El Kiwi en Sudamérica

World carnival celebrations #184

Well, I mentioned in one of the comments that I should write little articles on stuff that goes on here in general- instead of the usual boring posts about my life... so here is the first instalment:

Carnival is celebrated in many different countries around the world- Most notably in Rio de Jainero, Brazil. From what i've gathered over the years the idea is to go crazy for a few days, be a bit naughty before Lent, a time of giving up things, of being a good boy/girl.
The way the locals here in Arequipa celebrate (well, one of the ways) is an 18 day long water fight, starting on the first of Febuary, and culminating on the 18th- were everything goes mad.
Supposedly it's the classic boys v.s girls battle (guess who gets really into it?) but quite often the victim is indiscriminately targeted (I guess that has to do with the ''lets do all the bad things we can before it's too late'')
From what i've heard from Anthony about it it's a real pain for motorists- It pretty much makes it a necesity to have the windows up or you're gonna get wet.
I even saw the bus I was about to take a few days ago get pelted (naughty kids, can't you wait a few days?) so things are starting to heat up...

So, I'll keep you posted on all the developments in this tradicion. I should really get some supplies in the next few days, find a good place to hide, and drench some unsuspecting 'chicas'!


In boring news about myself I got my hair cut two days ago, with mixed reviews.
I'm somewhat afraid that i'll lose my magical powers or something. It's been funny some of the coments at the institute, mainly in the lines of ''oh, there's a new student'' but it's been all good. I think I prefer the big hair- but I couldn't leave it forever. So, I guess I'll need to wait 5 or 6 months for it all to grow back...
Fotos of the hair do are on the way...

Anyway, look after yourselves, and God bless

Nathan

posted by Nathan Sinclair @ 7:24 PM