2024 - A Whole New World

I am staying near University de Santiago (Chile) in the middle of town, and the hash was way out on the eastern edge of the city. Last week in La Paz, the city was all ups and down, and the trail was mostly flat. Today, Santiago is mostly flat (with huge mountains on the outskirts to the east and west), and trail was all uphill for the first half, and all downhill for the second half. We had beautiful scenery the whole way, an excellent trail. Upon finishing, and a couple of rehydrating beverages, we circled up for some fun. After all the customary down downs, we adjourned to the pool for a refreshing splash, followed by a most excellent BBQ. Good times on the hash. On the other hand . . .

It has been one heck of a year, so many great hashing stories, but also so many losses (more than any year before). Among some other personal things, today my wallet got pickpocketed for the first time ever. Long story, but short version is . . . got on a crowded subway, traveled to first stop, then soon after moving again . . . train screeches to a halt. We sit for 10 minutes with no ventilation, then finally move on to next stop. Everyone is directed to get out. We are waiting for the next train, and about 1/3 are able to get on. Next train, another third, and then while waiting for the 3rd train, I notice my zippered pocket is open and my wallet it gone. Some little sneaky bastard got me. Fortunately, before leaving today, I took out most of the non-essential cards and cash, so only lost about 40,000 pesos (US$40), credit card (now frozen with two suspect charges), and my driver’s license (good thing I can get that replaced next week back in Florida). BUT . . . all’s well that ends well. Stay thirsty my friends.Read more