Presidential Festivities

We have a new president here in Uruguay! As of a few hours ago, Jose "Pepe" Mujica and his vicepresident Daniel Astori took their oaths in the Legislative Palace and marched down the packed 18 de Julio right by my apartment, assuming their roles for the next 5 years. Currently, I am alternating between watching the action on TV and watchin the madness in the street from my balcony. The plaza where the new president currently is making his speeches is less than a block from my apartment, but I cannot actually see it from my balcony due to another tall building placed inconveniently in the way.

Uruguayans are quite passionate about their politics, and also like to celebrate, and this day is the perfect storm of both elements. It was interesting watching them setting up the stage in the plaza throughout the week; you could almost feel the excitement mounting as the days went on. As soon as all the formalities fnish up a couple bands are going to play (they were doing sound checks complete with recorded reggae music, loud speeches, and live music until about 2am last night) and I am certain the crowds in the street will be celebrating well into the morning hours. The day is actually an official holiday, so most businesses and operations are closed as well.

In recognition of the importance of the day, quite a few dignitaries have shown up including Evo Morales (Bolivia), Lula (Brazil), Cristina Kirchner & husband (Argentina), Uribe (Colombia), Chavez (Venezuela), King Juan Carlos of Spain, Lugo (Paraguay), as well as high ranking Peruvian, Nicaraguan, and Guatemalan officials. Oh yeah, and Hillary Clinton is here too, kicking off a regional tour including Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Costa Rica, and Guatemala (the local Communist Party made a banner for the event saying "USA out of the Middle East & Latin America!" -- not sure if that includes me or not). Its pretty interesting to have most of these people staying in a hotel less than a block from my apartment and watching them all hang out together, since many of them dont always get along -- Uribe and Chavez just had a big fight last week in Mexico.

Anyways, thats what is going on in Uruguay today!