We have a new president

As of today, there is a new boss in the presidencial palace. Her name is Michelle Bachelet, and she´s the first woman ever to assume the Chilean presidency. Former number one, Ricardo Lagos, handed over the presidency and it´s accessories (a red-white-blue ribbon, some medals) in a ceremony in the Congressional building in Valparaiso.
Later, me and Macarena went downtown to check the pulse of the city. We arrived to the Palace just in time to see some famous people stroll out the main doors. I´m not very well oriented in chilean celebrity, but apparently we saw two persons known from tv. We lingered for a while, hoping that a rumoured appearance of the newly installed Ms President would come true, but soon the massive police presence marched off and the crowds followed shortly thereafter.
On our way home we passed the enormous Hotel Hyatt. Condolezza Rice is staying there tonight, and no other guests are welcome. Apparently, Hugo Chavez intended to stay there too but had to find another place to crash. Now, Ms Rice, don´t be rude, surely there must be a bed left for Hugo...
Evo Morales, Bolivian president, pulled a joke on Ms Bachelet when he gave her a charango for "Happy Presidency" present. You see, a few weeks ago Lagos awarded the same thing to Bono of U2 when they visited the country. This puzzled the Bolivians, who consider the instrument to be a symbol of their culture, rather than Chile´s. Bachelet caught on fast and gave Morales the "You crack me up" look.