Cause this post is even more overdue. I'm sure the elections are madness in the US, or at least that's what the New York Times tells me, but here they matter too. A surprising amount. I've talked with every Chilean I know about them, literally. And they don't bring them up because they know I'm American, just because. (Funny sidenote: at parties or gatherings I go with my host family too, no one asks who I am. They just figure I'm a random friend, who's quiet, but Chilean)
What I've learned:
1. It is embarrassing how little we know about world politics. Not only can most Chileans tell us the names of the candidates and their party, but last week I listened to a debate about the electoral college, and how they thought it was undemocratic. Everyone kept asking me why we weren't outraged by it. I seriously doubt if the average person in the US can explain what the electoral college is. Although again, this year may change everything.
2. Sound bites-the worst ones are always translated-such as Arnold and his comments that Obama needed to do some squats and but some meat on his legs (and policies)
Related: my host mom asked me what I thought about Sarah Palin running in 2012 before I even knew.
3. Our situation affects so much more than ourselves. The entire world is looking at this election as make or break. Most people couldn't tell you about the specifics of either candidates positions on any issue, but they can tell you McCain is Bush and if Obama doesn't win then they are worried. Just look at the financial situation. When I got here 1 usd was worth 475 chilean pesos. But all of Latin and South America have put their financial trust in the dollar, if it falls they fall. In a month, the dollar has gained 200 more pesos and is sitting steady at 670 pesos.
4. A low voter turnout is an atonishing idea. Everyone here votes on the same day-even if the election is local. So last Sunday, every Chilean was showing off their newly inked thumbprint, it was a source of pride. Even the president showed off hers. Another sidenote: I read on Fox News ( I know-i was going against the grain and expanding my horizons) that the expected voter turnout is projected at 80%? That is ridic high. But true? Anyone?
But the system works a little different. No one is obligated to vote, but once you register you have to vote, and you vote in the same district you're entire life. And absolutely nothing, other than the buses and other forms of transportation is open. Even the mall closes. That's serious. :) Although it helps it's on a Sunday-who wants to work anyways?
I've lost all focus. Needless to say I think I would be ashamed to tell people I wasn't voting. Which is why I'm triple checking and faxing my ballot (after I sent one in and a special write-in for AZ) tomorrow. Speaking of which won't it be amazing if my vote ended up counting and making a real difference. Obama did buy advertisement time in Az. The whole world's a changing.
Lots of love, I want to hear all your voices rather than just update a blog so skype me! and give me your cell phone number if I don't already have it. Technology has become cheap!
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Short Life Update
So I've decided I'm really not that good at this whole blogging thing.
But some quick updates-October=good month. But I really hate global warming-I was so excited for this month to be hot and sunny so I could spend the whole month at the beach, but no-it's been overcast and sometimes cold for the last two weeks. I'm becoming too much like Jules, I need the sunshine. So today was amazing that I got to wake up from a nap and see the sunshine out my window. A beach afternoon on the pier was required.
Mostly this weekend I just realized that I'm practically leaving. It's November 2, Jules gets here in 3 weeks and on November 28 we're leaving Chile. And then I have three in a half weeks on traveling in Peru and Ecuador before going home.
Now it is starting to get real-and I want to make sure I make the most of the next weeks. My spanish is semi-conversational, but it could definitely be better. And I want to spend more time with my host family, cause in some ways I feel like I don't know them yet. But I am really happy being here. Taking a break from your life and going to a place where no one knows you is liberating, although scarier than expected when you don't speak the language. I'm so glad I had this opportunity. It's funny, I was out a friend's house on Friday and her dad asked me "what have you learned other than Spanish?" I think I'm still in the process of answering that, but mostly about myself. Learning what it's like to be alone, or truly independent, when you security blanket of school and family isn't there; learning how to really be outgoing, when you have a small command on the language; and learning to let go of the little things.
I love how Chilean culture runs on it's own time. What that time exactly is mostly remains a mystery to me, but makes perfect sense to all Chileans. For example, stores in Valpo don't usually have a set schedule. Sometimes they're open. Many times and anything remotely resembling a holdiday they are not. And lunch can be a half an hour, 2 hours, or the rest of the day. I thought this would annoy me more, but I like how people don't see the need to worry about profit and productivity every second of the day. I once tried to explain my schedule at school and what I would do on any normal day, and my sister's boyfriend looked at me like I was crazy. He didn't understand how I went to classes, lived on campus next door to boys, worked, had extracurriculars related to school, and had time to spend with friends or not being busy. The idea of multitasking and effieciency were not translating and not because of a language barrier. It's literally undesirable to have that many commitments here. "How do you have time to breathe?" he asked me. I know I was busy last year, but I saw that as a desirable thing. Now, maybe having nights with nothing to do is a good thing. Life doesn't need a constant plan-the best things are the unexpected.
But some quick updates-October=good month. But I really hate global warming-I was so excited for this month to be hot and sunny so I could spend the whole month at the beach, but no-it's been overcast and sometimes cold for the last two weeks. I'm becoming too much like Jules, I need the sunshine. So today was amazing that I got to wake up from a nap and see the sunshine out my window. A beach afternoon on the pier was required.
Mostly this weekend I just realized that I'm practically leaving. It's November 2, Jules gets here in 3 weeks and on November 28 we're leaving Chile. And then I have three in a half weeks on traveling in Peru and Ecuador before going home.
Now it is starting to get real-and I want to make sure I make the most of the next weeks. My spanish is semi-conversational, but it could definitely be better. And I want to spend more time with my host family, cause in some ways I feel like I don't know them yet. But I am really happy being here. Taking a break from your life and going to a place where no one knows you is liberating, although scarier than expected when you don't speak the language. I'm so glad I had this opportunity. It's funny, I was out a friend's house on Friday and her dad asked me "what have you learned other than Spanish?" I think I'm still in the process of answering that, but mostly about myself. Learning what it's like to be alone, or truly independent, when you security blanket of school and family isn't there; learning how to really be outgoing, when you have a small command on the language; and learning to let go of the little things.
I love how Chilean culture runs on it's own time. What that time exactly is mostly remains a mystery to me, but makes perfect sense to all Chileans. For example, stores in Valpo don't usually have a set schedule. Sometimes they're open. Many times and anything remotely resembling a holdiday they are not. And lunch can be a half an hour, 2 hours, or the rest of the day. I thought this would annoy me more, but I like how people don't see the need to worry about profit and productivity every second of the day. I once tried to explain my schedule at school and what I would do on any normal day, and my sister's boyfriend looked at me like I was crazy. He didn't understand how I went to classes, lived on campus next door to boys, worked, had extracurriculars related to school, and had time to spend with friends or not being busy. The idea of multitasking and effieciency were not translating and not because of a language barrier. It's literally undesirable to have that many commitments here. "How do you have time to breathe?" he asked me. I know I was busy last year, but I saw that as a desirable thing. Now, maybe having nights with nothing to do is a good thing. Life doesn't need a constant plan-the best things are the unexpected.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Carnaval de Mil Tambores 2008
I know I haven't updated. But I have been talking to people about Mil Tambores and decided that visuals might help. More life updates soon! Love you all!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6lEKyAudis
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6lEKyAudis
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
It's been a while...
But that's mostly because I've been in Buenos Aires or on a bus for the last week. And I absolutely loved it.
Okay so a full 24 hour day of traveling isn't my favorite, but if the new result is a city I've never been to in a foreign country with Jules and Linda then it's vale la pena (worth it). And Nicole is an amazing traveling buddy and I wouldn't have had as much fun without her.
My second time to Argentina went much more smoothly,I didn't get stuck in the Andes, even though it took hours to cross the border on the way there. So a quick overview, talk to me if you want more details...we explored San Telmo near our hostel, Belgrano, Recoleta, downtown, etc. spent a day in Tigre. Ate plenty of meat and other "Argentine" foods. Drank plenty of wine (we were with Jules). Watched tango in the Plaza (and for a second considered trying before we realized it was out of out league). Ran into old friends and fellow travelers. Made new friends. Had one of my best nights in South America at La Bomba del Tiempo, a live drum show, concert, dance party all wrapped up into one.
And this is what I learned:
1. Never travel with foreign currency unless it is US Dollars. It was ridiculously difficult to find a place to exchange Chilean pesos for Argentine. Funny how they are neighbors but would rather have the USD.
2. I'm not going to beat myself up about my Spanish, because it has been confirmed. Chileans do not annunciate and have poor pronounciation in comparison with most other countries. So if I leave here understanding everyone and keep practicing, and taking classes however much I don't like them, then I will become fluent. It took me a few days to get used to Argentine Castellano, but once I got over the "ll" as a "j" and "vos" not "tu" I could understand them. It isn't that Chileans change verb tenses or sounds of letters. They just see some constants as option and it as unnecessary to pronounce a word in it's entirety. Don't get me wrong, I like mimicking it "gracia" "porfa" "no te precupe" "naa ma" are fun to say. But it can be extremely hard to understand at times when you combine that with incredible quick speech.
3. It's weird seeing friends completely settled and comfortable in a new atmosphere, or more so, it's different seeing them in "their" city and it not being yours as well. But it's good too. It shows that apart we can make our own worlds for ourselves and if our old friendships are strong enough, they won't be any less important in a new setting. And that's comforting to have a secure knowledge of your true friends, especially when there are days where everything here can feel so unsteady or temporary.
4. I'm so happy I picked Valparaiso. I liked Buenos Aires, but at the same time it felt like a large city anywhere. Before going I thought Valpo was heavily influenced by the US. And in some ways it is. But I can't go to a Pizza Hut or McDonalds on every other corner, or go places and expect the store clerk, street vendor, or waiter to speak English. I think Valpo has more character than most cities I've seen. It's smaller, but it's beautiful and unique without trying to be. The hills, the art, and the ocean are all part of everyday life. Yes, there are touristy areas, but the city doesn't appear to cater to tourists. I never expect anyone to speak anything other than Spanish to me, and the city is small enough that a random conversation on the street doesn't have to be sketchy.
Okay so a full 24 hour day of traveling isn't my favorite, but if the new result is a city I've never been to in a foreign country with Jules and Linda then it's vale la pena (worth it). And Nicole is an amazing traveling buddy and I wouldn't have had as much fun without her.
My second time to Argentina went much more smoothly,I didn't get stuck in the Andes, even though it took hours to cross the border on the way there. So a quick overview, talk to me if you want more details...we explored San Telmo near our hostel, Belgrano, Recoleta, downtown, etc. spent a day in Tigre. Ate plenty of meat and other "Argentine" foods. Drank plenty of wine (we were with Jules). Watched tango in the Plaza (and for a second considered trying before we realized it was out of out league). Ran into old friends and fellow travelers. Made new friends. Had one of my best nights in South America at La Bomba del Tiempo, a live drum show, concert, dance party all wrapped up into one.
And this is what I learned:
1. Never travel with foreign currency unless it is US Dollars. It was ridiculously difficult to find a place to exchange Chilean pesos for Argentine. Funny how they are neighbors but would rather have the USD.
2. I'm not going to beat myself up about my Spanish, because it has been confirmed. Chileans do not annunciate and have poor pronounciation in comparison with most other countries. So if I leave here understanding everyone and keep practicing, and taking classes however much I don't like them, then I will become fluent. It took me a few days to get used to Argentine Castellano, but once I got over the "ll" as a "j" and "vos" not "tu" I could understand them. It isn't that Chileans change verb tenses or sounds of letters. They just see some constants as option and it as unnecessary to pronounce a word in it's entirety. Don't get me wrong, I like mimicking it "gracia" "porfa" "no te precupe" "naa ma" are fun to say. But it can be extremely hard to understand at times when you combine that with incredible quick speech.
3. It's weird seeing friends completely settled and comfortable in a new atmosphere, or more so, it's different seeing them in "their" city and it not being yours as well. But it's good too. It shows that apart we can make our own worlds for ourselves and if our old friendships are strong enough, they won't be any less important in a new setting. And that's comforting to have a secure knowledge of your true friends, especially when there are days where everything here can feel so unsteady or temporary.
4. I'm so happy I picked Valparaiso. I liked Buenos Aires, but at the same time it felt like a large city anywhere. Before going I thought Valpo was heavily influenced by the US. And in some ways it is. But I can't go to a Pizza Hut or McDonalds on every other corner, or go places and expect the store clerk, street vendor, or waiter to speak English. I think Valpo has more character than most cities I've seen. It's smaller, but it's beautiful and unique without trying to be. The hills, the art, and the ocean are all part of everyday life. Yes, there are touristy areas, but the city doesn't appear to cater to tourists. I never expect anyone to speak anything other than Spanish to me, and the city is small enough that a random conversation on the street doesn't have to be sketchy.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
Parque Cultural Ex-Carcel
Kate you're cheating if you read this before talking to me.
Estoy teniendo un buen dia.
So this is skipping way ahead of Mendoza and my weekend; kinda. I have to report on something cultural for my comunicacion y cultura clase and I picked the parque cultural ex-carcel after going there on Friday with a friend. So I ventured out alone this morning to go again and talk to people, take notes, pictures, etc. I was told there were tour guides who wandered around but I hadn't seen one and so I showed myself around. I have lots of pictures and as soon as I work out the kinks in Flickr or move to a different sight they will be up. The place is a former prison that closed nine years ago and is now a cultural park of sorts. The cells were converted into artists workshops and the walls of the surrounding yards are covered in graffiti art some commissioned, most not. People play soccer, or have drum sessions, or if I understood right trapeze artists perform? I know that sounds like it was lost in translation, but I think I might be right. In colonial times it was a fortress for the Spainards to protect Valparaiso from the pirates.
Anyways, so I'm getting ready to leave and go home and a security guard appears out of nowhere and starts talking to me. Which is perfect, cause I had to talk to someone for my report and so far had only found a Spainish couple who didn't know much more than me. Anyways he gives me the grand tour again and then when I think he's walking me out, he takes me inside the building and to this locked room with stairs. That sounded sketchy but I swear it wasn't. He tells me to watch my step and leads me out stairs in the old guards path that rises above and circles the entire compound. It was so badass. He told me it wasn't part of the tour, but he was doing just for me. He said it was a safety risk, although I didn't know liability existed in Chile. So I got a view of the whole city and compound from where the guards guarded. At one point I understood the safety thing, because the path broke in two directions and we took the one that cut across the compound. This is where the railing disappeared and I have trying to keep up with a fifty year old as he deftly crossed a 18 inch path 20 some feet in the air, including stairs. I'm glad he didn't see my face, cause at one point I wasn't so sure it was a good idea. But it was completely worth it. I got amazing pictures, made a new friend, and did another thing completely in Spanish and by myself. I like how I'm slowly gaining my independence back.
Oh, and I found kick ass boots 2 for $20 usd on the way home.
Estoy teniendo un buen dia.
So this is skipping way ahead of Mendoza and my weekend; kinda. I have to report on something cultural for my comunicacion y cultura clase and I picked the parque cultural ex-carcel after going there on Friday with a friend. So I ventured out alone this morning to go again and talk to people, take notes, pictures, etc. I was told there were tour guides who wandered around but I hadn't seen one and so I showed myself around. I have lots of pictures and as soon as I work out the kinks in Flickr or move to a different sight they will be up. The place is a former prison that closed nine years ago and is now a cultural park of sorts. The cells were converted into artists workshops and the walls of the surrounding yards are covered in graffiti art some commissioned, most not. People play soccer, or have drum sessions, or if I understood right trapeze artists perform? I know that sounds like it was lost in translation, but I think I might be right. In colonial times it was a fortress for the Spainards to protect Valparaiso from the pirates.
Anyways, so I'm getting ready to leave and go home and a security guard appears out of nowhere and starts talking to me. Which is perfect, cause I had to talk to someone for my report and so far had only found a Spainish couple who didn't know much more than me. Anyways he gives me the grand tour again and then when I think he's walking me out, he takes me inside the building and to this locked room with stairs. That sounded sketchy but I swear it wasn't. He tells me to watch my step and leads me out stairs in the old guards path that rises above and circles the entire compound. It was so badass. He told me it wasn't part of the tour, but he was doing just for me. He said it was a safety risk, although I didn't know liability existed in Chile. So I got a view of the whole city and compound from where the guards guarded. At one point I understood the safety thing, because the path broke in two directions and we took the one that cut across the compound. This is where the railing disappeared and I have trying to keep up with a fifty year old as he deftly crossed a 18 inch path 20 some feet in the air, including stairs. I'm glad he didn't see my face, cause at one point I wasn't so sure it was a good idea. But it was completely worth it. I got amazing pictures, made a new friend, and did another thing completely in Spanish and by myself. I like how I'm slowly gaining my independence back.
Oh, and I found kick ass boots 2 for $20 usd on the way home.
Friday, August 22, 2008
So, completely off topic
I have more to say about Mendoza but I wanted to share my amazing feats today.
I ran errands and was a competent person this morning. I argued to get a refund on my bus ticket and ended filing a reclaim because they told me after 4 dias they couldn't refund my ticket at the office. I returned a converter that the salesman at Easy told me would work on my computer and didn't and got a free voucher out of it. And I chatted with street venders to try to get a deal on a dictionary that I definitely need. I was so on top of things today!
And it feels great to finally be able to do those completely normal things by myself. No I didn't use perfect Spanish, yes I did get asked where I was from 4 times, but I'm starting to realize that may just come with the territory.
I ran errands and was a competent person this morning. I argued to get a refund on my bus ticket and ended filing a reclaim because they told me after 4 dias they couldn't refund my ticket at the office. I returned a converter that the salesman at Easy told me would work on my computer and didn't and got a free voucher out of it. And I chatted with street venders to try to get a deal on a dictionary that I definitely need. I was so on top of things today!
And it feels great to finally be able to do those completely normal things by myself. No I didn't use perfect Spanish, yes I did get asked where I was from 4 times, but I'm starting to realize that may just come with the territory.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
If you just realize...
So what I really got out of Mendoza? The fact that I have amazing friends who I miss more than I ever thought I would. It's different being separated for the summer, because everyone is apart, but people started returning for Oweek last week and everyone is moving back on Saturday, and I would be lying if I said part of me didn't want to be there with them.
Seeing Jules when she threw open the door, screamed, and bear hugged me was one of the best things that has happened to me since I got here. Mostly just because I forgot how nice it is to have someone you love and trust hold you. I normally take it for granted because I am always surrounded my friends or family. It's ironic that I had to go to a country where physical contact is part of the culture to realize how important it is. I've been here for 3.5 weeks now, and I can honestly feel the lack of personal touch. Sure I kiss everyone when we meet, but it isn't the same. Physical contact is so common it is almost impersonalized. Sure we do it less in the U.S, but every touch means more.
I guess really it is just realizing just how independent and alone I am. I feel like I have been independent for a long time, but this is the first time I have ever felt alone. It's only me here. My nearest friends are 20 plus hours away and my family and friends are thousands of miles from here. That's what makes adjusting hard. I think I'm meet great people, my host family is amazing, and I wouldn't change the experience or want to waste the opportunity, but it still is a challenge for me everyday. Everyday it gets a little bit easier, but I appreciate my life in the U.S. so much more.
Which is the other thing I realized: for all the attempts to fight it and denial, I think I'm actually starting to grow up. Seeing two of my closest friends after 3.5 months apart in a new environment showed me how we've began to mature and change. We have always been really different, but we aren't college freshman thinking about the party on Friday or the big test in our Social Psych class. I hope that as we separate and experience new things with new people we are always going to be able to remain close and share the friendship we have now. It hasn't always been easy or perfect, and there are times you want to strangle your friends as much as you want to hug them, but at the end of the day I want them in my life.
Our whole trip wasn't this meijuleslinda love fest, although if you ask the aussie and irish they'll say it was, so my next post will try to get back on track with the insightful and interesting details I am slowly learning about Sudamerica.
Seeing Jules when she threw open the door, screamed, and bear hugged me was one of the best things that has happened to me since I got here. Mostly just because I forgot how nice it is to have someone you love and trust hold you. I normally take it for granted because I am always surrounded my friends or family. It's ironic that I had to go to a country where physical contact is part of the culture to realize how important it is. I've been here for 3.5 weeks now, and I can honestly feel the lack of personal touch. Sure I kiss everyone when we meet, but it isn't the same. Physical contact is so common it is almost impersonalized. Sure we do it less in the U.S, but every touch means more.
I guess really it is just realizing just how independent and alone I am. I feel like I have been independent for a long time, but this is the first time I have ever felt alone. It's only me here. My nearest friends are 20 plus hours away and my family and friends are thousands of miles from here. That's what makes adjusting hard. I think I'm meet great people, my host family is amazing, and I wouldn't change the experience or want to waste the opportunity, but it still is a challenge for me everyday. Everyday it gets a little bit easier, but I appreciate my life in the U.S. so much more.
Which is the other thing I realized: for all the attempts to fight it and denial, I think I'm actually starting to grow up. Seeing two of my closest friends after 3.5 months apart in a new environment showed me how we've began to mature and change. We have always been really different, but we aren't college freshman thinking about the party on Friday or the big test in our Social Psych class. I hope that as we separate and experience new things with new people we are always going to be able to remain close and share the friendship we have now. It hasn't always been easy or perfect, and there are times you want to strangle your friends as much as you want to hug them, but at the end of the day I want them in my life.
Our whole trip wasn't this meijuleslinda love fest, although if you ask the aussie and irish they'll say it was, so my next post will try to get back on track with the insightful and interesting details I am slowly learning about Sudamerica.
Another stamp on the passport...
Another notch on the bedpost,etc. I love sayings.
But really, another stamp on the passport: Argentina!!! This last weekend I went to Mendoza to have my own Rice reunion with Jules and Linda. So this post is going to be in two parts. The first part is pretty basic with what we did, saw, etc. The second part is more of what I got out of the trip.
I took a 8 bus ride through the gorgeous Andes to get to Mendoza. The trip was surprisingly not that bad. I chatted with a French guy who has been studying in Vina for the last six months. I got extended naps. I had plenty of time to get super excited to see Jules when I got off the bus.
I easily found the hostel we were staying at for the first night and Jules found me the moment I walked in the door. We spent the first night just going out to dinner and talking.
The next day we packed up, checked out and met Linda at the bus station and went to our second hostel with free wine! Yes, it was shitty. But nothing a little Fanta couldn't fix! (Thanks Caitlin). As soon as we put our stuff down we headed out to the vineyards with this aussie and two irish cousins from our hostel. We rented bikes and saw Mendoza the way the tourists do. We thought we'd be on quaint dirt roads connecting the vineyards, instead we shared the road with trucks. Although it was kinda fun being almost run over. The six of us sampled wines and learned some basics. Although my favorite was going to the liquor and chocolate sampling place. I had chocolate banana something. It tasted like a milkshake until you got to the strong taste of liquor. But anyplace that gives you samples and free chocolate and marmalades is good in my book. After a day of biking we called it quits and had dinner with a big group from our hostel and went to bed.
Saturday was rainy and cold we did a lot of nothing and went to see Batman at the mall. I'm always amazed by the malls. I think Chileans and Argentines might be as commercial and consumeristic as Americans. We spent the night mostly at the hostel playing games. Kate this is when we broke out sextrology. It is an international hit now. Everyone playing loved it and even came up with great new additions.
Sunday we went trekking with a guide. I couldn't tell you where, but I do know the guide wasn't necessary because the path up the mountain was a road. Although it was nice to have someone talk to us mostly in Spanish and to hear his opinions of life in Argentina. After the hike the three of us hung out until Jules and Linda had to leave for the BA that night.
This is where my transcontinential adventure starts. I was planning on leaving Mendoza early the next morning, but the pass had been closed since Friday. I was still optimistic, especially cause it hadn't snowed again. But during the night some piece of snow plowing equipment broke and all the Monday buses across the Andes were cancelled. Which means I was stuck in Mendoza indefinitely unless I could find another way out. Considering I had only been in South America for a few weeks and I was now alone I decided to try the 30+ hour bus ride to a southern pass to cross. So I got on a bus at 3 PM on Monday and arrived in Santiago at 9:30 PM the next day and took another bus to Valpo and finally got home at 11:50 PM on Tuesday night. It was long, but things could have been worse. I had our aussie world traveler and four american students in Santiago to keep me company. So six days after I left I returned to Valparaiso.
But really, another stamp on the passport: Argentina!!! This last weekend I went to Mendoza to have my own Rice reunion with Jules and Linda. So this post is going to be in two parts. The first part is pretty basic with what we did, saw, etc. The second part is more of what I got out of the trip.
I took a 8 bus ride through the gorgeous Andes to get to Mendoza. The trip was surprisingly not that bad. I chatted with a French guy who has been studying in Vina for the last six months. I got extended naps. I had plenty of time to get super excited to see Jules when I got off the bus.
I easily found the hostel we were staying at for the first night and Jules found me the moment I walked in the door. We spent the first night just going out to dinner and talking.
The next day we packed up, checked out and met Linda at the bus station and went to our second hostel with free wine! Yes, it was shitty. But nothing a little Fanta couldn't fix! (Thanks Caitlin). As soon as we put our stuff down we headed out to the vineyards with this aussie and two irish cousins from our hostel. We rented bikes and saw Mendoza the way the tourists do. We thought we'd be on quaint dirt roads connecting the vineyards, instead we shared the road with trucks. Although it was kinda fun being almost run over. The six of us sampled wines and learned some basics. Although my favorite was going to the liquor and chocolate sampling place. I had chocolate banana something. It tasted like a milkshake until you got to the strong taste of liquor. But anyplace that gives you samples and free chocolate and marmalades is good in my book. After a day of biking we called it quits and had dinner with a big group from our hostel and went to bed.
Saturday was rainy and cold we did a lot of nothing and went to see Batman at the mall. I'm always amazed by the malls. I think Chileans and Argentines might be as commercial and consumeristic as Americans. We spent the night mostly at the hostel playing games. Kate this is when we broke out sextrology. It is an international hit now. Everyone playing loved it and even came up with great new additions.
Sunday we went trekking with a guide. I couldn't tell you where, but I do know the guide wasn't necessary because the path up the mountain was a road. Although it was nice to have someone talk to us mostly in Spanish and to hear his opinions of life in Argentina. After the hike the three of us hung out until Jules and Linda had to leave for the BA that night.
This is where my transcontinential adventure starts. I was planning on leaving Mendoza early the next morning, but the pass had been closed since Friday. I was still optimistic, especially cause it hadn't snowed again. But during the night some piece of snow plowing equipment broke and all the Monday buses across the Andes were cancelled. Which means I was stuck in Mendoza indefinitely unless I could find another way out. Considering I had only been in South America for a few weeks and I was now alone I decided to try the 30+ hour bus ride to a southern pass to cross. So I got on a bus at 3 PM on Monday and arrived in Santiago at 9:30 PM the next day and took another bus to Valpo and finally got home at 11:50 PM on Tuesday night. It was long, but things could have been worse. I had our aussie world traveler and four american students in Santiago to keep me company. So six days after I left I returned to Valparaiso.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Sunday, August 10, 2008
El Dia de Los Ninos
So today was a holiday for kids although as far as I could see and from what my family told me, it's mostly celebrated by taking kids to play in the park, go to carnivals, or the movies and making sure they have get a face paint or a mask and can dress up as what ever they want. And of course they get gifts, their favorite part.
Speaking of regalos, at once tonight, I got one too. Apparently being twenty still qualifies me for gifts. But it was perfect. Slippers for my freezing feet that hate wearing shoes all the time and a HUGE chocolate bar. It was beautiful. I love anyone who gives me chocolate, especially since most of the candy here is sugar-y and fruity or marshmellow stuffed. A real chocolate bar was exactly what I needed. I guess even with the language barrier my family knows me better than I think they do.
More later, I have to book a hostel and do homework (who would have thought?) before I can update you more. And in case I don't get a hold of you later, Happy Anniversary mis padres! I think you'll also be amused to know, I was told four kids is a lot in one family. I guess Chile isn't that different from home. Lots of love!
Speaking of regalos, at once tonight, I got one too. Apparently being twenty still qualifies me for gifts. But it was perfect. Slippers for my freezing feet that hate wearing shoes all the time and a HUGE chocolate bar. It was beautiful. I love anyone who gives me chocolate, especially since most of the candy here is sugar-y and fruity or marshmellow stuffed. A real chocolate bar was exactly what I needed. I guess even with the language barrier my family knows me better than I think they do.
More later, I have to book a hostel and do homework (who would have thought?) before I can update you more. And in case I don't get a hold of you later, Happy Anniversary mis padres! I think you'll also be amused to know, I was told four kids is a lot in one family. I guess Chile isn't that different from home. Lots of love!
Saturday, August 9, 2008
So now you can see what I see....
I have a flickr account and as soon as I figure out how to link it here (i.e. tomorrow morning) there will officially be pictures.
And I just got back from the movies and saw, El Brindis. Google it. http://www.elbrindis.cl/home.html It takes place almost completely in Valparaiso and it a beautiful example of the city. Plus it just showed how many more places I need to explore. I'm feeling super positive about it cause I actually understood most of what was being said. That's always a good surprise.
Rice reunion countdown: 6 days. Me and Jules do Mendoza. I know the rest of y'all get your reunion on Tuesday? at the start of advisor training, but what can I say? we're on Chilean time so it fits we are a couple of days late.
And I just got back from the movies and saw, El Brindis. Google it. http://www.elbrindis.cl/home.html It takes place almost completely in Valparaiso and it a beautiful example of the city. Plus it just showed how many more places I need to explore. I'm feeling super positive about it cause I actually understood most of what was being said. That's always a good surprise.
Rice reunion countdown: 6 days. Me and Jules do Mendoza. I know the rest of y'all get your reunion on Tuesday? at the start of advisor training, but what can I say? we're on Chilean time so it fits we are a couple of days late.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Some interesting things I noticed about the food/eating in Chile (cause obvs. this was going to be a post):
I love my host mom's cooking. She is amazing.
In general all of Chile's food/meals involves pan (bread). Which is great, cause the bread here is amazing. Everything is baked fresh and i think my family goes at least once a day to buy pan. I've even becomes curious what happens to the left over pan at the end of the day, do panaderias throw it out? Because that is internal draining of natural resources.
Bread and toppings make up two meals a day here: Desayuno and Once. For breakfast and dinner there is a basket of bread and every topping and utensil you could ever want. For example, my first breakfast here I was brought a fresh roll toasted with jelly, butter, cream cheese, manjar, ham, a block of cheese, mantecillo, and another creamy cheese spread to choose from. This is basically dinner (once) too.
*sidenote: mantecillo (I think that's what it is called) is this thick jelly mold fruit something. You cut of slabs and it tastes like jelly made that morning. And manjar probably deserves more than a sidenote. It is dulce de leche and caramel, sweeter and Chile's answer to Nutella. That and bread and I could be set for life. I probably eat this at least one a day. And Maya, I tried a churro stuffed with manjar on the street today. You would have thought you'd died and gone to heaven.
Almuerzo is a three or more course meal. Usually a soup, an entree, salad, and dessert. And of of course pan. It will be a miracle if I fit in my clothes when I get back. So far I've had a lot of creamy, quiche like, papas full dishes. The one thing i managed to get across my first night here was how much I love verduras and frutas. So I get feed them all the time or they are added to other dishes. The weird thing is that Chile's agriculture is one its main exports and you can buy cheap fresh fruits and veggies anytime all the time, but you wouldn't know that from their food. All the vegetables are cooked and as far as I know I am the only one in the house who eats fresh fruit with sugar or a syrup.
So I have the sweeter end of the deal as far as food with the host family. Other people in my program have said this have been fed a lot of fried foods or that everything is cooked with oil. The closest I came to complain was on one of my first days here my host mom told me that she had bought pescado frititas (fish sticks basically) for my lunch. I had told her the night before that I love seafood. But it worked out fine I told her I preferred fresh fish and it wasn't a problem.
What I've just recently noticed is how people eat here. Nic it would kill you to eat at a dinner table here. There are utensils for everything. There are at least three different knifes on the table, your own and at least two to cut the bread. Each bread topping has a special serving utensil. My sister laughed at me when I asked for a fork for the dessert, because obviously you'd want to eat it with a chucarita (small spoon).
But what's even more interesting is how they eat. I didn't realize it until yesterday but everyone's fork is in their left hand. Everything gets cut with their right and then use their knife to creat some spork action to get the food on their fork and then they eat. They never switch hands/utensils. And a fork would never be used as a knife. Eating is like an active sport.
I haven't really eaten out to much yet, so I haven't tried the local fav, Chorrillana, yet. But I will sometime soon. Street and restaurant food are definitely different than home cooked meals, but I'll try to fit them in soon.
I love my host mom's cooking. She is amazing.
In general all of Chile's food/meals involves pan (bread). Which is great, cause the bread here is amazing. Everything is baked fresh and i think my family goes at least once a day to buy pan. I've even becomes curious what happens to the left over pan at the end of the day, do panaderias throw it out? Because that is internal draining of natural resources.
Bread and toppings make up two meals a day here: Desayuno and Once. For breakfast and dinner there is a basket of bread and every topping and utensil you could ever want. For example, my first breakfast here I was brought a fresh roll toasted with jelly, butter, cream cheese, manjar, ham, a block of cheese, mantecillo, and another creamy cheese spread to choose from. This is basically dinner (once) too.
*sidenote: mantecillo (I think that's what it is called) is this thick jelly mold fruit something. You cut of slabs and it tastes like jelly made that morning. And manjar probably deserves more than a sidenote. It is dulce de leche and caramel, sweeter and Chile's answer to Nutella. That and bread and I could be set for life. I probably eat this at least one a day. And Maya, I tried a churro stuffed with manjar on the street today. You would have thought you'd died and gone to heaven.
Almuerzo is a three or more course meal. Usually a soup, an entree, salad, and dessert. And of of course pan. It will be a miracle if I fit in my clothes when I get back. So far I've had a lot of creamy, quiche like, papas full dishes. The one thing i managed to get across my first night here was how much I love verduras and frutas. So I get feed them all the time or they are added to other dishes. The weird thing is that Chile's agriculture is one its main exports and you can buy cheap fresh fruits and veggies anytime all the time, but you wouldn't know that from their food. All the vegetables are cooked and as far as I know I am the only one in the house who eats fresh fruit with sugar or a syrup.
So I have the sweeter end of the deal as far as food with the host family. Other people in my program have said this have been fed a lot of fried foods or that everything is cooked with oil. The closest I came to complain was on one of my first days here my host mom told me that she had bought pescado frititas (fish sticks basically) for my lunch. I had told her the night before that I love seafood. But it worked out fine I told her I preferred fresh fish and it wasn't a problem.
What I've just recently noticed is how people eat here. Nic it would kill you to eat at a dinner table here. There are utensils for everything. There are at least three different knifes on the table, your own and at least two to cut the bread. Each bread topping has a special serving utensil. My sister laughed at me when I asked for a fork for the dessert, because obviously you'd want to eat it with a chucarita (small spoon).
But what's even more interesting is how they eat. I didn't realize it until yesterday but everyone's fork is in their left hand. Everything gets cut with their right and then use their knife to creat some spork action to get the food on their fork and then they eat. They never switch hands/utensils. And a fork would never be used as a knife. Eating is like an active sport.
I haven't really eaten out to much yet, so I haven't tried the local fav, Chorrillana, yet. But I will sometime soon. Street and restaurant food are definitely different than home cooked meals, but I'll try to fit them in soon.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
One week in the city....
So I have officially been in Valparaiso for one week.
Being here is harder than I thought it would be. I never realized how frustrating it would be to do simple things like buying a cell phone or figuring out how to ride a bus. And I am abnormally happy for classes to start tomorrow because I want to be able to communicate using more than five verbs, some staple nouns, and a few verb tenses.
But some positives:
I love my host family. We are still in the feeling each other out phrase, but I feel like I can spend time with them when I want to and can do my own thing too. They are super accomodating to my schedule, whether it be class or going out and exploring the city. I still feel awkward sometimes because my Spanish is so basic sometimes they have to go back and explain things to me, but they don't seem to ever get tired of doing it. It is tiring for me, cause I'm listening to what they say, translating, and trying to answer back. If my attention ever wonders I'm screwed because then they look at me and ask, "entiendes?" (Do you understand?) and I have to figure out what it is I'm being asked, because I'd rather not tell them I stopped listening when I couldn't follow the conversation. But overall I'm happy with it, my host mom is super nice, my host Dad is sarcastically funny(I think), and both of sisters seem genuinely interested in what I have to say. Although, I can't wait for the day when I can have more than a one-sided conversation with them.
Some random things:
I will never appreciate central heating as much as I do the first week when I get back to the U.S. Cause it doesn't exist here. Everyone wears all their clothes inside and no one goes barefoot because it is too cold. To keep me warm at night, I have my pololo (chilenismo for boyfriend), and he is the best boyfriend I have ever had because he keeps my feet warm at night. Don't worry Mom, I'm refering to a hot water bottle with a fuzzy pink cover with orange hearts. I also discovered the estufa, a gas space heater I didn't know was for my room until yesterday when it was raining and I went to take a nap and my host mom insisted I use it. It's gas and I'm thinking leaving it on all the time could be dangerous, but I don't care cause it was exactly what I needed to make my nap blissful.
I don't really watch a lot of t.v. at home, but here the show I've seen the most is House. Doctor House is on every weekday at 8 PM and my family, including my 70 or 80 something year old grandmother is obsessed with it. It's fun cause its the one thing we can do together and have equal levels of comprehension. The show is in English with Spanish subtitles. (sidenote: it's a great way to learn Spanish, surprisingly).
I'm thinking about going on my first trip in two weeks, if I can make sure I don't need my student visa. It's kind of crazy because I know so little of Valpo, but if the opportunity comes up I can't not go spend the weekend in Mendoza, Argentina!
Being here is harder than I thought it would be. I never realized how frustrating it would be to do simple things like buying a cell phone or figuring out how to ride a bus. And I am abnormally happy for classes to start tomorrow because I want to be able to communicate using more than five verbs, some staple nouns, and a few verb tenses.
But some positives:
I love my host family. We are still in the feeling each other out phrase, but I feel like I can spend time with them when I want to and can do my own thing too. They are super accomodating to my schedule, whether it be class or going out and exploring the city. I still feel awkward sometimes because my Spanish is so basic sometimes they have to go back and explain things to me, but they don't seem to ever get tired of doing it. It is tiring for me, cause I'm listening to what they say, translating, and trying to answer back. If my attention ever wonders I'm screwed because then they look at me and ask, "entiendes?" (Do you understand?) and I have to figure out what it is I'm being asked, because I'd rather not tell them I stopped listening when I couldn't follow the conversation. But overall I'm happy with it, my host mom is super nice, my host Dad is sarcastically funny(I think), and both of sisters seem genuinely interested in what I have to say. Although, I can't wait for the day when I can have more than a one-sided conversation with them.
Some random things:
I will never appreciate central heating as much as I do the first week when I get back to the U.S. Cause it doesn't exist here. Everyone wears all their clothes inside and no one goes barefoot because it is too cold. To keep me warm at night, I have my pololo (chilenismo for boyfriend), and he is the best boyfriend I have ever had because he keeps my feet warm at night. Don't worry Mom, I'm refering to a hot water bottle with a fuzzy pink cover with orange hearts. I also discovered the estufa, a gas space heater I didn't know was for my room until yesterday when it was raining and I went to take a nap and my host mom insisted I use it. It's gas and I'm thinking leaving it on all the time could be dangerous, but I don't care cause it was exactly what I needed to make my nap blissful.
I don't really watch a lot of t.v. at home, but here the show I've seen the most is House. Doctor House is on every weekday at 8 PM and my family, including my 70 or 80 something year old grandmother is obsessed with it. It's fun cause its the one thing we can do together and have equal levels of comprehension. The show is in English with Spanish subtitles. (sidenote: it's a great way to learn Spanish, surprisingly).
I'm thinking about going on my first trip in two weeks, if I can make sure I don't need my student visa. It's kind of crazy because I know so little of Valpo, but if the opportunity comes up I can't not go spend the weekend in Mendoza, Argentina!
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
So a better recap
If I don't write about Santiago I will forget later.
We spent most of time in Santiago doing one of two things: Recorridos or eating.
We toured most of the major sights of Santiago: Cerro San Cristobal, local and indigenous artisans,Pueblo de Los Dominicos,Cerro Santa Lucia, Pablo Neruda's La Chascona, Plaza de Armas, Palacio Presidencial La Moneda, Cousino Marcul vineyard, etc. and I have pretty pictures that I will post that shows all of the sights. I liked them all and was glad we got to go it is exhausting to travel around a city with 60 other people in a culture you are in the midst of trying to adjust to.
When we weren't navigating the logistics of moving 60 obviously American travelers around a city, we were eating. Massive crazy amounts of food which required us to practically shut down restaurants to feed us.
But some highlights and things I found interesting:
The first place we went to have lunch on the first day was right next to our hotel. We walked in and the waiter spoke to us in English and had the flat screen t.v. already on MTV. It is assumed if you are a young American you must love and watch the channel all the time. It is a sad state of affairs and bad PR for the US if the rest of the world thinks twenty somethings regularly watch shows like Next.
PDA: It is everywhere. Public populated parks, bus stops, etc. And not a peck or short beso, but heavy making out. On our first day we went to Cerro Santa Lucia the hill where Santiago was founded. The location was a lookout and point of defense, but now it is mostly frequented by tourists and couples. When we were there on a Thursday afternoon it was the 40 in our group and couples. Everyone was in twos and most were couples infatuated and if not kissing, super close and lost in each other's eyes. They were completely oblivious to everything else around them. I know Chilean and South or Latin American culture is much more physical and expressive, but it is still a shock to see two people doing what we usually save for behind close doors. Here though, so many kids continue to live with their parents until they get married or move away for some reason. Most of our ISA host families have kids in their mid or late twenties still at home. I guess it is better to have anonymous people see you with your pololo (boyfriend) than your parents.
Dogs: Like PDA, everywhere. They act like they own the streets. I have yet to learn if they dogs belong to anyone, but the vast majority of them are extremely well fed looking and expensive (in the US) breeds. It is normal to see them taking a nap in the middle of the sidewalk or waiting at crosswalk until people begin crossing.
Mullets: No lie. Chileans have them, most are subtle but some aren't. Some of the hip Chileans look like they stepped out of a 80s band.
Pokemon: I am still learning what this is, but the way it was explained to me is that some teenage Chileans are really into Anime and imitate the characters in the fashion and hairstyling choices. I'll learn more, but it is weird to see Chileans with ridiculous hairstyles like an anime character.
Buckingham Palace you are not alone: La Moneda is the presidential palace (even though she, yes SHE doesn't live there) and office and has two guards stationed at the front door. They are the South American version of the no smiling, no moving, Buckingham guards.
Catholic Cathedrals: put the US versions to shame. They are more ornate and intricate than any i have ever seen in the US. Plus most of them have been blown up or partially destroyed in wars and battles and they just get rebuilt again.
More (with pictures) soon! I love and miss you all, I hope you got my mass text before I left the states, and keep emailing/skyping me, there is nothing I love more than hearing from you!
We spent most of time in Santiago doing one of two things: Recorridos or eating.
We toured most of the major sights of Santiago: Cerro San Cristobal, local and indigenous artisans,Pueblo de Los Dominicos,Cerro Santa Lucia, Pablo Neruda's La Chascona, Plaza de Armas, Palacio Presidencial La Moneda, Cousino Marcul vineyard, etc. and I have pretty pictures that I will post that shows all of the sights. I liked them all and was glad we got to go it is exhausting to travel around a city with 60 other people in a culture you are in the midst of trying to adjust to.
When we weren't navigating the logistics of moving 60 obviously American travelers around a city, we were eating. Massive crazy amounts of food which required us to practically shut down restaurants to feed us.
But some highlights and things I found interesting:
The first place we went to have lunch on the first day was right next to our hotel. We walked in and the waiter spoke to us in English and had the flat screen t.v. already on MTV. It is assumed if you are a young American you must love and watch the channel all the time. It is a sad state of affairs and bad PR for the US if the rest of the world thinks twenty somethings regularly watch shows like Next.
PDA: It is everywhere. Public populated parks, bus stops, etc. And not a peck or short beso, but heavy making out. On our first day we went to Cerro Santa Lucia the hill where Santiago was founded. The location was a lookout and point of defense, but now it is mostly frequented by tourists and couples. When we were there on a Thursday afternoon it was the 40 in our group and couples. Everyone was in twos and most were couples infatuated and if not kissing, super close and lost in each other's eyes. They were completely oblivious to everything else around them. I know Chilean and South or Latin American culture is much more physical and expressive, but it is still a shock to see two people doing what we usually save for behind close doors. Here though, so many kids continue to live with their parents until they get married or move away for some reason. Most of our ISA host families have kids in their mid or late twenties still at home. I guess it is better to have anonymous people see you with your pololo (boyfriend) than your parents.
Dogs: Like PDA, everywhere. They act like they own the streets. I have yet to learn if they dogs belong to anyone, but the vast majority of them are extremely well fed looking and expensive (in the US) breeds. It is normal to see them taking a nap in the middle of the sidewalk or waiting at crosswalk until people begin crossing.
Mullets: No lie. Chileans have them, most are subtle but some aren't. Some of the hip Chileans look like they stepped out of a 80s band.
Pokemon: I am still learning what this is, but the way it was explained to me is that some teenage Chileans are really into Anime and imitate the characters in the fashion and hairstyling choices. I'll learn more, but it is weird to see Chileans with ridiculous hairstyles like an anime character.
Buckingham Palace you are not alone: La Moneda is the presidential palace (even though she, yes SHE doesn't live there) and office and has two guards stationed at the front door. They are the South American version of the no smiling, no moving, Buckingham guards.
Catholic Cathedrals: put the US versions to shame. They are more ornate and intricate than any i have ever seen in the US. Plus most of them have been blown up or partially destroyed in wars and battles and they just get rebuilt again.
More (with pictures) soon! I love and miss you all, I hope you got my mass text before I left the states, and keep emailing/skyping me, there is nothing I love more than hearing from you!
Monday, July 28, 2008
Finally....
Finally I have more than 15 minutes free.
First, the flight to almost the end of the world can be painfully long, especially when you almost leave bags in Atlanta, are delayed 2 hours, and start losing altitude at 4 AM. But eventually we arrived in Santiago.
And since then it has been non-stop which is why none of you have heard from me. So quick recap of what I did-massive group time getting to know the 60 other people in the ISA fall programs, and hours of orientation, and then passing out off exhaustion and doing it all again the next day. I left the U.S. on Wednesday morning and right now, Monday night, is the first real break I´ve had. Also we were in the capital city, Santiago until Sunday night in a hotel, so we´ve only been in Valpo for 30 some hours.
So first thoughts? I´m so glad to finally be in Valpo.
And more coming ASAP.
First, the flight to almost the end of the world can be painfully long, especially when you almost leave bags in Atlanta, are delayed 2 hours, and start losing altitude at 4 AM. But eventually we arrived in Santiago.
And since then it has been non-stop which is why none of you have heard from me. So quick recap of what I did-massive group time getting to know the 60 other people in the ISA fall programs, and hours of orientation, and then passing out off exhaustion and doing it all again the next day. I left the U.S. on Wednesday morning and right now, Monday night, is the first real break I´ve had. Also we were in the capital city, Santiago until Sunday night in a hotel, so we´ve only been in Valpo for 30 some hours.
So first thoughts? I´m so glad to finally be in Valpo.
And more coming ASAP.
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