I'm just saying...

Because it wouldn't be traveling without poking some fun... 

This is the sound system on the bus we took out to the beachside "resort" in Palomino. A simple wiring plan I think you'll agree. Obviously.

The good news always being that they never exceed a comfortable volume level so everyone can enjoy the music. Oh wait I got that wrong... the goal actually seems to be 'How can we get blood to pour out of the passengers ears without using a scalpel?'. My mistake.  It is one of the themes on this continent.

  BLARE anything you have. 

It is not unusual to be walking down the street past a minimum of two shops (door by door), clearly battling the airwaves alongside a live act playing on the street also pumping the beats, layering in taxis honking over and over. I've actually had moments where I just cover my ears.

Rocking in a ball on the curb is only days away. I know it.  

South Americans also like to speed and generally ignore any road rules. Rules? What rules?  I'm not really sure they have any, I'm just thinking back to ours I think.  I've been on so many buses who advertise in the ticket booth that they publish their speeds inside the bus. I had assumed this was because the drivers would follow the speed limits more and this is therefore desirable to passengers. Living through the drive and al that. Turns out that it is untrue since they almost never actually work. Ohhh you were so close South America. Good effort. 

This is another gem... the old Open 24hours sign for a pharmacy that actually never seems to open their doors. I almost want to guess that the location has moved but I don't see any arrows so I'm thinking no.

South Americans also have a much different understanding concerning "personal space". Seemingly they actually don't need any. It is a subtle thing but feeling the heat of strangers on all sides is totally undesirable. At least to me. A favourite Nikki quote "I should not be able to feel your groceries in my back as I wait to pay". Agreed.   In line at a coffee shop the other day I felt so crowded by this one guy I actually turned around and gestured as if to say "is there something in front of me you need to see?" Blank stare in return. No step back. Serenity Now. I mean it is soooo hot here don't you want some air space? MAYDAY

My favourite is the graffiti.

No matter how small the town there is a worthy artist.

Palomino is a blip of a town, but I wasn't left hanging.

Thanks to all the artists who make the streets come alive. You are inspiring and I have "lifted" your creativity into my journal at each opportunity.

There are of course plenty of quirky South American traits I will miss and have enjoyed laughing at and struggling through.                                                 Felt like you might enjoy a sample.

xo
b