Two weeks in Santiago
Alejandro took me to La Piojera. Santiago’s famous bar that combines the best of Chilean culture with barrels of alcohol. Former Chilean President Arturo Alessandri first coined “La Piojera” in 1922. When he walked into the place, full of working-class men, he exclaimed, “What is this place, a flea house?” Thus the name “La Piojera” (where fleas live) was born.
It’s no surprise they call their number one selling beverage a “terremoto” (earthquake). One terremoto and anyone’s well into slurred DMCs with random strangers at neighbouring tables. An x-rated ice cream float of Pipeño (a sweet fermented wine), pineapple ice cream and a mystery black liquor, all served in a big plastic cup. A great start to a fun and partly blanked-out Saturday night.