Paro Nacional (National Strike)

The Chilean national strike which began yesterday has intensified today.  The large marches earlier today were approved by the government until 2:00pm.  In the center of Santiago, about 400,000 people participated.  The marches were relatively peaceful, but after 2:00 they began to become violent and there has been lots of destruction and confrontation between the policemen and citizens.  Right now, it seems as though all of the city's air is filled with tear gas.  I only have to step outside my door, and my nose and throat begin to itch.  We have been carrying lemons around with us to use in areas were the gas is especially bad.  The streets are strangely quiet...shops are closed down, and people linger around their houses wondering what will happen next.  Thousands of youth roam the street and there is broken glass, remains of burnt trash, flattened street signs, overturned garbage cans, sprayed paint, and general debris throughout the street.  We will see how things continue tonight.  Here are some picture...a reflection and more information to come later.