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

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/

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.

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.

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.