The Election

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!

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.