Perros y Palta in the Windy City

Punta Arenas is a colorful port town that has expanded over the years along the Strait of Magellan.  I don’t know a lot of history about the place, but I recognize it’s liveliness.  They have a small town square with permanent artisan vendors surrounded by bustling one-way streets lined with countless pedestrians no matter the time of day.  From a large hill on the outskirts of the town center, you can see all of the brightly painted rooftops with the strait and Tierra del Fuego in the background.  It’s quite a sight that makes me wonder why urban areas in the U.S. seem to have such an obsession with or social obligation to beige.  During the summer in southern Chile, strong winds and dramatic clouds are an all day, every day experience, making for beautiful skies that seem to go on forever.   
    As with many other cities and towns outside of the U.S., the residents that really run the show are the stray dogs that prowl the streets day and night.  No, they aren’t really as scary as all that, but more than anywhere else I have ever been, these animals seem to have character.  Some sleep on stoops, some play around on the beach in pairs or threes, some follow you down the street in packs, some viciously defend their sidewalk territories, others you wonder if they are even still alive.  One particularly interestingly individual chauffeured our group across two street intersections, just like a crossing guard.  It walked at the head of our pack, barking proudly until we reached the diagonally opposite corner, and then just sat quietly at the curb as we walked away.    
    Another prominent feature of Punta Arenas was something I never would have guessed.  Palta, or avocado, is a staple of almost every dish.  In fact, you would be hard-pressed to find a sandwich without it.  Ave palta is the signature sandwich, which is chicken breast, mushed avocado, and mayonnaise on a flatbread bun.  I have no idea if it is grown locally, but it makes me wonder why they charge us so much money for avocado in the States when it comes automatically in sandwiches, salads, and soups here.  Fantastic, but odd.