that this time there was a longer break in updating the blog. It's because I've been working! That's right, I got a job in a photography studio! But believe me, it sounds better than it is. ;)
Anyway, last weekend the Chileans were celebrating Fiestas Patrias - Dieciochera which is a celebration of country, culture and independence. September 18th is the day when Chile became independent from Spain nearly two centuries ago.
Copa Davis
During the same weekend also the Davis Cup matches between Austria and Chile took place in Rancagua, an hour's drive from Santiago. Of course we had to go!
Entrance to Davis Cup in Rancagua.
The teams introducing themselves.
The Austrian team.
Lukas feeling sentimental with the Austrian national hymn.
The Chilean opponent Nicolás Massú.
The Austrian player Stefan Kubek.
The stadium.
A true fan, which got us also to the national TV and radio. 
And another one. Being as blond as I am is easy to spot from a group of Chileans. Here with Lukas's workmate Reiner who arranged us the tickets to the match.
The Chilean audience.
Dieciocho
The 18th of September is celebrated during the whole week. This includes parades, dances, drinking, eating traditional Chilean food, and music.
We learned to dance cueca, the traditional Chilean dance at the language school a couple of weeks ago. The teacher is explaining the theory.
Lukas putting the theory into practice.
And then was my turn.
This is how the real cueca dancers look like. Here they were performing it in a parade on a street near to our home. There are many parks in the city where people can go and spend time outdoors. We found one few blocks from home and went exploring.
This is how a five Euro entrance to such a park looks like in Chilean pesos. 
Parque Ines de Suarez was filled with Chilean families just spending time there.
Lukas trying his luck in some petanque style game. 
A Giant Ferris Wheel for children. 
The local farmers presented their handicraft skills.
The day in the park was warm and sunny. 
The programme included for example an acrobatic performance.
Buying some fruits dipped in chocolate and some red sticky stuff that got stuck in your teeth.
On the way home we found a nice little plaza. 
And we saw a parade where the local navy guys where marching!
Escuela de Carabineros, the local police academy, were also introducing themselves.
A long line of lady police officers, all of same height. 
Lukas and a police lady.
