Transantiago

Well, as you probably heard/saw, AU lost a great game against Villanova. Hopefully we'll get another shot (ba dum PSH!) next year, but as most of our good players are seniors we'll have to see. But this means I can throw the full weight of my support behind the Memphis Tigers without guilt. Go Big Blue!

Back to Chile.... this post is about Transantiago, the public transportation system here in Santiago. It's overall a really clean and efficient system, which is good because I have a long commute to get to school. Every morning I walk 4 blocks to the bus stop, take a 10-20 minute bus ride (depending on traffic) to the metro, go 13 stops, then walk another 3 blocks to the university. All in all it takes about 45 minutes.

The metro here is really nice. There are 5 lines that are given both a number and a color for some reason. Ironically, my university is on the red line, just like AU. Unlike DC, however, the trains are always running. I don't think I've ever waited longer than 2 minutes for a train (which means you can do better Bethesda). Each metro station has a different design, usually with tiles but sometimes with big paintings. It's really beautiful. The stations have fun names like Tobalaba, Baquedano, and Irarrázaval. They play music videos on the platforms and in some of the newer trains (usually Leona Lewis for some reason). The trains are very clean overall, although you do get the occasional tumbleweed of hair, it's just really, really hot. There's no air conditioning except for the wind from the train's motion. Also, the trains stop running at 10:30, even on the weekend, which is extremely inconvenient.

The La Moneda metro stop (I did not take this picture)

The buses, or micros, are very nice as well. The ride can get a little crazy with quick acceleration and stops, but that just makes it fun! Those "bus only moves when doors are closed" signs are just for show though. The most interesting part of riding the bus is that there's a thriving informal market of people trying to sell you stuff. It's usually drinks or snacks but there's been some weird stuff. I've seen Chinese band-aids, school supply kits, and nail scissors. People jump on the micros to perform, too. Sometimes they're rapping, sometimes they're playing the drum, but there have been some classy ones too. One time we got a string trio (i don't know how the guy carried the cello around all day), and yesterday I was on a bus with a full panflute band. It always makes for an interesting ride.