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.