TravelStream™ news feed for member lakaitgreg on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/lakaitgreg en-us Copyright ©2009 TravelPod.com Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:02:17 -0400 http://www.travelpod.com http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lakaitgreg/6/1256079626/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lakaitgreg/6/1256079626/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lakaitgreg/6/1256079626/tpod.html Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:02:17 -0400 Unexpected Adventures in Chile

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Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile

Thanks to Christopher Columbus, we here in Chile have a day off on Monday. Because of the day off on Monday, everyoneeee went to Mendoza. I however, am saving my money, and thus did not go to Mendoza. Therefore, in a roundabout, mathematical way, I can blame Christopher Columbus for my solitude this weekend.

 I'm not necessarily complaining. On Friday I wandered all over Valparaíso alone. I really mean all over Valparaíso too because I was walking around the city for over four hours, by myself. I had nothing on me but my ipod and my metro card, and I had no intention of doing much aside from walking. I went down streets I don't believe I've ever seen before, and I hiked up cerros that I still don't know the names of. I took no pictures, and I made no notes. I did not stop in a single store, and I didn't even purchase a bottle of water. I never looked at the time, and I never checked my phone. I did nothing but pure wandering.

 I can't remember a time when I've done that; been alone withno agenda. Sure, in Hawaii I would spend afternoons reading or swimming on the beach, but I rarely wandered by myself. I never got lost in a sea of houses I didn't recognize. I can't remember ever having no place to go. I can't remember a situation in which getting lost wasn't the slightest bit inconvenient. It is surprisingly liberating to have nothing.

 Saturday was less of a self-regulated kind of day. I woke up and went to an asado with my family where I was questioned for the thousandth time what I liked about Chile, etc. Then, I left early to meet up with my Chilean friends in Valpo to watch the classifying game. I had to be there on time as well, so as to not keep them waiting or to miss the game. Of course, I was rewarded for my timeliness by witnessing something fabulous.

 The bar we were in was insane. Everyone was chanting for Chile, waving flags, and jumping up and down at every goal, almost goal, and slightest possible chance at a goal. I was right there with them, freaking out every time the Colombians looked like they were going to catch up to us. I was even cursing louder than most when we scored a goal for the other team. And, finally, when we won and classified for the World Cup, I was hugging everyone, jumping, and singing along to "Chileno de Corazón". I think at one point I was even singing along to a song that asked all idiot Americans to get out of the country. I didn't care. It was awesome.

 In the end, this weekend was one of celebration. I alone celebrated the liberation of independence and nothingness, and later I celebrated the victory of a nation with those around me. The only thing I have yet to celebrate is the Día de la Raza, which in English would be the "day of the race"... or in a more politically correct manner for us gringos, Columbus Day. We'll see how that one goes.
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Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile

Normally I am a complete and total pansy. I get the slightest sniffle and I am in bed for the day. The minute I cough I'm popping some airborne in a glass and chugging it immediately... and doing so every three hours until I run out. If I'm sneezing, I wash my hands every single time just to make sure. That might be a slight exaggeration, but you get the point I am trying to make. I do not like being sick.

 I have had a cold for what feels like a week and a half now, and it's showing no signs of disappearing. However, rather than sleeping all day or heading to the farmacia, I have been having a fabulous week. On Wednesday I was about ten minutes into a nap when I got a call from some friends asking me to go play cards and then go out dancing. I thought to myself, "this is not going to make me any healthier," and then I put my shoes on and headed over to where they were.

 On Thursday I awoke with more of a sniffle than the day before, but less of a tingle in my throat. After classes Katie and I went out and wandered around Valpo for the evening until we met up with some other exchange students. We hung out with them for a while and then found Evelyn and the Spaniards in a gay bar. When we were trying to find the place, I had to ask a couple of guys on the street where it was. Their reaction to me asking was one of confusion, humor, and in the end concern. They claimed that the area was generally very flaite, but we encountered no such sketchiness... just a little bit of first-time-in-a-gay-bar awkwardness.

 Friday was amazing. I started the day early with a dayquil and a positive attitude. We met up with a bunch of friends in Playa Ancha and walked around for a couple of hours. I was mad at myself for never having explored the area before because it is a beautiful place by the sea. The cerro was covered in old houses painted in all those colors you see for the first time in Valparaíso. The view of the ocean was comforting. It could be seen in every gap between all of the haphazard buildings.

 We ended up near Plaza Echaurren to see the Festival Miltambores, which, for lack of a more appropriate word, was amazing. Every year in Valparaíso there is a huge parade through the streets with drummers, dancers, and artists of all kinds. For three days music is all you find in the city. On Friday, after getting lunch and wandering Cerro Concepción, we split up, and I went with Oscar, Julian, and Moises to watch the parade. As we watched and bobbed our heads to the beat of the drums, we saw Benja dance by with the drummers. We called his name and he literally pulled us into the parade. We danced around like complete goobers amongst people dressed in brightly colored dresses, clown suits, and people walking on stilts. We followed, or more specifically, were part of the parade all the way to the very end where drummers grouped together and freestyled. Super bakan.

 That night, after I took another dayquil, we went to La Caleta Membrillo in Playa Ancha to see some live music, which was part of the whole mil tambores business. It was essentially a massive group of people hanging out with music. I met a boat load of people like Jorge, who talked my ear off about politics for an hour, and Max, who is a 22 year old math teacher in Viña. Once again it hit me how beautiful it is that there is this beyond massive group of people that I can meet and speak with just because I am learning spanish. Gosh, I love language.

 Saturday I thought I was cured, but I found that when I met up with my friends to go to La Estación, I was still sniffling my nose off. No bother. We danced until one in the morning, and then made our way to La Caleta for more of that live music. I saw Max again and spoke with him until Moises and Julian showed up, at which point we all conversed. It was awesome. I love these crazy festivals!
So now, while all the festivities have stopped, I will take my time to rest and get better. I will relax on the couch with a book and let myself re-cooperate. I will take a bit of time off to let my body revive itself.... or, perhaps, just maybe, I will go into Viña and wander through the center for a bit. Just a little while. I can't very well let such a beautiful day go to waste over silly congestion, now can I?
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lakaitgreg/6/1250804453/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lakaitgreg/6/1250804453/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lakaitgreg/6/1250804453/tpod.html Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:48:28 -0400 Unexpected Adventures in Chile

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Viña del Mar, Valparaíso, Chile

Chilean Spanish is different. Granted, dropping the s is also a very Spain spanish thing. However, the slang and vocab here is so abundant that you can hardly understand a conversation if you don't recognize a few of them.

Huevon. You simply need to know "huevon". It can almost be used in any context with any little twist. I usually cancel out anything huevon related so that I can sift through to what is actually being said. It is always fun to bust out a huevon though. When I was playing Monopoly with my host brother and his friends I got kind of screwed over in the game and I said, "que te pasa, huevon!?". The reaction was a good one. Apparently the gringa yelling huevon was appreciated.

Po. It doesn't mean anything. It is pretty similar to young America's use of "like". Stick it on the end of a word and you're golden. Generally it is not used when saying yes to an offer though. Saying"sipo" to someone asking you if you would like a slice of cake, is a wee bit rude.

Bakan. Cool. Easy peasy and oh so useful.

Mala/Buena Onda. A reaction to good or bad news... it can also be used when someone screws up. For example when a friend spills, feel free and laugh and say, "oOoOo que mala onda".

Que Lata/Fome. These both more or less mean bummer or what a shame. Lata actually means "can" (like a tin can), but whatever. Fome is a bit more like boring.

They also have words for the different amounts of plata, or money.Una luca, for example, is a thousand pesos. 500 pesos is a gamba, which direct translation means shrimp. I've asked them why things are that way, but no one seems to be able to explain it.... but then again, why do we say buck?

 Also, like Argentina and parts of Spain, they mess around with conjugations. Teni = tienes. Estai = estas. I believe this is the result of Chileans dropping the s from vosotros. In other words, way back when vosotros was still used for "you" (vos), people here would have said como estaís. Now it's just estai. And saying vos is just rude here now. Somewhere along the line it lost it's respectful tone. Either way, learning all this is kind of fun. It's almost like learning Spanish again. I'm getting a kick out it.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lakaitgreg/6/1254163566/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lakaitgreg/6/1254163566/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lakaitgreg/6/1254163566/tpod.html Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:46:42 -0400 Unexpected Adventures in Chile

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Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile

Although "yo soy fiel a la roja", the national Spanish soccer team's chant, often gets stuck in my head, I thoroughly enjoyed a week dedicated to Chile's independence from Spain. I admit it. I can'tguiltlessly say that either country is my favorite, but I can definitely say that I'm genuinely thrilled that Chile gained its independence from Spain so that I could be here to witness how well they celebrate it. Fiestas Patrias is awesome.
Part of the excitement for this week lies in the fact that we didn't have any classes. Yes, that's a big deal even when you only have four days of classes a week. But, more than that it was the patriotism you could feel everywhere you went. Coming from someone who is not too particularly patriotic, it should be impressive to hear that I was a total sucker for the red, white, and blue. I got a little giddy every time I heard a cueca, the national dance and song. I actually thought I was going to cry when I was given a bottle of wine to bring home to my family while I was at the asado of some Chileans I had just met. Looking out at Viña from the mirador (lookout point), and seeing the buildings lit up at night like stars... it's safe to say that the fiestas patrias made me crazy for Chile.
This week was full of little adventures. On tuesday me, Evelyn, and Katie went to the zoo and out for sushi (I know, kind of bizarre), and when we came back we went to watch a movie at Benjamin's house with Andres, Laureano, Nico, and Oscar. It was nice to relax and do something brainless.... yes, going out is not brainless... I have to speak a lot of Spanish when I go out, thank you very much. Moving on. On wednesday ISA threw a Fiestas Patrias party with empanadas and traditional games out the wazoo. Afterwards Katie and I walked over to Puerto and took the Ascensor Artillería up into the cerro where we walked around a bit more. To continue with gringo festivities, a bunch of us met up in Valparaíso that night. It was actually one of the first nights that I went out with primarily gringos.... gringos that weren't Katie and Evelyn anyways.
The real excitement started on Thursday when we went to a serious Chilean asado at the house of a family friend. There was legit cueca dancing, a serious huaso (a Chilean cowboy), meat to last a lifetime, Chilean wine, and incredibly fun people. Tía Norma, Mamá's best friend, made Katie and I dress up in cueca outfits and dance with the huaso in front of the entire asado. Yup. It was fabulously embarrassing, but I'm pretty sure all of the adults there were already drunk by that point.
Later we went to the Fonda in Viña, which is basically a giant fair. We spent the rest of the day there with a huge group of friends. They have temporary restaurants set up all over the place, built out of wood and plants and who knows what else. Empanadas, meat on sticks, churripan (chorizo in bread), and almost any type of meat product you can imagine were all over the fonda. Oh! Did I mention that they have these men called Chinchineros? They wear drums on their backs, spin around, dance, and play the drums and symbols all at the same time. Freaking amazing.
On Friday, the actual independence day (even though, technically it is not the historical independence day) we went to another asado in Miraflores Alto, in Viña. It was at the house of friends that our family has known for years. It was very relaxed, and it mostly centered around eating and drinking for about five hours. Dani, the son who is my age, Oscar, Katie, and I, did our own thing and walked around the cerro to see the sunset, and later the city at night. It was beautiful. The night ended with a bunch of friends at our house playing pictionary. Go figure.
Saturday was the last real day of festivities when we went to a fonda in Limache, about 45 minutes from here. We went with Tía Norma and Tío Oscar and our family. It was a big family event that ended up moving towards Olmué to another fonda. We ate Moté con Huesillos which is something like oats and a dried peach mixed up in juice. It's as interesting as it sounds.... we ended that night with dancing, but it was definitely different. After all the talk about going out, it only ended up being me, Oscar, Vicente, and Julian..... which makes for an odd group at a discoteca. 
In the end, I found that the Fiestas Patrias to not only fattened me up and made me dread going back to classes, but made me adopt a new appreciation for Chile and its ridiculously kind people. This place is amazing.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lakaitgreg/6/1254163462/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lakaitgreg/6/1254163462/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lakaitgreg/6/1254163462/tpod.html Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:45:58 -0400 Unexpected Adventures in Chile

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Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile

On monday, after my grammar class that I am absolutely in love with, Katie and I took an ascensor and headed up to a cute little cafe called Brighton. It was windy as hell at the top of the cerro, so we chose a spot inside where we could almost see the sunset. The sunset died a little and eventually ended anti-climatically, so instead we got down to business. I helped her out with her Spanish homework because we are attempting to get some sort of tutoring thinggg down. We'll see if that pans out.
The cafe was nice, and the crepe-esque pancakes filled withmanjar or dulce de leche, were amazing. There was even a group of musicians who came into the cafe and played some divinely cheesy love ballads. However, after they had gone, our coffee mugs were empty, and all the manjar had been scraped off of the plate, we ran out of reasons to stay. We walked back down the cerro until we ran into Plaza Anibal Pinto where there appeared to be clowns, people dancing around like clowns, and lots of cheering. I found out later in the week, thanks to the help of a nice hippy named Ale that I met on the micro, that they are a group of clowns and performers that would be touring the area. Ale also explained to me how clowns are beautiful because they illuminate the childish innocence in everyone. It was a long micro ride home that night....
Tuesday was simply an uneventful day in which I worked on another project and paper. Thrilling, I know. Wednesday I had a meeting with the members of my language exchange group. They are seriously cool people. We spoke for a half an hour in English and a half an hour in Spanish. The whole time I was fascinated (as usual) by the importance of language, and the beauty (to use a word that my friend Ale liked to use a lot) of people sharing experiences through common language. I love it.
Later that night we met up with a bunch of friends at a bar to watch the soccer game between Chile and Brasil. I was SOOOO pumped for it, even though everyone was pretty sure Chile was going to lose. The enthusiasm in the bar was excellent however. It was packed full of people wearing red and cheering for their favorite Chileans. Every time a chant occurred, I was right there with them, and when it came to losing against Brasil, I yelled at our defense just as hard as any Chilean. I could do that every night... even if flying beer drenched my hair every time Chile scored a goal.
On Thursday I went with Evelyn to the apartment of a Spanish guy named Carlos. It was actually awesome because there were Spaniards galore, Chileans, some French girls, and a few American girls. We sat around and conversed and spoke different languages, and then headed out to a dance place called, La Sala. It was a really chill night, which was nice after the excitement of my day..... 
Thursday morning I had gone to class and found that we had an exam on 150 pages of reading that me and five other Americans never received. Needless to say, I stressed out about that situation all day. During my other classes, including the one in which all we did was watch a movie called Machuca, I thought about how ridiculous it was that we had a test... none of the American students took it. I probably have never felt quite that screwed before.
On friday I went to Coyote Quemado, that Mexican themed bar I was talking about. Oscar and I met up with Juan Pablo, Julian, Vicente, Moises, and two of Moises' friends that we had met that Wednesday at the game... I think they were named Sergio and Joaquin. Oops. We played Uno, which just seems like a silly thing to do in a bar, but was actually really fun. I got my ass whooped, but I had a fabulous time. They are all really cool guys, and it brought me back to hanging out with my two boys..... Later we met up with Katie, Evelyn, and a bunch of the Chilean girls at a discoteca called Scratch. It was way bizarre, and I felt like I was seeing guidos everywhere, but all in all, it was pretty fun.
Since then a good amount has happened. Katie and Evelyn got their noses pierced, we went to the zoo in Quilpué, had funky sushi in Quilpué as well, Evelyn and I spent a night in Viña wandering from place to place (which was seriously one of my favorite nights here), we watched a random club soccer game in a random bar, I bought some more Chilean music, and we visited Isla Negra, Pablo Neruda's third house, and Pomaire. Busy, busy, busy. I realllllly need to start writing everything down. Especially since I keep meeting random people like Ale. I can't imagine forgetting any of them, but if I don't write this stuff down, it's inevitable. Time is flying.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lakaitgreg/6/1251158416/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lakaitgreg/6/1251158416/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lakaitgreg/6/1251158416/tpod.html Mon, 24 Aug 2009 20:02:13 -0400 Unexpected Adventures in Chile

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Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile

Every day I fall more in love with this place, and not just because there are beautiful latino men lining the streets. No, I find that every time I walk down an avenue I don't recognize, some small detail inspires me. I'm not about to sit down with a pencil and paper and become an artist, but I am gaining new perspectives all the time.

This past Saturday Katie and Leanna, a fellow student from my Chilean Culture and Spanish class, and I wandered after a tour with our study abroad program. We had spent the morning learning about Cerro Concepción and Cerro Allegre, two of the more famous cerros in Valparaíso. It had been a fascinating tour, but we were limited to the information that we were given and by the places that the whole group was visiting. So instead of going back down the hill at the end of the tour, we walked back up until we could find Ascensor Reina Victoria, which was the suggested way to get to Cerro Ex-Carcel (also known as Cerro Panteón). I had to ask a random café owner how to find the ascensor, but we got there using nothing but my fabulous direction skills (that for once didn't fail me) and the super nice café owner's advice.

Once we went down the Ascensor Reina Victoria, we walked around a bit until we agreed to eat at a little Peruvian restaurant. The atmosphere of the little place called "Carpe Diem" was excellent. The waitresses were very enthusiastic and kind, and the ceviche that I ate was beyond delicious (ceviche, depending, is a mix of fresh fish, spices, and other vegetables). I ordered the spiciest version available, and though the waitress had to make sure I really did understand that she said it was spicy, she was pleased to bring it to me when it was ready. When she came to pick up our plates, she saw that I left the juices from my ceviche behind in the bowl. She told me that was the best part of the dish, so after eating the WHOLE thing, I downed all the fishy, spicy juices to top it off. I'm glad she made the suggestion.
After our meal we walked up the street, encountered some unnecessarily friendly gentlemen who wanted a picture with the three gringas, and eventually found our way to one of the four(?) cemeteries on the hill. It was amazing to see the differences in graves, ranging from mere squares of marble to giant temple-like structures. Then, what people placed on the graves was even more interesting. I saw everything from Christmas decorations to towels that were sporting soccer team logos.

Our next stop was the Ex-Carcel. This was a prison that is now a sort of cultural center. It is positively covered in artwork, and workshops are set up through out the structure for local artists to utilize. We wandered around it for the majority of two hours, marveling at the art. We even were shown around by an old man who claims to have escaped the prison through a tunnel in the ground. Right before we left, a group of drummers met up in the center of the ex-carcel, and jammed out. I was so caught up in the moment that for the first time since I arrived here, I thought of nothing but what I was seeing and hearing. The music, the people, the art, the weather.... all of it came together to shape an experience and a moment that I will never forget. It was in that moment, as I was sitting watching them play, that I fell in love with Valparaíso. Everything before that had been a simple attraction to all that was new. This was the real deal.
We had to drag ourselves away from the ex-carcel and meander back towards the cemetery in order to find the grave of Emilie Dubois, a vagabond Frenchman infamous in Valparaíso for killing the rich to give to the poor. We asked multiple people, all of whom gave us a different answer. We had to leave the cerro before finding the grave because we never got a concrete answer! However, leaving was no tragedy. The walk back to the "plano", or the flat part of the city, was gorgeous. No one had told me about this. The steps we took down were covered in glass shards that had been worn down to glass pebbles, bit of scrap paper, mosaics, and graffiti. Then the view. Wow, the view was unreal. From this unloved and uncared for point in the city, you could see everything. The large buildings that blocked views on the cerro concepción and cerro allegre, were mere specs in the view we found among the rubble. As I looked out at the sea and city I could hear in a nearby house, someone playing salsa music. I thought, "I'm so glad this place isn't in the guide books".

We ended the day with a coffee in a café called, Café del Poeta. Our waiter was, for lack of a better word, freaking cool. He was terribly nice, and when he asked us if we found Chilean Spanish difficult to learn, he said he understood because his first language was Rapa Nui! Uh, how awesome is that? We met a native Rapa Nui man. I geeked out a little bit. The real coffee was a nice change from the typical Nescafe as well, but I was mostly excited about our new friend.

That night I went to a University party in Con Con, which is about a half an hour away. The party was pretty fun, but it was a bit frustrating to get so much attention for being the only American girl. Occasionally it feels like being a guy would make my life SO much easier here, but having Chilean guy friends has been really helpful as well. All in all is was fun, however, we left the part with one way of getting home, walking. I walked for about four hours. I got home at seven in the morning. I don't even have any words for this one. Sure, the sunrise was amazing, the beach was gorgeous, and I will probably never get another view like that one.... however, I don't think I am ever going to do that one again.

So, I end another day inspired by what I see around me. I leave behind moments that will never leave my memory. I fall a little bit more in love every day.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lakaitgreg/6/1250804164/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lakaitgreg/6/1250804164/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lakaitgreg/6/1250804164/tpod.html Fri, 21 Aug 2009 12:41:38 -0400 Unexpected Adventures in Chile

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Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile

Technically I will be on a plane to Santiago, Chile today. Holy crap. When did that happen? How did it become Wednesday, July 22, 2009 already??? 

 Anytime someone has previously asked me if I was excited, nervous, or any of the other typical pre-travel emotions, I would say, "eh, I still have plenty of time". Well, according to the calendar, that time is gone. I'm leaving today. All spanish studying I had thought I would do is completely unrealistic now. All fun last minute trips are totally out of the picture. My stuff is already packed. I've said goodbye to my friends...... this is happening.

 But how? I honestly cannot remember a time when I didn't have an extreme desire to study abroad. I researched like crazy, and when I found a program that would let me study in Cuzco, Peru, I jumped at the chance. I filled out all of the application paperwork, and then proudly walked into my advisor's door to show him the good work I had done.
Unfortunately my advisor, the head of the foreign languages and cultures department at my school, thought I had it all wrong. The program in Cuzco focuses mostly on culture and less on the actual learning of Spanish, which is somewhat of a problem for a Spanish major like myself. Instead he made me come to terms with the fact that I would potentially (very much so) not finish my major in time if I took a semester of classes not taught in Spanish.

 I stressed out about the situation for days while I considered the value of situational learning versus, paid for, credit earning, grad school recognized learning. My obnoxiously nosey conscience told me Cuzco would be detrimental to my moral health, since I would feel constantly guilty about ignoring my major so rudely. However, I wasn't about to ditch plans to study abroad, and I had already applied to ISA. I emailed them quickly with a desperate cry for reassurance as I asked them to change my application to a program in Valparaíso, Chile where all the classes would be taught in Spanish. Much better for my major and my conscience.

 After months of paperwork, fingerprints, immunizations, applications, and appointments, I sat comfortably in my living room knowing that I had gotten everything (aside from a few hiccups in the plan that have been more or less frightened out of existence) in order for my trip. I am ready to go. I have researched my not-to-far-in-the-future home, the surrounding areas, and trips that I can take in the month I have in South America after the program. I am anticipating some pretty stressful situations once I get down there, but in the end I know this trip is going to be an irreplaceable experience, as cheesy as that may sound. I have no idea how any of this is going to work out, from living in a "pensión" (type of boarding house) in Viña del Mar to making friends who knows where. The unknown can be terrifying, but at the same time it is liberating and above all, terribly exciting. I'm ready.... even if my Spanish is a little rusty. I have a feeling I will have to learn quickly anyway.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lakaitgreg/6/1250804296/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lakaitgreg/6/1250804296/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lakaitgreg/6/1250804296/tpod.html Fri, 21 Aug 2009 12:41:03 -0400 Unexpected Adventures in Chile

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Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile

I have been in Santiago, Chile now for two days. It seems like it has been a week, and I still have mixed feelings about the city and what I am doing here.
Before leaving I had few expectations about coming here aside from eating some of the insane things I saw on the Travel Channel (of which I am an obnoxious fan). However, as soon as I got on the plane from Atlanta to Santiago I got a bit of a sense of what I was in for. Unlike regular national flights within the US, almost everyone on this plane (primarily full of Chilenos) was talking with some other passenger. People were turned around and talking to the people behind them, helping each other load things into the compartments, and there was no silence until the pilot began to give his regular run down. Even then I'm pretty sure I heard some jokes being told around the cabin.

 That still didn't seem to make me comprehend what was happening. Sure, I realized I was flying to Chile to live in South America for five months, but I couldn't feel it in my gut. That is, not until I saw the sun rise over the Cordillera, a picturesque spread of mountains. Once I caught sight of that, my gut was in the game. I felt the power of what I was about to do. It was exhilarating.

 That first day in Santiago I met a few of the students in our HUGE study abroad group. Each person I've met, at least thus far, certainly has some character. It's fascinating how friendships can be built in such a short period of time when they are based on a mutually shared experience. Kind of like college, but without the dorms and classes (at least until I start school in August).

 So, yesterday after meeting fellow travelers, we went out for lunch, visited Cerro San Cristobal where the French so kindly bestowed a massive statue of the Virgin Mary on a relatively indigenous peoples, we caught some dinner, and then we went out into the streets. For lunch I ate a very typical dish called Pastel de Choclo which is an interesting combination of a sort of corn pudding, several meats, dried fruit, and egg. Oddly enough it was extremely delicious and I finished nearly the whole thing. Then later for dinner I ate Ceviche de Congrio, which is conger eel mixed with spices and fresh vegetables. Also amazing. Afterwards we all went out, in different groups of course, to try some Pisco Sour, the super Chilean drink. Personally, I am not much of a fan. I feel badly because it is so popular here, but hey, you're not going to like everything.

 Today we started early with breakfast, had a short orientation meeting, then went out to La Moneda, essentially the president's abode. A short old Chilean man form Santiago took us on a tour and explained the various rooms. His passion for the history of his people, and what has happened here was nothing less than beautiful. His pride for being a citizen of the country that was once led by Allende was also mixed with a sad bitterness for the role that the United States played in the coup led by Pinochet. That bitterness is undeniably felt through out this country, and it is something that will always separate us from the Chilean friends we make here. We will make friends, and the leaders of this program have already proven to us how amiable and genuine the Chilean people are. However, I can't shake the feeling that I am an outsider in a nation that cannot help but view my country with a combination of respect and disappointment.
On a brighter note, the history of this place is fascinating. The perspective is something I have never gotten through classes in school, especially since I can't recall ever meeting a Chilean previously. After La Moneda, we visited the Plaza de Armas where people had stands and were passing out pamphlets about socialism and leadership. The mix of democratic and socialist views is truly fascinating, and I cannot wait to talk to Chileans my age about their own personal beliefs on the matter. This city is thriving with emotion, opinion, and passion. I can only imagine what the rest of this country is going to be like.

 So for now, I can simply continue learning about a culture I've never really encountered before (the Chilean one that is). I can soak in all of the moments that make me step back and question my own stance on matters. I'm getting to know Chile, and I am excited to know what I find out.
Hasta pronto.

 PS. Boys, the first thing I did was check, and yes, the toilet water does swirl around in the opposite direction. =)
 PSS. Dad, I also tried sopa marinera an unknown mix of shellfish in a rich broth. I'm not even sure what half of the creatures in the soup were, but it was an experience for my taste buds. Apparently it is also good for hangovers, though I feel like a sick stomach would not have been able to handle this concoction... sand and all.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lakaitgreg/6/1250804365/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lakaitgreg/6/1250804365/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lakaitgreg/6/1250804365/tpod.html Fri, 21 Aug 2009 12:40:26 -0400 Unexpected Adventures in Chile

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Viña del Mar, Valparaíso, Chile

Viña del Mar - Vineyard of the Sea
After four days of extremely touristic endeavors, we arrived in Viña del Mar on Sunday afternoon. Even with tours of vineyards, free time in artisan markets, a visit to one of Pablo Neruda's three houses in Chile, and some pretty interesting foods, I welcomed the departure from Santiago, and I relished in the idea of living somewhere far more beautiful for four months.

 When we reached the top of the mountains and began our descent down into Valparaíso, we could see the cities ("Viña" and "Valpo", which are only separated by one street) stretching out over and around the hills. What seems like millions of different colored houses are packed along the hills and down toward the sea where they meet the port and other major buildings. Viña, where I would be living, was just in sight. Soon I would meet my family and begin my life here.

 Thus far, it has not been hard. The family that owns my pensión is incredibly kind. They welcomed us like part of the family even though we technically live up in the pensión with other tenants. They explained to us how we could spend all of our time downstairs if we so pleased, and that they were ready and willing to help us with whatever we needed.... oh, "we" being myself and another American student from Greensboro, oddly enough named Katie. I'm sure they love us for having practically the exact same name.

 Aside from offering us all the help in the world, they are very patient and enthusiastic about speaking with us. I was surprised with myself when I spoke up right away and did not let my usual Spanish speaking fears bother me. Since the moment I arrived here I have felt comfortable and welcome, and even though my confidence concerning the language may need work, I believe this family is going to help me with that.

 Oh! I forgot to mention who my family is. Obviously important if you are trying to get an idea of what my situation is.

 Sara Goubet and Oscar Arias are the parents of what I gathered as six children. The only two that are still living at home however, are Cristopher, a 10 year old boy, and Oscar Gabriel, an orthodontics student who was born the same year as me. Oscar Gabriel, who we only call Oscar, plays the violin and the piano, knows karate, and I believe has/had some place in the church.... on this point I'm not exactly sure because we have not had a discussion about religion yet. We'll see.

 So, I have officially been living in Viña del Mar for two and a half days. I have been going through a lot of orientation for my new University, La Pontificia Universidad de Valparaíso. It is an absolutely beautiful school, but as would be expected out of me, I have been freaking out about signing up for classes. Fortunately I have an awesome history student to help me choose my classes, most of which will sadly be with foreigners. I'm trying as hard as I can to get some classes with Chileans, but for now I'm speaking with the Chilean ISA organizers, the people I meet in markets, my family, and Oscar's friends (with whom we played an extensive game of World Monopoly). 

 I keep going back and forth with my confidence though. At times I feel like I'm doing a great job of expressing myself, while at others I feel like a complete huahua, the word for a Chilean baby.... I guess minus the being Chilean part. Either way, I'm doing my best and trying to challenge myself as much as possible. I can't wait until classes start and I'm no longer milling around Chile in a massive group of Americans.

 I'm almost positive I've left a lot out, but here are some things that I find interesting:
 -The people here are nice. I've heard a lot of talk about them being rude, but clearly the people saying these things have never been to NYC. Chilenos are actually really nice if you don't yell at them in English. It's also important to keep in mind that anyone who has a job that entails selling people toilet paper at a national park restroom, is going to be a little bit upset.
 -Funiculares are possibly the coolest and most terrifying things I have ever experienced. Imagine crappy, old wooden boxes that are pulled wayyyyy up a hill by a few cables. Then add the windows that look out to an unbelievable view. There you have a funicular. Beautiful.
 -We went on a boat ride around the port. It's not as dirty as I expected, but I wouldn't drink the water either. I do however love boats.-I love their taste in music.
 -My host brother owns a discoteca.... haha, oh yeah, wait for those posts.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lakaitgreg/6/1250804519/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lakaitgreg/6/1250804519/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lakaitgreg/6/1250804519/tpod.html Fri, 21 Aug 2009 12:35:38 -0400 Unexpected Adventures in Chile

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Limache, Valparaíso, Chile

Sitting atop the hill that I just climbed, looking down at a town I just realized existed, I discover that I am cursed with a noisy brain. Why I cannot just sit and enjoy the pure new that is surrounding me, I am not sure. When I look down at people milling around I can't help but wonder how different their lives are than mine. When I see a little boy kicking a soccer ball up the hill repeatedly so that it will roll back down and he can continue his game, I wonder how life will change him in a few years. How did I even get here is a question that crosses my mind. After all, how much do I really know about this country? ...but then again, that's why I'm here to learn....

 Sitting in a classroom with other Americans, awaiting the arrival of my new professor, I notice my hands shake. Obviously, I shake all the time (thanks, good old genes), but for a class? Not usually. I'm nervous. What if I don't understand my professor at all? What if she asks me a question and I have no idea how to formulate the answer in Spanish? Wait, is this class really going to be all girls?

 Standing in a pastry shop unsure of which freaking part of the process of buying this silly pastry I am currently in, I ask myself who would ever trust me going off to a foreign country. Clearly I can't speak Spanish, otherwise I would have understood the lady when she said something about the puffy, dulce de leche filled, unidentified thing I just purchased. Do I pay for it now, or do I have to get a receipt? Seriously, this should not be so hard.

 Walking along the beach at night with a handful of Chileans I have just recently met, eating a completo (AKA a hotdog as big as my forearm), the questions finally stop. Who cares how I got here? These people, even more so than these places, make the country what it is. They are showing me what they love about where they live, and they are doing so without judging me for where I come from or how I grew up. My host family welcomes me into their home every day, having known little about me before hand. My professors refuse teach us the standard in hopes that we learn a little more than grammar. Slowly I find myself falling in love with the Chilean people. I guess falling in love after two weeks isn't all that slowly though, is it?
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