how much Jesus loved me several times. Funny that a religous demonstration had the federal military out en force.
Our night ended with a stroll through the quaint neighborhood of Bella Vista where we witnessed probably the most horrific thing Vicki and I ever saw. No need to go into details but the bottom line is that we were 50 feet from a hit and run involving a taxi and a small child. People went crazy chasing the taxi (which didn't stop), people were crying, and a huge throng of people surrounded the scene all on thier cell phones to the local vesion of 911 yelling "PRONTO, PRONTO, PRONTO!!!" It was truly aweful; I was shaking and Vicki wanted to see if she could help, but so many people were around I thought it best we kept our distance while the child's family and friends took care of the situation (especially with the high emotions and language barrier). We stayed close though and within several minutes authorities arrived; we can only hope that the child will be alright. It reminds of how wicked a world we live in where someone could do something like that without stopping...
We visited some sights including the Plaza del Armes where kids were frolicking in the fountain (kind of strange) while parents watched. On the other side of the historical center we saw some sort of demonstration for Jesus...they kept screaming things in Spanish I didn't understand but I knew enough to hear how much Jesus loved me several times. Funny that a religous demonstration had the federal military out en force.
Our night ended with a stroll through the quaint neighborhood of Bella Vista where we witnessed probably the most horrific thing Vicki and I ever saw. No need to go into details but the bottom line is that we were 50 feet from a hit and run involving a taxi and a small child. People went crazy chasing the taxi (which didn't stop), people were crying, and a huge throng of people surrounded the scene all on thier cell phones to the local vesion of 911 yelling "PRONTO, PRONTO, PRONTO!!!" It was truly aweful; I was shaking and Vicki wanted to see if she could help, but so many people were around I thought it best we kept our distance while the child's family and friends took care of the situation (especially with the high emotions and language barrier). We stayed close though and within several minutes authorities arrived; we can only hope that the child will be alright. It reminds of how wicked a world we live in where someone could do something like that without stopping...
7 comments:
Glad to hear that you're happier with your new hotel.
Thank you for your beautiful photographs along the way. Keep on clicking and flashing!
We are so sorry that you had such a horrific experience! It's just like the nurse in a person to try and pop out at such a time, but we're happy to hear that help arrived soon for the child.
That is terrible thing to see, sorry to hear. Yesterday we saw a taxi hit the breaks just in time to tap an older mans knee and he fell to the ground(we were not in the taxi). Apparently he was ok but that alone was scary to see. I can relate a little to your story except a small child makes it much worse... Sorry guys...
We're sorry to hear about it. It's a really sad note to end out your trip on. :( I wonder if anyone got the taxi #. The taxi drivers were soooo crazy when we were down there! It sounds similar, if not worse, in Santiago. I wonder what the car accident percentage is involving them.
Did anyone ever see the movie "Bella"? It's a movie with a similar subject matter and it also addresses the grief that ensues.
Walk with caution!!!
luv, Autumn
You are seeing everything from Jesus marches to hit and run. Lots of events. Hopefully the rest of your trip will be better, starting with your new room.
As the desk sargeant used to say on Hill Street Blues, "Let's be careful out there."
ddd
Autumn, it was very similar to Bella...I had just passed the little girl with the ball & then after the horrible sound of the collision I saw her ball bouncing back and forth across the street & then the horrified shrieks of her family and bystanders. Not fun. (I, however, doubt the cab driver is a South American hunk whose personal development will be stunted by this experience as he didn't stop). Ciao
Hey Matt and Vikki. Wow, that is really terrible. It was nice of you to try to help. Taxis are definitely crazy down there. What a jerk for driving away. I hope she is ok and that it is the last of your bad experiences down there.
Hey Matt and Vikki. Wow, that is really terrible. It was nice of you to try to help. Taxis are definitely crazy down there. What a jerk for driving away. I hope she is ok and that it is the last of your bad experiences down there.
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