How Little I Really Know
Trip Start
Jul 22, 2009
1
2
11
Trip End
Dec 19, 2009
Santiago,
Región Metropolitana,
Chile
Friday, July 24, 2009
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
Santiago
. 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
La Moneda
. 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
Plaza de Armas
. 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.
