Last supper

After the 6pm procession, I head to the church where the 8pm procession will start. It's just 6 minutes walking distance from where the Canadians made 9pm dinner reservations. The church is pretty barren except for the two centrepieces that will be used for the parade. There are a few people inside taking pictures. I have a look inside and take a seat to wait. At 8pm, it's pouring rain, so I see organisers frantically trying to decide if to keep the procession inside, but the rain stops by 8.15 and the start to make a move. There are more masked people, but this time, it's not so spooky as the pointy hats aren't white. It's interesting how perception can change feelings so dramatically. There isn't any music inside to move the centrepieces outside, but when I get outside, I realise the band is out there. They move slowly through the dark streets towards the cathedral.

I head to the restaurant to meet the girlies. Since I'm early, I get a glass of red wine and some olives. The bartender isn't friendly and keeps trying yo move me down the bar and then isn't pleased that I'm putting my olive pits into a tissue and rudely pushes a dish in front of me. I try not to focus on him, and people watch a bit smiling at various customers as they enter. I'm the only one flying solo. I start pondering my solo travels. Usually I wouldn't go to a bar at night so this is a new experience. I feel a bit out of place here. Maybe it's the language barrier as I'd not blink twice about going to a bar alone in London. I quite like going out solo as it's easier to talk to people, and people find it easier to approach you. Before I get too far down the rabbit hole of thought, the Canadians arrive.

They are smiling ear to ear. It's remarkable how chatty and friendly some people from North America are. I forgot that living in London for so long and I sort of miss it. We've only known each other for a short period of time and already shared so many personal stories. Maybe it's the circumstances of us suffering together that make the bonding seem so intense so fast. Dinner is good. They try scallops and pork cheeks for the 1st time. They are so lovely and excitable over small pleasures that it's cute. We're all sad that this is their last night in Santiago. Hopefully, we'll cross paths again on future travels.Read more