...and the riots continue.

Working at one of the most left-wing-educational-institutions-with-communist-affiliations in Santiago certainly makes life interesting. The first set of protests I wrote about took place around Chilean Labour Day, whereas this week they have been "practising" for September 11th; no, it's nothing to do with the 9/11 terrorist attacks, but instead marks the 1973 military coup, which signalled the end of Salvador Allende's socialist government and the beginning of Augusto Pinochet's tyrannical dictatorship.

Different motives, same methods; three times now I've had to rush towards the back entrance with a tissue covering my nose while masked protesters and police engage in an explosively symbolic confrontation. There's no need to fear though - the students are well-versed in dealing with such madness and have taken good care of me. A useful tip when dealing with tear gas: suck on a lemon, it will never have tasted so good.

Riots aside, I have had to contend with the city's chaotic transport system while manically searching for somewhere more permanent to live. I swear I will never complain about overcrowding on the tube again; changing lines on the Santiago metro with what seemed a like a thousand-odd others was a whole other experience. Thankfully, I've managed to find myself a lovely flat with mountain views and cable TV! Roll on amazingly over-the-top South American soap operas.

As for the work, it looks like I will mainly be assisting the teachers by acting as a human dictionary/sharing my uniquely "British" views on life - sounds well challenging don't it. I will also be expected to run a kind of "cultural program" on Wednesdays i.e. show films, play music and the like. Any other ideas would be very much appreciated. Did I mention I now have two weeks holiday? It's a hard life...

Riot!