Peru

They love anis here, it's in their tea and bread!

Drinking coca tea in the bar like the host mom said to. I think I should take today slowly. This is the most impoverished place I've ever been, it's weird and I'm in the tourist section

Foggy last day of class

Today I gave my presentation in Carlos's class over Gabriela mistral. Like always I blacked out, but I didn't fail :) I am embarrassed how bad I am at Spanish sometimes. I should be better. You couldn't see the cerros in Valparaiso it was so foggy, but it's starting to clear a little

Day 1 Santiago

It was a lovely day full of mishaps.  First of all, on the bus I got taken off of the bus by the police because I wasn`t wearing my seatbelt. I have the worst luck with buses I swear.  Lucky for us there as a very nice Chilean guy who translated for me.  It was good because then I could play dumb gringa.  I wasn`t scared or anything I just really didn`t wanna pay a fine.  Luckily I just got a warning. The guy who helped us then helped us find our bus. I swear the people here are so unbelievably nice.

Then we went to where we thought the Museum of Human Rights was, to learn from a fellow gringa that we were in the completely wrong place. By the time we found the place it was closed.  Today is a national holiday.  Then we all were discouraged and grouchy so went to eat. Katie and I split some fish, it still cost $8.  Food out is so expensive.

Then we were late to the walking tour, but we found them. The tour was fun the second time because the guy told us different stories and even followed a different path. It was great fun and it seemed like we ended earlier. The group of people was less awesome. Everyone was nice but not as fun as the last group of people.

I bought candy and ate too much, now my head hurts. Story of my life.

Top bunk safety hazards

Santiago Tomorrow

Tickets were only 5 luca. Went to the store with Martha after, ate too many cookies. Beautiful sunny day.  Yesterday there was an asada, then I fell asleep after working a little on Carlos' paper. Busy weekend of paper writing.

Just finished my paper. Such a weird feeling of utter joy and panic at the same time. Hopefully it doesnt have too many errors.

Fishermans Market

Hoy, we went to the fishemans market.  We walked around and talked to the fisherman.  Saw some sea lions up close and personal, I was so bummed I didn´t have my camera.  We talked to a nice old fisherman who voiced his frustration with the Ley Pescado.  Ryan fed a fish to the sea lions.

I want to go get an empanada and then we will watch a movie with Carlos.

Mc.Donalds is the universal drunk food, in every country. 

Chivelry- Carlos helped an older lady up the stairs with her bag

Spanis:
No me gusta- A me tampoco  (neither)
bajon- drunk food
la raja- bad word- like the shi**

Concon y Feria

Last night we met up with Dana and Katie's friend Jorge and went to get completos and then went to Margaritas to have a drink.  He was so fun and nice.  He said again that Chilean people are timid, but he had excellent manners.  He held the door open for us all and made sure we walked on the inside of the street.

Yesterday was a long day.  We had our morning class then the afternoon field trip.  I decided to just bum around so I went to the beach and watched the sea lions and read some of the packed he gave us.  I bought some spicy peanuts too they were so amazing but crazy spicy.  Red chili flakes crushed up and nuts. So yum. Then we explored la feria by the school and bought some produce. We also had to interview someone. I didn't like that part at all. I am being shy lately it's strange. So Dana helped me. I bought some Kiwi's and mebrillo to try.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quince

Today we went to Concon, pretty beach, we were all so exhausted this paper has us all stressed out.  My shrimp empanada was great but we got roped into a less than desirable restaurant with a ton of very uncomfortable moments.  But it was an amazing day outside so I really can't complain. Dana determined that Chile is stuck in the 80's and judging by the popularity of light wash jeans and fanny packs I can't help but agree with her.  It is the decade that Pinochet took away from them after all.  They should live it up.

Spanish:
wena: bkn
Saying more or less in English because I am so used to saying it in Spanish
foma: lame

Fisherman strike and yesterday

Another sunny day, we got tear gassed on the way to our meeting because there was a fisherman strike, Esteban took us to the bus, helped out the gringos.

Ayer, Katie ryan and I went on a walk, valpo is smaller than it seems. We started out at the port then waked up a hill we visited during a walking tour. It was really pretty outside. When we walked down the hill there was great music Latin songs. Then we made our way back it was a lovely day.

I love how people whistle here and how my host mom sings. It makes me happy!

Q lindo el dia

Ayer
Went to the beach with Martha, bought a ring made of copper and these orangeish rocks.  I owe Martha 5 luca because I didn't have any money.  Then we had Churros,  mine with manjar. It was a beautiful day but then once the sun goes down it gets really cold. I met up with a chilean friend and went to this bar, el juglar. Then I met up with Katie and Dana at Journal, then to Lindseys to pregame before they went to the discoteca. I didn't make it out with them though because I was so tired by the time they left for Valpo.  Lindsey lives in a house full of tenants, it's fascinating.



Hoy

panquques con manjar con Alesia y su pololo Jaime, so niceeeeeeeee they are both so awesome together. Pbly my favorite couple atm
Parque con Katie, terrible headache!

Spanish Knowledge

que onda- whats up
buena onda- cool person
me duele mi cabeza
aps- ok (in Chile)


pasar de largo-stay awake til morning
en la piola- tranqulo discrete

earthquake this morning

Long day of class yesterday. Soup full of questionable sea creatures and a very depressing movie called Machuca http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machuca

School in quintay

Freaking freezing
Ton of food, beautiful ocean

Quillota

Today we visited two schools. One with the highest marks and the other was the more rurual school where often the children with bad homelives ended up.  We also made it onto PUCV´s website.

http://ucv.altavoz.net/prontus_unidacad/site/artic/20120710/pags/20120710174239.html

Walk on the Coast

Today after class I walked from our metro stop Barron to Portales on the coast.  At first it seemed a little dodgy because it was 10am and there weren't many people around.  But then I saw 2 caberneros and more people so I felt fine walking along the path.  It was by the ship yard and smelled strongly of fish at times.  I sat down and watched some sea lions try and get up onto this tall cement structure that looked like an old bridge or dock.  The poor little guys couldn't make it up there. I have no clue how the other ones got up there either because it seemed almost  impossible.  They I walked more down the way past a run-down building and train covered in graffiti.  It was raining and sunny at the same time which made everything so beautiful.  As the sun came out it only lit up parts of the city slowly like they were in the spotlight. It was breathtaking.  Of course it was something my camera couldn't catch but as always I tried anyway.

pastel de papas, sweet mashed potatoes (sweetened with sugar) and meat and onions on the bottom

Protest

Alonzo purple shirt
Tear glass water
Lots of people
Handed out flyers
walked around Valpo to victoria center
in the road
then behind the federal building is where it got broken up
Chocolate covered cookies
Chants often insulted los pacos (policia)

Dana, "do you need help cutting those fliers?"  Katie, "yeah are your hands tired?"  Me, "girl please, I scrapbook I am set"
Tswift in kitchen

CNN Chile, ministro de educacion de Chile is asking for them to deal with these in the justice system and not in the streets, no en los calles
Santiago 30 mil personas, marcha mas violentas

http://www.demotix.com/news/1304549/chilean-students-protest-against-profit-education-valparaiso#slide-1

Alesia's Birthday with the Family

So fun, as always uncomfortable at the start but then it was great. This one boy talked to me about movies and delt with my Spanish.  Gabi has an adorable blonde haired blue eyed daughter. Nice older woman I think could tell I was feeling awkeard and tried to include me by asking me a question in Spanish I didn't understand.  This resulted in a bright bright red face on my part.  I really like that woman though she always goes out of her way to talk to me and ask me questions. A ton of food and sweets. Alesia liked the ring I gave her, I liked it so I am glad she does.

Little girl kept asking me words to translate to English and got really energetic toward the end of the night.  Both of the boys went to go play legos with the kids, it was kind of adorable.  Her uncle also doted on her it was sweet.

Lots of sipo, Chilean slang

Alesia's pololo is awesome. Him and I talked about religion and traditions in Oklahoma and here. He said it was nice to finally meet me. Such a nice guy to everyone, Alesia picked a good one. It was a great evening and most importantly now I get to sleep.

Tons of cakes, one pineapple,apple, berry and the orange one that Jaime, Alesia's pololo made. The orange was really good!

Mi first TERREMOTO aka Earthquake

Yes, earthquake.  Today my host mom asked me if I could take a picture of the damage of the street in front of her house.  Then literally 2 minutes ago the whole house shook. I thought it was her moving something for Alesia's bday tonight then Dana fb messaged me asking if I felt that. Oh yes, we have concluded it was our first earthquake. Mildly  unnerving.

Elementary school y dinner con burns

Vocab:
Q hielado- how icy aka freezing

Today we went to a jesuit school called Centro San Ignacio de Loyola Valparaiso.  Originally this school was created to educate the lower class and is part of the web of Fe y Alegria (faith and happiness).  This school was very interesting because they are working to provide education of the same quality for everyone.  They are also part of the REI (la red educacional Ignacia) to help vulnerable families obtain better education.   Their goal is to make the education in their school more equal with more solidarity in hopes that this will carry on and create a better society in the future.

I forgot my camera so I borrowed on of the school from google

Stats:
746 students (kinder-8th grade)
60% socially vulnerable

Impressions:
they loved their principal
2 grade one main teacher one helper for 40 students
8 grade wilder and flocked us as we came around
Happy environment with very hospitable people (they gave us tea, cookies and bread as we discussed our impressions) everyone was so nice and willing to answer questiosn

Upper grades had less women due to old traditions of separating the genders and it used to be a only boys school

Grading System:
2 reds (which is less than a 3 on a 1-7 scale) then they have to repeat the year
Students with special needs stay in the same classroom but have special exams (assessment) and workshops
Summer is 2 months around January
Each class has a book with a picture of each student where they take good or bad notes about their behavior, they use these books to determine how to punish

Price:
20,000 Chilean Pesos per month- food provided by government  ($40,000 per month)
Low income students don't have to pay- there is a limit of 7 students per class with financial assistanships
There is a weightlist to get accepted and the headmaster interviews the families

Education Structure:
1a and 1b were when classes came in at different times in the day one in the morning/afternoon
Offered electives outside of the required classes, some of these electives they worked out a partnership with other schools to use their resources (for swimming went to a neighbor school for their pool)
1 day per week the older kids stay till 5
Offer a preuniversity class that is not necessary but prepares them for the PSU (ACT)

Interesting fact was that they allow their students to have a voice in the Centro de Alumnos and this teaches early on accountability and democracy because the students hold their elected president accountable.


Dinner at The O'Higgins Restaurante en Valpo

Google image, we were there at night, it was just a couple blocks away from our university

O'higgins liberated Chile from Spanish rule.  It was a really nice restaurant with a giant fireplace.    I think it was the first time that I took of my jacket when I ate in a restaurant. It was so nice and toasty.  The food was also amazing I got a fish (Reineta) covered in onions tomato and ham.  Then on the side it came with sauteed veggies.  I do wish it came with a heavier starch because I ended up eating a lot of Retmals fries.  Burns gave me a look like I see what you're doing.  He also teased Retmal because his meal looked like a fancy chicken friend steak.  We mostly discussed what we liked and didn't like about the program and Chile. Lindsey had the most to say because she had been here the longest.  Mr./Mrs. Hargis gave us some none stick pistol pete stickers for our phones and paid for dinner.  For desert we got tres leches cake which was amazing.  The director of International programs at PUCV was also very interesting he picked out all the wines and the restaurant and told us what he recommended. He also told me that Once, used to stand for a drink with 11 letters, so it was code word for Chileans to go get an afternoon drink.  He said Chileans know how to drink and enjoy wine.

http://www.restaurantohiggins.cl/valparaiso/

Estoy explorando Mi Puebla

After class we went to the supermarket to buy reserves. I hate an entire package of cookies that were mango and pina flavored. I love them. Then we walked home from the Vina de Mar plaza. It was quite the walk. I think that has a lot to do with why I am so sleepy now.

When I got home the host mom asked me if I wanted to go with her to calle Valpariso and I said yes. Then I got confused and I thought she left. Then the next think I know she is upstairs to get me. We drove though this place called Sporting that is right next to our house. It looks super ghetto from the outside but inside it is beautiful. Sporting, like it sounds, is a place full of all things sports. There were horses, rugby club, tennis courts, basketball. All sorts of places, it was beautiful.

auto district to talk to someone who works for the municipal government
then do Valpo Street in Viña to talk to someone else who works for the government
then across the street to talk to someone who works for the government
theeeeeeeeeen upstairs to talk to another person
thennnnnnnnnnnnnnn back downstairs to talk to someone who works for the government...all to report that the earthquake in Febuary caused a rift in the road in front of her house. And now every time a big car drives by quickly the house shakes, which it does, like crazy.

But, it was a beautiful day and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing places I would never go alone. The last man who helped us was so nice, he looked very European and had such a friendly manner about him.

I also noticed that people talk to each other about every little thing. Like she told all the parking assistants what she was doing, then she told the security guard what she was doing, then when we left she told him how it went. Same with a ton of other strangers. She told the secretary how her day had been. Also, in the auto district there was a egg store, huevos with a woman standing in there behind shelves of eggs. It made me chuckle a little.

I am also pretty sure my host mom thinks I am the worlds most lazy gringa, because I rest a lot, but in my defense I've been up since 7:15 and went on a hefty walk this morning. Still, I do wish I had more energy to enjoy these beautiful days.

Mapuche New Year y Renaca

Mapuche New Year: Katies host parents drove us up the the botanical park to catch some of the new year. They are so nice, the mother is so excited to share everything. While in the car there was a song that came on that sounded almost exactly like an Spanish Elvis, then we learned that he was actually italian, but they didn't know his name. We listened to oldies in the car and I enjoyed being driving around. By the time we got to the grounds where the Mapuche New Year was going on we learned that it was over, but there were still some people up there. So we drove up there and looked around. I am bummed we missed the festivities because it looked like it was a good time. There was a square of tents set up made of wood and leaves with different families cooking in these tents. They were all very square and connected. They were grilling a ton of meat and everyone was working together to prepare the rest of the meal. It was pretty cool to see. The mom asked where we could find someone to talk to about the festivities and we found ourselves talking to this older man who represented the 'tribe' more or less. He told us about how the festival was intended to raise awareness about the injusties done to the Mapuche people and share their culture with the world and maintain it within their families. He was very interesting. When Dana took a picture he said that you must ask before you take a picture because some people get very offended. We were all sitting in his little hut on spare chairs and on peoples jackets. They were so hospitable. Then a woman came around and offered us this oatmeal bread that looked sorta like uncooked hashbrowns and marmalade. They tasted a little strange but very hearty and I enjoyed them quite a bit.

Then the mom asked if we wanted to go to Reñaca, Dana hesitated at first because her host family has big at home dinners on Sunday. Then Katies mom turned into my aunt, I kid you not, this woman channeled my aunt and persuaded her to go. She was like how often do you get to have beautiful days like this you must go to the beach. Dana broke down. So they drove us up the hill and we got to see beautiful views of the town and the mountains in the background. It was a different side of Viña because it wasn't coastal and the views were much different. Then we went to Gardens de Viña, this area was the 'posh' area and many of the homes resembled ones in the states, with front yards and different designs.

Then they drove us to the beach on the way they pointed out their favorite empanadas place. I was starved so we went there first before the beach. As to be assumed, I over ordered and ate all of it. I got one fried shrimp and cheese one and a baked cheese, ham, tomato and olive one. They were heavenly. I prefered the baked one because it had more flavor. The shrimp one was just shrimp and cheese and it was sort of boring. All the goodies sunk down the bottom of the little breaded package so when I got to the end it was a cheesy mess. But I love it all. I was going to save one then I ended up eating it all. I've been so hungry lately I don't know whats wrong with me.

La playa: was under construction but once we walked down to it, it was so beautiful. I had to take my shoes off and put my feet in the water. Little did I know the water moves much quicker here. One second your feet are in the water the next it's up to your knees. I still loved it. It wasn't terribly cold. It was a beautiful time on the beach. I understand why it is so popular. The waves are so powerful and it smells so much like the sea. The rocks also make for beautiful waves. It might be the most beautiful beach I have seen. But at the same time there wasn't a ton of space for people to lay out, the water comes up so far onto the beach.

Jumbo

Me encanta mi familia mucho mucho mucho

Today in class we learned how to say I love you:
te quiero: regular I love you, less strong
te amo: passionate strong love
Me caes bien: I like you as a friend
Me gustas: I like like you

Me encanta algo: I really like it

Today I mostly chilled. I am trying my hardest to beat this pesky cold.  My host mom took me to Jumbo and we walked around and she bought pisco and coke, and some lightbulbs. Interesting fact, they try out their lightbulbs before they buy them and there a TON of people trying to sell things in Jumbo (it's like walmart sort of). If wal-mart, target and whole foods and a low budged baby it would be a jumbo.  There was also a place to pay any bill you had right away, which I found interesting.

Then on the way back she drove by her parents house which is two blocks away.  They were home so we went inside.  I met her brother, who's a doctor and speaks english, his wife, and both of her parents.  They live in a large beautifully decorated home.  Not elaborately decorated but with lots of decorations.  I love it. It was pretty big too.  We had coke (them with pisco and rum) and cheese puffs.  The dad is very interesting and fun to listen to. He lived in NYC for a while when he built ships and worked in a ship yard. Then spent some time in France. I understood a lot of what he said sometimes I get lost though.  I guess he saw Oklahoma when he was in NYC.  I like that my host mom corrects my spanish too, it helps me learn more. It is a little discouraging when it's a lot of corrections, but I have to learn. I think my conversation skills are coming along pretty well. My host sister asked me to go out again tonight. I hate turning her down, but I really seriously super think I need to sleep and try to get better. I am worried though because she goes on vacation soon so I might not have enough time to get to know her. But she is very friendly so I am sure it will work out.

I was just thinking how amazing it is to be at this point in my life.  I am basically rid of all my insecurities from when I was in my teens.  Like things don't phase me anymore really. It's kind of reassuring to KNOW without a doubt that you are who you are.  It's nice to know that although you're not the best at everything or the most beautiful you're still pretty awesome.

What I need to remember:
al tiro: right away, now (a chilean specific thing(
and how to say inVIERNO not en verano, I keep confusing the heck out of my host mom.

Slippery floors

I think I might eat it on these floors with my wool socks. Host mom gave me all these places to visit in vina! I am soo over this cold!!

Day off

For the majority of this sunny thursday I slept and watched this awesome spanish show called el barco. With my new love!
Mario Casas oh my this man is good looking to me! The love affair started when YouTube suggested this hottness

Then I started watching el barco.  I feel like everytime I go abroad I get attatched to some random television show. At least this one is in Spanish.

Then around 3pm Martha and I went exploring. Regrettably she lost her phone. But we found the shops. Then we found Pia, Dana and Katie.  Pia went to go see her cousin then us girls went shopping.  I bought 3 scarves and 1 pair of blue earrings for $10.  Not too bad of a day in my opinion. Then we met up with Ryan and Cafe Journal

Now my host sister is having people over :)  I am going to have to be lame and not go with them when they go dancing because I have a lame 8:15 class. BOO that. Hopefully the metro is open

Palabras con mi mama chilena

refre- fridge
temblor- small earthquake
hubo not hay in past tense
o sea- I mean (that was from class)
bkn-for bacan on fb- learned that from Carlos en class and Victor on FB


Host mom bought Manjar (dulce de Leche) aka carmel spread its yum


She also said men her age are crazy with drugs and alcohol, but she likes to stay healthy.  Also, she talked about how pinapple is good for the digestive system and keeps the body healthy.

Earlier I used my phone to call hers and it was in the most random spot. It made me think of me and where I always end up finding my phone. Multiple times it has been lost in the couch.

She said on Sunday it is predicted that there will be a earthquake in the North of Chile, a brasilian man predicts these according to the stars.

Guess what, it's raining. It's cool I have my telenovela and blankets up to my neck. it's nice

Still amazed by the little people-like dogs.  They cook their broccoli then eat it cold.

Books she lent me, El fantasista y Santa maria de las flores negras- Hernan Rivera Letelier

Walking tour 2

19 Julio
Fuimos a (we went to)
- Pablo Neruda's house La Sebastiana. Neruda was an awesome dude. I officially love every single one of his houses. This one had a great view of the beach http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pablo_Neruda
- walking tour of the street art
- had a traditional dish AKA huge fat lunch. It consisted of french fries, egg, onion and a huge I MEAN HUGE pile of meat. This was a beast. I ate way too much of it. But hey, it's a cultural experience right? It was in this amazing cool resturant with nick nacks all around the room and people wrote on every possible surface. I am pretty sure they only surved the fry dish too. The place is J Cruz and was in Valpo (cool website below)
http://www.jcruz.cl/

- bought my ticket to Peru after extensive deliberation
- went to class around 6:30 then the sniffles came into play, full force. In class we learned more about the chilean education system. This link talks about it more extensively http://www.mineduc.cl/
-was miserable and had to take a cold shower when I got home. Needless to say, my cold is sticking around :(

Hoy necesito descansar. Today I need to rest. Class this morning was interesting but yesterday was a very long day.

This city is worth it when the sun shines

Luckily I feel a little better today.

But this morning, I broke the key off in the door. This afternoon I broke down and bought the student card that discounts the metro to like a 25 cents one-way.  So that's good. I am still having a problem focusing on actual school work. I am hoping that I get it together soon. We shall see.

When I got home my host mom told me it was ok about breaking the door and later even teased me about the lock.  After that we walked to the beach and it was so peaceful and beautiful.  There were teenagers out there surfing in just trunks and a tshirt. LOCOS. Then after we walked to the mall to look for shoes for Dana and LAN for me.  On the way we stopped by the same place where Anthony Bourdain  tried the Completo. And oh my this completo was COMPLETELY loaded. It was huge. Thank goodness Katie and I split one, because I wasn't a huge fan of it.  Too much topping not enough meat.

The mall is interesting because it was packed and everything was so expensive.  Brand names however where everywhere.  That is the popular thing here I guess. It was so hot. I got malled out pretty quickly I think my sickness caught up with me a little.  But eventually I got to talk to LAN about the flights.  He was very helpful but I decided to book it online because it was slightly cheaper.  Still I spent a ton on that flight. But it's always been a dream of mine.  And who knows when I will ever be able to come back to south america. I have to carpe the HECK of of that diam.  On the walk back from the mall I had to buy some sweets. So I bought some sweet bread thing, I wasn't a huge fan so I gave some to a perro.  I love the dogs here. It's so strange how they all just wander around. But they seem happy.

I really like Vina it is bigger than I thought. I need to have some more exploring time.  It is pretty manageable.

Sick day

Today is fathers day and there was a lot going on. Regrettably I've been sick for the entire day.  I am also so scared of getting really sick I've been babying myself all day too.  Hopefully this pesky sore throat doesn't stick around because it is icky.

This morning: Pumpkin doughnuts. 

This evening: freezing shower, but my host mom turned the portable heater on outside of my door :)

Winery and Pablo Neruda's House Isla Negra

Winery:
-Free bottle of wine because we couldn't go outside (I would take that over going outside anyway)
-different compression tanks depending on the fermentation process


Isla Negra:
adorable dogs
amazing house
views of the beach everywhere
the closest i've seen to my dream home
it's timeless how amazing it feels
room full of shells- green one
he had his own bar for his friends
his bed faced the sea

Pictures on the rocks with more dogs following us
gross sea-weed/kelp

fish and rice for $8 was good too

Biggest pool
Saw the biggest pool right by the ocean
big beautiful waves

Fun day, but my throat itches. Uh oh

Our chauffer was great, he felt  like a loving grandfather who wanted to show and share all of this with us.  He was always smiling always peaceful.  He reminded me a lot of my grandad in that way.

Hoy y ayer: Un foro Education forum y walking tour

Ayer: Yesterday: cloudy for the most part then it cleared up in the evening

Yo, Martha, Dana Lyn, Katie y nuestros profe went to a education forum they were having at the Maritime Museum.  It started at nine and our professor picked us all up in his car and drove us there.  It is on the top of a hill and at times it was a little scary to be a passenger in his car.  But we arrived safe and sound.  I was so thankful he drove us too because it would have been pretty difficult to find.  The forum was completely in Spanish but very luxurious.  It was in the center plaza area of the museum and it served cafe/te (tea and coffee) with cookies then a lovely lunch with wine and juice.  There was also ceviche with salmon that was SO YUM.  The presentations were pretty easy to understand. Some of them were a little boring. It was kind of interesting because it was a ton of scholastic 'good ole boys' who at times seemed very pompous.  For the most part they were all very liberal as well, but I think that happens in academia.  Our teacher was just cracking us up the whole time.  He is so blunt.  He talked about how when he was a young man and started getting recognized he was so arrogant as a result of the attention from his work.  It was also weird to think that all of these older Chilean men have lived through a coup and then a dictatorship where most of them fled.

There were presentations then they all sat at a table and discussed subjects. That was a bit more boring because some of them dragged on and held the floor. Even the men were bored. Passing notes etc. Playing with they eyes glasses.

Martin Carnoy, from Stanford, spoke with us quite a bit. Mostly because he spoke English.  He was an interesting man, but like the others really enjoyed to hold the floor. He is very knowledgeable about education and technology.   After all the presentations we went to look around and got to see the sunset on Valpo.  It was so beautiful.  There were some artisans selling things by the lookout.  It was overall a great day.

Then that evening I went over to Katies house and met her parents chilenos and watched the thunder game.  Her house is very lively with a bunch of kids (our age mostly).  It was fun to meet them all.

Hoy: cloudy all day then rained in the early afternoon to night
We went on the walking tour and got to see all the street art and took a gondola (the acensador) elevators to the top and bottom of the hill it was a blast.

Also, I think it rains 50%+ of the time here

boy on the train spoke spanish

Charquican

Hoy tuvo mi clase de espanol y cultura.  Pero, it wasn't in Spanish like I was hoping for.  I guess the summer programs for the intercambio intl students is quite small so all of our classes are together.  Our spanish levels are also very different, so it will be interesting how this works out. I am pretty bummed because I was hoping for a hard Spanish Class.  Oh well.  After class we went to the central market, it was a fruit/meat/cheese market.  Very basic, there were a ton of cats.  It was a little rustic.  After that we really didn't know what to do so we decided to head back to Vina and get our metro passes. However the metro pass was $8 and that wasnt for unlimited.  I take the bus a lot so I decided against it.  In the long run, I doubt it will save me money. But  riding the metro in the rain was cool because the waves were crashing against the cost and the walls.  It was kind of mystical.  I loved it. Oh I might take the metro in the morning because this morning the buses were FULL.  Like someone had to hold himself up to get out of the way of the door...not fun. I had to let three buses pass me. I was so worried I was going to be late. I guess I should wake up earlier next time. It is so hard to in the cold. Cold and rainy mornings are not fun!

In Vina we did some basic exploring and came across this giant industrial clothes market place where the prices were moderate, but they wouldn't barter.  I bought this adorable green umbrella for $2.  I felt bad using the host families all the time.  And I like umbrellas, paraguas.  I also bought some green tea for once (teatime) and some cookies that taste like coconut, they are amazing. 

When I got home I had some Charquican which is a hearty soup made with this pumpkin looking thing that was ALL over the market from that morning.  I found that amusing that the food I was wondering about at the market became my lunch. Below is a picture of it

Chilean:
Pebre: The basic condiment for any Chilean meal, this is a simple mix of finely chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro and spicy ají, or red pepper paste. Use it with virtually everything. Most restaurants will serve a dish of this on the table.

pito: Avocado

bacán: awesome 

Primer Dia de Clase

Hoy fuimos a clase.  I was kind of bummed out because there weren't other students in our class, just us OSU folks.  But the lecture was interesting, the professor really enjoys to talk.  He told us about Chile and gave us a general overview of Latin American history and development.  He talked about the different structures and how Cuba has a very successful education system, because it is completely centralized and government controlled.  Then Martha brought up an excellent point when she said, well then after school they must realize that the government continues to control their choices and options for advancement.  It was an interesting class, as an American de los EEUU, communism is a ideology very hard for me to accept.  Her in Latin America it is a commonly supported idea and Finland and places like that seem to have a very centralized system and they like it.  I don't know.  Whenever people start comparing the USA with other places like Cuba and even Chile, I think they forget how huge USA is.  And although everything is 'bad' there right now, it's not as bad as it could be.  Especially because the country is huge, with a ton of different goals and ideologies.  It was mildly frustrating at times to voice my opinion because I am so uninformed.  But in my mind people should have the choice to work hard for what they desire, and that means working hard to get scholarships to go to University.  Or get a job to pay for university.  The professor also said that in Chile it is difficult to work while in school, which I guess would be a problem. I know I've been blessed with never having to live with a huge fear of debt or money problem, but I still think a completely centralized education system would not work in the states.

Then after that we went to the Cafe and got some VERY cheap tea and cookies.  Then we took the metro to the Cafe Journal, a gringo bar where we were hoping the thunder game was playing. No such luck.  I got a mango juice drink, it was yummmmmmmmmmmy.  I am looking forward to going back there.  It's supposedly the place to be.

Did I mention it's raining. It has been all day.  We had to talk to 1 Norte only to learn that the bus we needed was literally where we began.  Eventually, after the help of a nice man at the first wrong bus stop, then another nice man at the magazine hut, we ended up in the right direction on the right bus. THEN AGAIN the nice chilean bus driver helped me with my stop at los fresnos.  I am so lucky to have a decent sense of direction.  I found my way back home perfectly, I didn't get lost once.  But of course I second guessed myself and thought I was lost. But I wasn't :)  It was great to go into the city and see more of it.  It made me excited for everything. My host sister has her boyfriend over, I guess its common for him to come over and spend the night.  The mama said it's safer than them getting a hotel room so its acceptable.  That's so strange to me.  It does make me want a pololo, but my mother would probably kill me if I started dating a chilean boy.

Orientation

Nuestras Universidad (google image)

Today my host mom took me to the University in Valparaiso.  It is in a very old building.   We got there early and she checked her watch then excitingly said, oh we have time, and gave me a tour.  We went to the gym and the church.  When we entered the church she said this is where the students come before an exam to pray.  I thought that was funny.  My house mom is so cute and little and eclectic. I love it.  Then we had our orientation and Spanish placement exams. It was long, I don't think I did as well on it as I should have.  The orientation was very well organized. There was cookies and sandwiches, then we went on a tour of the main building.  The international students have their own little wing. I was bummed that we weren't going to have classes with Chileans but its ok.



Then our professor took us to get our phone at the mall. But on the way he/we were hungry so we stopped at this restaurant right on the beach.  It was beautiful, there were seals playing in the waves. I got Chilean sea bass, it was yummy, the place was pretty fancy.  He also unexpectedly payed for lunch.  He is a very interesting man, he has worked for the UN and fled Chile right before/during the military coup, it's weird to thing that that all happened just 23 years ago.  He has lived all over the place and has a ton of interesting stories.  Now he studies education and teaches about it.  Tomorrow I have the lecture version of his course.  Then Thursday the lab session where we are going to go experience the Chilean education system first hand.

Enjoy Resturante en Vina (google image)

We also went to the mall and bought our cell phones.  It was a huge ordeal.  I am so glad I have my host family because my host mom is so sweet and reliable.  Both are qualities I greatly value.  And she turns on the heater when I go upstairs.  That's also something I love about my host family.  I do wish I was around more to hang out with Alesia, I hope maybe this weekend her and I can hang out.  It's funny her name sounds so much like mine, I get confused quite frequently.

Looking forward to more and more days like this one :)

pitos- avocados
gallo- guy
pololo/pololar- boyfriend/ to date

Just putting mint leaves in water for tea, looked and smelled good.

I am not looking forward to taking the bus alone tomorrow but I should manage. I will just turn tomato red then sit down and relax till my stop, then I will get flustered and get off.

Mi Familia Chilena

Today we woke up early, 8am, and caught a taxi to the airport.  We got there on time but we couldn't find anyone.  After walking around for awhile we found the drivers with a sign.  Eventually we found Dany she misread the instructions and was hanging out upstairs.  It was about a 1hr van ride away, I drifted off.  I am so sleepy today, I think everything caught up with me.  I just hope I am not getting sick.

Ryan was dropped off first up a huge hill and his host dad came out and was so excited and gave him a big hug.  Dany was dropped of second on the opposite hill, I was dropped off third, in the middle of the two lower down on the hill.  My host mom is little, tan with blue eyes.  She doesn't understand hardly any English but is patient when I speak.  I understand everything she says but am nervous to respond.  I get lost so quickly when I try to explain things.

The daughter is pretty and friendly with light brown hair.  She turns 23 Tuesday.  They are both very friendly, but it is hard to adjust to living in someone home. I did my standard hide in my room and sort my things earlier today and then took a long nap.

They have two dogs, cocker spaniels, that live in the backyard.  There is a giant sunroom which is the living room and is nice and warm.  The kitchen is where you eat and there is a tiny table next to the fridge.

The city is very pretty with a bunch of hills. I want to take a shower but I don't want to freeze again. I am actually afraid to shower because it sounds soooo cold. The window stays open in the bathroom which is another reason why I am worried, but I looked out it earlier and the hill sparkled with lights.  It was beautiful but at the same time looked cold.

The home is decorated with a bunch of artifacts they collect as they travel.  The host mom knows a lot about manchu piccu and history of latin america because that is her profession.  I am looking forward to utilizing her knowledge for my trip for saving money. I am also excited because she said the textiles are really cheap like $2 scarf.  This is something I must do :)

Some of the artifacts were broken from the earthquakes.  I am not too worried about the earthquakes but Dany just finished studying all about natural disasters so she is nervous.

I decided to stay in one of the daughters rooms instead of the room by the washer and dryer.  I am so happy I chose this room because it is warm and larger :)

THE SHOWER WAS HOT!!! The heater is right outside my door, the host mom gave me a safe for my things...its a wooden box and not very heavy... I might just lock my suitcase, that thing will be hard to steal.  She also gave me a card with all her information.  They are both so sweet, the mother keeps saying queeee liiiindo, queee siiiimpatica...they are just so cute. Security is a worry here I guess because they also lock the interior kitchen door and all the homes have a front gate, but that is common in a lot of places.   It's weird to think in Chesterfield how open and exposed our home is, and how we are even willing to leave it unlocked for periods of time.

Words can not describe how happy I am to be here, it is such a peaceful home and the daughter and mother are SO inviting. Now I need to figure out something interesting to give them. Something nice, they will use and enjoy, not a snow globe.  But they do seem to enjoy trinkets which represent plaves. Maybe a spoon, I saw some hanging on their wall...hmmm

Pablo Neruda-Museo de Historia-Mercado Central

Hoy voy a muchos paises en Chile.


First we met up with Nichola and Cassie at Plaza de Armas, Mitch.  It was a cold and foggy morning, so we decided to not climb up anything because it would be pointless. Instead we started out at Pablo Neruda's home.  I love places where you are able to almost feel the presence of history or a persons life.  This house is called La Chascona after his wife and mistress Matilde Urrutia and her wild frizzy hair. She was quite beautiful and was his first wife. Below is a picture of a painting by Diego Rivera of his wife. There is also a Salvador Dali painting that was a gift in his home. It is so cool to think of all these great artists hanging out being friends in the 60's 70's supporting communism and fighting against government control.

The home is split into three separate homes.  The first was where Matilde lived it was at the bottom of the three.  It had a room with curved ceilings like a boat and originally overlooked water.  In this home there was a secret passage way from the dining room to the upstairs.  Now that I think about it, I don't remember seeing a kitchen.  I must have overlooked it somehow.  From the living area you took a small spiral staircase to the upstairs.  Then you have to climb exterior stone steps to get to the main house.  It was truly beautiful even on a cold cloudy day.  In the main house and around the outside there are eyes, strange circular white eyes hanging.  When you go to the second floor you almost run into them as you take the stairs.  The main home is also designed like a ship and has modern style decorations.  The third building is the Library which was probably my favorite because it had the warmest heater and a huge fireplace, big windows and a porch overlooking the other homes.  Here we learned about how Pablo Neruda wrote the history of his life, but due to his involvment and open support of communism, he was unable to publish it so his friend and Matilde published it under a false name and title.  However as soon as you turned to the first page you instantly knew the true author and title.  I found that fascinating.  The guide was a lovely woman who spoke beautiful spanish that was so easy to understand.  I was happy that I was able to follow the tour so easily.  After this we headed to eat at el mercado central.  On the way we saw a protest, we actually followed it all the way to the market where they held up traffic.  There were dogs parking, cars honking, people yelling.  It was quite the scene.

  

The central market was strange because you walked through this VERY fishy room then go into this beautiful eating area.

- food--I think it was pig wrapped in fat with bread, spicy salsa and bread.  Did I mention there were no menus and there was chanting in the bar area. Good times

- history museo- Salvador Allende's glasses

- Really cold, that's why we went into the museum, then on the way to the market I bought some tea with milk and a cookie that was filled with a sweeten condensed milk caramel that is supposedly popular here

- stores- Santa Lucia Mercado- I bought a cardigan...yes...it's made of alpaca 

-  Went to a friends house party with Chilean, French, and Australian people.  There where Cheetos, chis pops (aka giant cereal pieces that are fruity flavored) chips and smashed avocado.  

Primer dia Sur del equador

I bought a couple travel books for my time in Chile.  Although I thoroughly enjoyed reading them I am starting to think they are redundant.  All you need is an open mind and a talkative personality.  During the layover and on the flight I got some of the best travel information I could ask for.  The girl who sat next to me on the plane was also 23 and knew the ins and outs of Santiago.  Same with the woman who shared an outlet with Ryan at the airport.  Did I mention the flight was delayed by an hour.  But we got here.  This morning I got to see the sun shine on the Andes.  Then as soon as we arrived a the Castillo Surfista Hostel in Santiago the owner gave us even more information.  In about an hour or so we are going to go on a walking tour and get to be full fledged tourists...needless to say I am looking forward to it.  I really love the city already.  There is a definite nip in the air and my fingers are chilly as I type.  It is so weird being completely out of my element again.  I think the first day in a new country is always the most scary and the most exciting.  It is hard to remember the differences between Chilean culture and our own.  Luckily at the cafe today the waiter basically told us flat out, would you like to add the standard 10% tip.  I said yes.  Gosh I love new places, new people and new cultures.  I had papaya juice (juice isn't Zumo its Jugo) and ate some of Ryans tres leche cake.  It's a good thing it wasn't just mine or I would have eaten ALL of it, probably in .5 seconds. Yum.

Spark Notes:
- The city feels like Spain with gardens and art sculptures everywhere
-  Chilean boys are easier to talk to in Spanish than girls...
-  My bank was hidden in a hospital so that was fun to find
- I suck at getting directions from people in any language
- you double (sort of) the currency to figure out what it is in dollars   (200,000 pesos is $400)
- I will probably freeze tonight

Walking Tour
- new awesome tour friends
- awesome guide who drank with us after and was so happy and friendly
- cool bar- Bar La Nona
- Salty meat, cheese and olives
- el terramorto- grownup rootbeer float
- saw all the sites on the tour- learned some stuff
- Ryans is the navigator