Tear Gas

...it hurts. A LOT.

I was walking to class on Thursday- one of the days that I knew there would be a paro, but had to go to class anyways for a personal lesson from my video professor- and was hurrying to the campus from the bus stop. Suddenly, I noticed a burning smell, and looked up to see that a tree by the sidewalk was scorched black, and the ashes of many papers were scattered all over the road. Just as I was contemplating this, I turned the corner to see two large tanker trucks, and a huge line of policemen lining the road ahead. they were spraying a fire hose into the campus. My first thought was "man, how am I going to get to my class?" But this sentiment quickly passed as I noticed that the high pressure hose was being sprayed at students. They were hiding behind trees and falling when the hose reached them. In shock, I asked a woman what had happened as she rushed past me. "What always happens" she responded, and hurried away. Looking around, I suddenly noticed people with masks on, rushing away from the scene. At the same time that I realized what was happening, it hit me. My eyes started burning with an incredible intensity, and the air suddenly felt like poison in my nose and throat. I immediately started rushing away, but the breeze carried the gas far away from the campus. I broke into a full out sprint all the way back to the bus stop, trying to cover my face with my sleeve. On the bus, the air coming in the windows eventually helped to clear the air, but most of the people on it were red-eyed and coughing. I tried to wipe my eyes and breathe through my shirt, but everything I did seemed to make the burning worse. It finally stopped after about half an hour on the bus. I decided to go shopping afterwards, and found a fantastic new store near my house, which was wonderful and greatly improved my mood. I later found out that there had been a "toma" at the faculty, which means that the students locked themselves into the campus in protest. I still don't know exactly what they were protesting against- I think it had to do with getting more scholarships- but I am learning that Chilean students find many opportunities to protest. I technically shouldn't have had any classes this week due to the protests in my different faculties! I'm a little resentful, since I enjoy my classes and am now quite clear on the fact that I don't enjoy tear gas.

So, that is my adventure story of the week. Hopefully the next one is a bit less painful!