We woke up to a quiet world this morning here. Since everyone celebrates Chrsitmas Eve, last evening was a build up of voices, music, Spanish songs, barking, cars, and the din escalated steadily until midnight when it hit a crescendo and died. Our high perch was a perfect vantage point from which to take it all in.
Last night the family below our window had a tree in their backyard with wrapped presents under it, and spent the evening outside with family, food and musica until they unwrapped things very late into the evening - mostly at midnight, and disappeared into their house for the night.
This morning's calm reminded me of a poem, De Stovepipe Hole, and the first line, " Dat’s very cole an’ stormy night on Village St. Mathieu, W’en ev’ry wan he’s go couché, an’ dog was quiet, too " (Spoken with French accent). Even dogs take a holiday it seems. Our friend on the roof included.
We spent a wonderful day with friends Fabio and Vicky as they toured us around Valparaiso, Viña del Mar, and down the coast to places like Reñaca and Concón where there are endless beaches full of Christmas revelers just out enjoying the day, restaurants, beaches etc. There was no real indication that it was Christmas Day really, just another day.
We stopped for lunch at a place which was a combination of picturesque, quaint and eloquent. We watched as seals jumped in the waves, forcing fish to the top for the patiently waiting pelicanos which would dive bomb for their dinner.
We stopped to stroll along a stretch of walkway and had a drink on a patio before making our way back up the hill along the winding roads to our home away from home.
We called home to Ottawa and Hamilton where our families are enjoying turkey dinners and all that they bring. It's sure a weird feeling to be so far apart on this day, but also nice to see different cultures and how others live and celebrate. Happy and sad I guess.
On to New Years and fireworks we missed at the creek on Christmas Eve!
And to all a good night...
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