Big weekend in Santiago

Unlike the Argentinians and Uruguayans, but like most of the world, people mostly go out dancing until 3-4 am. For my colleagues and I at California Cantina who get off work at 3 am, only "afters" are available for the weekend party. Yet, last Friday I had the night off, therefore we completed the full Chilean check-list with;

1) "Previa" (pre-drinks) Lots of their (acclaimed) national drink Pisco mixed with soda! (Picture to the left). As a "gringo", I´m not even qualified for the DJ position, as Cumbia and Reggaeton dominated the previa.

2) "El baile" (dance club) I am surprised by the extent of electronic music that is played, but they seem to really like it!! Latin tunes you need to look for in the city! 

3) "El After" (after party) For those who hasn´t had enough just yet! (And those working until 3am) They can be hard to find, so find yourself a local who knows where one is! Generally fills up at 5-6ish. 

Chilean karaoke and dance!

4) And then; "El After After" (at someone´s house) Generally not recommended for those working the next day (I´m not sure how some of my friends managed with the Saturday shift!) We picked up boxes of Budweiser and enjoyed the morning sun at my friends house. At some later point, the mic and amplifier were taken out, and the group joined together for some karaoke and dance to Chilean Cumbia. - Not bad Chile!! When the hunger started to kick in, I found my way home in the afternoon for some food and a good nap!

See you again soon Peter!

After a few hours of good rest, I´m up again! A good friend of mine is throwing a fare-well party, which you should not miss! So, after a quick shower, some food on the run, and the next case of beers in hand, I´m ready for the next stop! The party proved to be a success as many close friends showed up! As I was one of the firsts ones to arrive, I witnessed all the Chileans arrive with their precious Pisco in hand. Amazing snack food was prepared and a bond fire lit in the backyard. The stereo music was in the early hours replaced by acoustic as the few of us remaining gathered around the fire.

Bondfire & Acoustic music!!

I was offered a couch, and enjoyed a well deserved rest! - Luckily not all the weekends are as "big" as this one!