This morning, we had a kind of debate in AntiGringo's class.
It was pretty much a flop, as no one really wants to participate in a debate about the death penalty in spanish at 10 in the morning. I did get to thinking though, and the lesson actually turned out to be pretty interesting.
Lunch was....unforgettable.
Eating cow stomach/tripe soup was worse than I could have ever imagined- but I somehow managed to eat the entire bowl of that horrible horrible rubbery stuff.
Can't think about it any more.
Priscilla's mom and friends were over today for lunch. As I've said before, I really like Claudia. The other friend- not as much. His name is Fernando and he's really nice but very....outgoing.
Claudia is one of those people who has become like a character on this trip. Today, I found out that she is 40 and divorced but has a boyfriend who is 33. The conversation was light-hearted and funny until Fernando told Claudia "jokingly" that she could use a "lift" here and there. GOSH!
Then, they were talking about Priscilla's mom's weight and how she eats so much....while she was sitting at the table! People don't get as offended about being considered chubby here but MAN! They asked me if I eat a lot...I said no (because I really dont in Chile).
Tonight Corie, Jemima, Nicki, Nils, Lauren, Nicole, and I went out for the BEST dinner at the very best Italian place near the plaza. It was cheaper than normal, delicious, and non-stomach-ache-producing. Can't get any better than that! We stayed for a few hours and had fun talking about lots of things. Poor Nils- he had to be in on a lot of girl talk that he probably could have done without.
Tomorrow, we all get to sleep in :) Nothing like a late night of movies and a good 12 hours of sleep! Tomorrow we are all getting back together and going to some sort of drum festival in Valparaiso. I CANT WAIT!
Until tomorrow,
Lesley
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Hamophobic.
.Lunch today matched perfectly with the kind of day that I had.
There's nothing like coming home hungrier than ever to a big plate of! Drum roll!
cold shredded lettuce, cold soggy cauliflower and broccoli and two pieces of rolled up ham sitting on top.
its not a salad- we're talking separated dressingless veggies.
I'll admit it- while Balty wasn't looking I slipped the ham into the napkin next to my plate and later threw it away. Seriously- I am a hamophobic.
I woke up at the exact moment that my last class of the day began. I rushed out the door, caught a colectivo blah blah blah......
Priscilla had to go somewhere with Balty- not sure where. She told me that she would leave me my dinner. After walking home for the second time today I was pretty hungry again considering the fact that I ate nothing but calorie-free foods for lunch.
Cueckkkkkkkkkkk. Another plate of sopping vegetables.
Since no one was home I hopped on a bus to Lauren's house. She's home alone with Cesar tonight so in an effort to save her from extreme awkwardness and to save myself from ham and lettuce attacks...I thought it would be best to come over.
(2 hours later)
SUCCESS! Nothing can turn around your day like a world-history talk with Cesar Olmos (Lauren's dad).
Later,
Lesley
There's nothing like coming home hungrier than ever to a big plate of! Drum roll!
cold shredded lettuce, cold soggy cauliflower and broccoli and two pieces of rolled up ham sitting on top.
its not a salad- we're talking separated dressingless veggies.
I'll admit it- while Balty wasn't looking I slipped the ham into the napkin next to my plate and later threw it away. Seriously- I am a hamophobic.
I woke up at the exact moment that my last class of the day began. I rushed out the door, caught a colectivo blah blah blah......
Priscilla had to go somewhere with Balty- not sure where. She told me that she would leave me my dinner. After walking home for the second time today I was pretty hungry again considering the fact that I ate nothing but calorie-free foods for lunch.
Cueckkkkkkkkkkk. Another plate of sopping vegetables.
Since no one was home I hopped on a bus to Lauren's house. She's home alone with Cesar tonight so in an effort to save her from extreme awkwardness and to save myself from ham and lettuce attacks...I thought it would be best to come over.
(2 hours later)
SUCCESS! Nothing can turn around your day like a world-history talk with Cesar Olmos (Lauren's dad).
Later,
Lesley
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
264...
That is the number of uphill steps that I must survive in order to summit the hill and reach our apartment building on Amunategui. Every day I time myself...I get about a half second faster every single day!
This morning Priscilla left at 7:30 for her doctor's appointment. Though she left me some breakfast, she forgot to light the gas for hot water. I, being a scared wimp who can't stop thinking of the possibility of igniting the house and burning down the building by accident, was unable to light the heater myself and had to make-do with freezing water to wash my tangley ratty hair. As I dried my hair and ate my breakfast, I got to watch Runaway Bride. I think it just might be my favorite movie.
I caught a colectivo to school but experienced something new- the driver asked me how much I normally pay? It was a little embarrassing- he asked me about four times before I could decipher what the heck he was saying. Too bad Chileans speak faster and more blended Spanish than any other Spanish-speaking people in the mundo.
I thought I felt better when I woke up this morning but actually felt 200 times worse at school. Lauren and
I are both sounding horrible...but both of our moms have been making us their own tea/lemon remedies.
Lunch (and dinner) was DE-LI-CIOUS...somethingo somethingo italiano with rice. YUM.
Lauren, Nicole, Liz, and I went to Starbucks for a good while tonight. It's almost too good o be true- as soon as I walked out the door to go home I had to remind myself I was in Chile. How did I suddenly remember to remember? The dog parade that never ends was going on right outside the door. SO MANY DOGS EVERYWHERE!
This morning Priscilla left at 7:30 for her doctor's appointment. Though she left me some breakfast, she forgot to light the gas for hot water. I, being a scared wimp who can't stop thinking of the possibility of igniting the house and burning down the building by accident, was unable to light the heater myself and had to make-do with freezing water to wash my tangley ratty hair. As I dried my hair and ate my breakfast, I got to watch Runaway Bride. I think it just might be my favorite movie.
I caught a colectivo to school but experienced something new- the driver asked me how much I normally pay? It was a little embarrassing- he asked me about four times before I could decipher what the heck he was saying. Too bad Chileans speak faster and more blended Spanish than any other Spanish-speaking people in the mundo.
I thought I felt better when I woke up this morning but actually felt 200 times worse at school. Lauren and
I are both sounding horrible...but both of our moms have been making us their own tea/lemon remedies.
Lunch (and dinner) was DE-LI-CIOUS...somethingo somethingo italiano with rice. YUM.
Lauren, Nicole, Liz, and I went to Starbucks for a good while tonight. It's almost too good o be true- as soon as I walked out the door to go home I had to remind myself I was in Chile. How did I suddenly remember to remember? The dog parade that never ends was going on right outside the door. SO MANY DOGS EVERYWHERE!
Balty drew me a picture tonight...he's really obsessed with this Crayola magic marker thing that he just found in his room today. He's going to be the best big brother EVER!
 |
| Balty's gift to me :) |
Something I can't wait to do when I get home- cook. I'm creating a mental note of each meal we eat and writing a recipe book in my head. Something I probably won't be adding to the list of delicious foods I can't wait to share with the fam back in the States.....COW STOMACH. Apparently we are having it for lunch tomorrow. I'm seriously nervous.
Later,
Lesley
Lesley
Monday, September 27, 2010
Monday's are the busiest.
Lauren and I met at Plaza Vina at 7:45 this morning to walk towards our lovely Liceo Vina del Mar where we teach each Monday from 8-12.
The first of three classes went pretty bad- we were both feeling useless. Then again- it could have been the fact that Lauren, Janet, and I were all feeling a little/a lot under the weather. Janet even had to leave early!
The second class was better- we were able to help the girls through an activity and they actually understood and participated! Not to mention, I don't think I saw any dreadlock creations in the making.
The third class ROCKED! We dominated the lesson (modal verbs) simply by writing on the board exactly how we would have done it back in the States. Its not hard to learn if you can just remember the formulas!
I had from 2 until 6 and came home right away via colectivo. Its been a while since I have NOT walked home, but today I was feeling exceptionally tired and decided to flag down a driver. Priscilla had to leave right away to go to a mass for her friend who died just yesterday. Its sad- she's getting phone calls left and right but I think she's doing good.
Tomorrow she has her LAST doctor's appointment before she has the baby in 16 days.
Pizza for dinner- couldn't have been better.
Luego,
Lesley
The first of three classes went pretty bad- we were both feeling useless. Then again- it could have been the fact that Lauren, Janet, and I were all feeling a little/a lot under the weather. Janet even had to leave early!
The second class was better- we were able to help the girls through an activity and they actually understood and participated! Not to mention, I don't think I saw any dreadlock creations in the making.
The third class ROCKED! We dominated the lesson (modal verbs) simply by writing on the board exactly how we would have done it back in the States. Its not hard to learn if you can just remember the formulas!
I had from 2 until 6 and came home right away via colectivo. Its been a while since I have NOT walked home, but today I was feeling exceptionally tired and decided to flag down a driver. Priscilla had to leave right away to go to a mass for her friend who died just yesterday. Its sad- she's getting phone calls left and right but I think she's doing good.
Tomorrow she has her LAST doctor's appointment before she has the baby in 16 days.
Pizza for dinner- couldn't have been better.
Luego,
Lesley
Sunday, September 26, 2010
oh, and its raining!
I've spent the entire day in bed, slightly bummed that I'm losing my voice and sounding like a croaky frog...but suddenly my day has turned around.
Its almost 9 PM and I just woke up from a 5 hour nap (yikes). I went to brush my teeth and came out to find Priscilla who asked "Como te sientes?!" I really did feel a little better, so I said "mejor" but....it came out as "crooooooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaak" and we both shrieked. She said "PEOR!" and ran to the kitchen to make me some kind of remedy.
She brought me two sandwiches, one palta (avocado) and one egg (scrambled) accompanied by the most delicious honey and lemon tea I have ever had in my life. I'm currently on mug #2.
THEN I flicked on the TV to the best selection of movies yet. My Sister's Keeper, Shallow Hal, Remember the Titans, Across the Universe, something with Meg Ryan, and Miss Congeniality (the winner, always). In the sports section, no baseball but FOOTBALL! The Jets and the Dolphins. I've never been so happy to see those two teams!
The rest of my day...
I woke up late feeling pretty crumby but had another delicious breakfast of fruitcake and fruit.
Soon after, the entire family came over for lunch/to help make lunch:
Christian and Maura (Priscilla's brother-in-law and sister), Crazy Abuelita and Victor (Priscilla's mom and step-dad), Fernanda and Christiansito (Maura's kids), Benjamin and Estella (Balty's other cousins)
Added together, they are quite the crowd. They knew I wasn't feeling to hot so they didn't make me talk more than normal. THANK YOU.
We ate anticuchos, the delicious kabob-like things. They were good.
After lunch, Priscilla got some bad news. Her friend Pili who lives in Mexico and is her age...died. Victor told me that she was very overweight and had a heart condition. It was pretty sad but I think Priscilla is doing alright. Good thing the whole fam was here :)
Lately it seems like all I do is eat, because that's all I've really been talking about. No worries- there is usually a lot more to my days but lately it hasn't been super exciting. That's going to change soon! Lauren and I have looked at the calendar several times and are very aware of the fact that we have only a few (3 or 4) free weekends left! On the agenda we have:
Pablo Neruda's house (he's a famous poet)
horseback riding on the beach
somewhere in Argentina
Kim and Randy and the fam are coming!
Santiago
Peru and Machu Picchi
and more......
WOO!
I'm already feeling better thanks to this tea. Tomorrow we get to be back at the school teaching english, YAY!!!
Later,
Lesley
Its almost 9 PM and I just woke up from a 5 hour nap (yikes). I went to brush my teeth and came out to find Priscilla who asked "Como te sientes?!" I really did feel a little better, so I said "mejor" but....it came out as "crooooooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaak" and we both shrieked. She said "PEOR!" and ran to the kitchen to make me some kind of remedy.
She brought me two sandwiches, one palta (avocado) and one egg (scrambled) accompanied by the most delicious honey and lemon tea I have ever had in my life. I'm currently on mug #2.
THEN I flicked on the TV to the best selection of movies yet. My Sister's Keeper, Shallow Hal, Remember the Titans, Across the Universe, something with Meg Ryan, and Miss Congeniality (the winner, always). In the sports section, no baseball but FOOTBALL! The Jets and the Dolphins. I've never been so happy to see those two teams!
The rest of my day...
I woke up late feeling pretty crumby but had another delicious breakfast of fruitcake and fruit.
Soon after, the entire family came over for lunch/to help make lunch:
Christian and Maura (Priscilla's brother-in-law and sister), Crazy Abuelita and Victor (Priscilla's mom and step-dad), Fernanda and Christiansito (Maura's kids), Benjamin and Estella (Balty's other cousins)
Added together, they are quite the crowd. They knew I wasn't feeling to hot so they didn't make me talk more than normal. THANK YOU.
We ate anticuchos, the delicious kabob-like things. They were good.
After lunch, Priscilla got some bad news. Her friend Pili who lives in Mexico and is her age...died. Victor told me that she was very overweight and had a heart condition. It was pretty sad but I think Priscilla is doing alright. Good thing the whole fam was here :)
Lately it seems like all I do is eat, because that's all I've really been talking about. No worries- there is usually a lot more to my days but lately it hasn't been super exciting. That's going to change soon! Lauren and I have looked at the calendar several times and are very aware of the fact that we have only a few (3 or 4) free weekends left! On the agenda we have:
Pablo Neruda's house (he's a famous poet)
horseback riding on the beach
somewhere in Argentina
Kim and Randy and the fam are coming!
Santiago
Peru and Machu Picchi
and more......
WOO!
I'm already feeling better thanks to this tea. Tomorrow we get to be back at the school teaching english, YAY!!!
Later,
Lesley
Saturday, September 25, 2010
que bueno,el dia.
yesterday was dull- today was AWESOME!
I got to sleep in and was served a delicious breakfast (at 11 AM) of fruit and FRUIT CAKE!
Normally, fruitcake is something that I only convince myself to enjoy around Christmas time...Uncle Tim normally brings a good one. However- today it really hit the spot. Those questionable candied apples and crunchy cherries were all I needed to kick off a great day.
Priscilla, Balty, and Fernanda (12 year old neice of Priscilla who comes over all the time) left for Balty's futbol game at 11:30. Once again, I had the house to myself for a while which means TV volume was on high, I took a longer than normal shower, and I even had the nerve to cut myself another slice of fruitcake. I must be going crazy!
Shortly after getting ready to go, I found my lunch in the kitchen. IT WAS SHEPHERD's PIE! I felt a little disappointed when I first saw the little bowl of what looked like mashed potatoes but after one bite I was pleasantly surprised to find that Priscilla and The Red Oven make identical Shepherd's Pies. Que rico.
A little while later I was on my way to Lauren's. We chilled for a while and they ate lunch. EVEN THOUGH I told Glady I had already eaten...she still made me eat an empanada. Don't get me wrong- it was super delicious, but MAN these people eat a lot.
Liz, Lauren, and I eventually left for the sand dunes in ConCon. I've only been to any kind of sand dune once-a very long time ago, but I don't think I'll ever see anything like this again. It was too cool. We rented little sand-skateboard things and sand-surfed down the dunes, watched the sunset, froze from the icy-cold wind, and completely covered ourselves in sand by the time all was said and done. I'm still digging sand out of my ears and can't seem to get my feet back to normal- but it was so worth it.
I didn't take pictures but will be sure to steal some from Lauren or Liz and post them soon :)
Patricio came home for dinner tonight- which means we had another gourmet meal. Picture lasagna.
It was in the form of lasagna but only had three layers. On the bottom, ground beef and bacon from the grill. In the middle, a thick pile of super cheesy (real cheese) pasta. On top, another layer of extra crispy bacon. It was delicious. Maybe Pato should give up the demanding marine merchant job and become a chef!
Now I'm drinking Priscilla's remedy for my collapsing lung (not really- just a cold but its sounding pretty bad) and browsing the channels on TV for a good movie.
A five-star day, for sure. Not to mention the Rangers are officially in the playoffs. The cherry on top :)
Later,
Lesley
I got to sleep in and was served a delicious breakfast (at 11 AM) of fruit and FRUIT CAKE!
Normally, fruitcake is something that I only convince myself to enjoy around Christmas time...Uncle Tim normally brings a good one. However- today it really hit the spot. Those questionable candied apples and crunchy cherries were all I needed to kick off a great day.
Priscilla, Balty, and Fernanda (12 year old neice of Priscilla who comes over all the time) left for Balty's futbol game at 11:30. Once again, I had the house to myself for a while which means TV volume was on high, I took a longer than normal shower, and I even had the nerve to cut myself another slice of fruitcake. I must be going crazy!
Shortly after getting ready to go, I found my lunch in the kitchen. IT WAS SHEPHERD's PIE! I felt a little disappointed when I first saw the little bowl of what looked like mashed potatoes but after one bite I was pleasantly surprised to find that Priscilla and The Red Oven make identical Shepherd's Pies. Que rico.
A little while later I was on my way to Lauren's. We chilled for a while and they ate lunch. EVEN THOUGH I told Glady I had already eaten...she still made me eat an empanada. Don't get me wrong- it was super delicious, but MAN these people eat a lot.
Liz, Lauren, and I eventually left for the sand dunes in ConCon. I've only been to any kind of sand dune once-a very long time ago, but I don't think I'll ever see anything like this again. It was too cool. We rented little sand-skateboard things and sand-surfed down the dunes, watched the sunset, froze from the icy-cold wind, and completely covered ourselves in sand by the time all was said and done. I'm still digging sand out of my ears and can't seem to get my feet back to normal- but it was so worth it.
I didn't take pictures but will be sure to steal some from Lauren or Liz and post them soon :)
Patricio came home for dinner tonight- which means we had another gourmet meal. Picture lasagna.
It was in the form of lasagna but only had three layers. On the bottom, ground beef and bacon from the grill. In the middle, a thick pile of super cheesy (real cheese) pasta. On top, another layer of extra crispy bacon. It was delicious. Maybe Pato should give up the demanding marine merchant job and become a chef!
Now I'm drinking Priscilla's remedy for my collapsing lung (not really- just a cold but its sounding pretty bad) and browsing the channels on TV for a good movie.
A five-star day, for sure. Not to mention the Rangers are officially in the playoffs. The cherry on top :)
Later,
Lesley
Friday, September 24, 2010
boring day.
This morning I woke up to Priscilla standing in my room staring at me. I'm not sure how long she had been talking to me- but I must have looked like a complete weirdo as I squinted so hard just to see that it was her (no glasses or contacts). I was basically sleep talking and told her that I was planning to spend the day in Valparasio. That is not true at all- I spent the entire day doing absolutely nothing. I must have been dreaming or something. Also, the building that's going up outside my window has really gotten on my last nerve. I have to sleep in earplugs. Nothing like waking up to jackhammers each morning.
My head really hurts and I'll admit I'm in a pretty bad mood if you can't tell. My eyes hurt and I'm really tired. Hopefully this won't last long! Lauren's Chilean dad and sister are sick as well...I think something is going around.
Lauren and I were hoping to make chocolate chip cookies this evening but it never happened. That's alright- maybe next time. It sure was nice to see the fam on skype :)
 |
| :) |
We suuuuuuuuuuure wished we could be joining for dinner at Joe-T's!
Later,
Lesley
Thursday, September 23, 2010
sun poisoned ?
I woke up this morning slightly nervous for our test in Antigringo's class but excited that I would have the house all to myself today. That might sound a little wierd...but every once in a while you really do just need a chance to crank the music, open the windows, and take a break from everything. We all do it here, I think.
The test was what I thought it would be- writing and writing and more writing about the most popular subject in the world- language and reality. I wrote until I got too annoyed/tired/confused why I was writing what I was writing and left for volunteer work. I wasn't too pumped about going to the children's home today but did anyways, and it all worked out in my favor. There were other volunteers there so I agreed to come back tomorrow.
In that case, I took a short trek to the beach and met up with Lauren and Nicole. Thankfully they were there- its interesting living without a cell phone. I've been out of minutes for a while now...need to take care of that tomorrow.
Later, I cleaned my room, talked with good friends in Oklahoma for a while (much needed), and just kicked back and relaxed....
....until I noticed that the construction workers next door can see into my room. AWKWARD!
Jemima, Corie, Nicki, Nicole, Lauren and I went out for Mexican food. It was super delicious and a definite attempt at a taste of home...but still no Fuzzy's tacos or Joe-T's. Also, I have a stomach ache which only means that I have become accustomed to the much different Chilean food. Going back home and eating super-rich American food will be tough on our lentil-trained stomachs.
My head hurts, I'm guzzling water, and I can't keep my eyes open. I think I may have had too much sun today.
Until tomorrow,
Lesley
The test was what I thought it would be- writing and writing and more writing about the most popular subject in the world- language and reality. I wrote until I got too annoyed/tired/confused why I was writing what I was writing and left for volunteer work. I wasn't too pumped about going to the children's home today but did anyways, and it all worked out in my favor. There were other volunteers there so I agreed to come back tomorrow.
In that case, I took a short trek to the beach and met up with Lauren and Nicole. Thankfully they were there- its interesting living without a cell phone. I've been out of minutes for a while now...need to take care of that tomorrow.
Later, I cleaned my room, talked with good friends in Oklahoma for a while (much needed), and just kicked back and relaxed....
....until I noticed that the construction workers next door can see into my room. AWKWARD!
Jemima, Corie, Nicki, Nicole, Lauren and I went out for Mexican food. It was super delicious and a definite attempt at a taste of home...but still no Fuzzy's tacos or Joe-T's. Also, I have a stomach ache which only means that I have become accustomed to the much different Chilean food. Going back home and eating super-rich American food will be tough on our lentil-trained stomachs.
My head hurts, I'm guzzling water, and I can't keep my eyes open. I think I may have had too much sun today.
Until tomorrow,
Lesley
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Define music...
There's no better time to refrain from doing homework and post the latest and greatest in my life than when the annoying wannabe Bill Clinton is honking away on his saxophone. I really am thinking of standing on my bed and jabbing the ceiling with my hairbrush if this unwanted concert of out of tune squeaks doesn't end soon. When it does- I might even clap.
:)
Classes weren't very good today- more talk about what reality is...
Let's get real. Reality is reality. It's what's happening. We each might have our own, and we might make our own...but what's the problem with that? Profesor Antigringo should really move on, it's time. Not that I'm not interested, but you can only spend so long on one single topic. We have a "test" tomorrow over two papers that explain the relationship between language and reality. Two papers (about 10 or so pages) wouldn't be that bad at all in English....but its a different story in Spanish. It isn't easy when you think you're on a roll and all of the sudden you come to a sentence that you can only understand one or two words of.
After class today, Nicole, Lauren and I made it to the movies. As usual, it was great. Drew Barrymore, a cold Diet Coke, and salty salty salty popcorn can really make a gringa feel at home again.
Balty is staying with his crazy abuelita tonight since tomorrow Priscilla has to go to Santiago to sell/buy clothes (still kind of a mystery). This means....I have the house to myself tomorrow! But that's not really too exciting...just means I can blare my music and take a longer shower :)
Until tomorrow,
Lesley
:)
Classes weren't very good today- more talk about what reality is...
Let's get real. Reality is reality. It's what's happening. We each might have our own, and we might make our own...but what's the problem with that? Profesor Antigringo should really move on, it's time. Not that I'm not interested, but you can only spend so long on one single topic. We have a "test" tomorrow over two papers that explain the relationship between language and reality. Two papers (about 10 or so pages) wouldn't be that bad at all in English....but its a different story in Spanish. It isn't easy when you think you're on a roll and all of the sudden you come to a sentence that you can only understand one or two words of.
After class today, Nicole, Lauren and I made it to the movies. As usual, it was great. Drew Barrymore, a cold Diet Coke, and salty salty salty popcorn can really make a gringa feel at home again.
Balty is staying with his crazy abuelita tonight since tomorrow Priscilla has to go to Santiago to sell/buy clothes (still kind of a mystery). This means....I have the house to myself tomorrow! But that's not really too exciting...just means I can blare my music and take a longer shower :)
Until tomorrow,
Lesley
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Fiesta Food Fiesta Food Fiesta Food Food Food....
This weekend was HUGE for Chile. September 18th marked the 200th anniversary of Chile's independence. Just like we celebrate the 4th of July, they celebrate September 18th every year, but this year was exceptionally partyish. Let just say Chileans really do go all out. Friday night, the night of the 15th, Lauren, Liz, Liz's school friends/our new pals, Simone (Lauren's super great Chilean sister), and I went out to a cool dancing club on the beach to begin celebrating. It was fun, we all had a good time.
The next day, the 18th, Priscilla, Balty, and I went to Priscilla's sister's house (her name is Maura) to eat infinite amount of churipan, empanadas, steak, pork, rice, potato salad (!), soda, cake, etc. There were about 10 people over, and I'm familiar with all of them, so its a comfortable situation when I'm around them and I am able to communicate well with them. I tried chicha for the first time. Its a type of carbonated wineish drink, but its better than it sounds. I think its a traditioanly celebratory drink for the Fiestas Patrias.
The next day the fam and I went to Priscilla's dad's house. There, we had more steak, lots of beans, and lots of cucumber salad. Just when I thought I could take a break from eating a few hours later, Priscilla and I had to peel ourselves off of the couch to eat MORE. She and I were both really tired- good thing I don't have a fakemom who expects me to eat the world and then be as active as the rest of the talkative loud family. We ate empanadas with mariscos...
as much as I like seafood...I really just cannot take these shellfish empanadas. It was not good, but I downed it thinking "this will be the last sellfish anything that I eat."
WRONG! The next morning (yesterday morning) I was served a shellfish empanada in bed, for breakfast. EW! I almost tossed it out my window to the annoying dog in the courtyard below, but somehow found the strength inside to eat it. NEVER AGAIN.
After empanadas, Priscilla and I went to watch the Parada Militar- a military parade that they have every year. We sat outside our apartment, as we can see the water from our house, and watched the planes and boats go by. Parades aren't the same here- no floats. It was a series of really really scary cool airplane tricks and flyovers, then a naval parade of giant ships slowly floating by. Cool, but not too exciting. The most exciting part about it was the Patricio and Balty were on a boat! That floated by! Balty was SO excited to get to go with his dad on the boat, it was so cute. Priscilla was crying when their boat went by, she's really emotional lately. Must be due to the fact that OCTAVIA IS DUE IN EXACTLY 3 WEEKS, AHH!
After the parade, we had a refreshing lunch of rice and tomatoes. It was heavenly after such a foody weekend. Later, I went to Lauren's house and relaxed with her family for a while.
As much as I love being on vacation, I'll admit it was nice to get back into the habit of class today. Being in Vina again is nice and it was a relief to see the familiar faces of our classmates today. Classes were pretty dull, but that's alright. Lots of homework, too.
Until tomorrow,
Lesley
 |
| with Simone :) |
The next day, the 18th, Priscilla, Balty, and I went to Priscilla's sister's house (her name is Maura) to eat infinite amount of churipan, empanadas, steak, pork, rice, potato salad (!), soda, cake, etc. There were about 10 people over, and I'm familiar with all of them, so its a comfortable situation when I'm around them and I am able to communicate well with them. I tried chicha for the first time. Its a type of carbonated wineish drink, but its better than it sounds. I think its a traditioanly celebratory drink for the Fiestas Patrias.
The next day the fam and I went to Priscilla's dad's house. There, we had more steak, lots of beans, and lots of cucumber salad. Just when I thought I could take a break from eating a few hours later, Priscilla and I had to peel ourselves off of the couch to eat MORE. She and I were both really tired- good thing I don't have a fakemom who expects me to eat the world and then be as active as the rest of the talkative loud family. We ate empanadas with mariscos...
as much as I like seafood...I really just cannot take these shellfish empanadas. It was not good, but I downed it thinking "this will be the last sellfish anything that I eat."
WRONG! The next morning (yesterday morning) I was served a shellfish empanada in bed, for breakfast. EW! I almost tossed it out my window to the annoying dog in the courtyard below, but somehow found the strength inside to eat it. NEVER AGAIN.
After empanadas, Priscilla and I went to watch the Parada Militar- a military parade that they have every year. We sat outside our apartment, as we can see the water from our house, and watched the planes and boats go by. Parades aren't the same here- no floats. It was a series of really really scary cool airplane tricks and flyovers, then a naval parade of giant ships slowly floating by. Cool, but not too exciting. The most exciting part about it was the Patricio and Balty were on a boat! That floated by! Balty was SO excited to get to go with his dad on the boat, it was so cute. Priscilla was crying when their boat went by, she's really emotional lately. Must be due to the fact that OCTAVIA IS DUE IN EXACTLY 3 WEEKS, AHH!
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| Balty at his dance recital last week, before spring break |
As much as I love being on vacation, I'll admit it was nice to get back into the habit of class today. Being in Vina again is nice and it was a relief to see the familiar faces of our classmates today. Classes were pretty dull, but that's alright. Lots of homework, too.
Until tomorrow,
Lesley
spring break continued...
Day 3:
After a day on a deserted island and a free facial (wind+salt+salt water+sun+sand), we decided to have a somewhat more chill and inexpensive day and explore the town of La Serena and its neighboring city, Coquimbo (pronounced Cokeembo).
We slept in, showered, had a nice breakfast of bread and jam with hot tea as usal, and got ready to catch a bus to Coquimbo. As we were just about to leave, we met a really cool girl, Rebecca, who became another character on our trip- won't forget her. She's here in Chile to live and work, teaching English at a respectable institute in Santiago that basically teaches Chileans how to be North-Americanized. She travels alone and lives differently than we do because as she explained it, she is here to start her career and begin her adult life- we are here for one semester to see as much as we can and experience as much as possible in such a "short" period of time. I think we all learned a lot from her. As we were just about to leave for Coquimbo, Rebecca asked if she could join us, so she came along and stuck with us all day.
In Coquimbo, we got off the bus and saw some more neat artsy markets. The nice thing about jewelry-selling vendors here is that they REALLY make their stuff. They don't buy chains and string beads...they twist and mold the wire into a chain, cut beautiful rocks to fit the copper that they have hand-shaped into intricate designs, then put it all together to sell for relatively cheap prices. Also, its special to buy copper jewelry here in Chile since copper is a main export...THE main export that all Chileans are proud of.
From La Serena- a few miles away, you can see a huge cross on the top of one cerro(hill) in Coquimbo. We climbed that cerro, from bottom to top, and reached the gigantic Cruce Milenio III. It was really cool and we had a great outlook over both Coquimbo and La Serena from the top of the cerro.
After a day on a deserted island and a free facial (wind+salt+salt water+sun+sand), we decided to have a somewhat more chill and inexpensive day and explore the town of La Serena and its neighboring city, Coquimbo (pronounced Cokeembo).
We slept in, showered, had a nice breakfast of bread and jam with hot tea as usal, and got ready to catch a bus to Coquimbo. As we were just about to leave, we met a really cool girl, Rebecca, who became another character on our trip- won't forget her. She's here in Chile to live and work, teaching English at a respectable institute in Santiago that basically teaches Chileans how to be North-Americanized. She travels alone and lives differently than we do because as she explained it, she is here to start her career and begin her adult life- we are here for one semester to see as much as we can and experience as much as possible in such a "short" period of time. I think we all learned a lot from her. As we were just about to leave for Coquimbo, Rebecca asked if she could join us, so she came along and stuck with us all day.
In Coquimbo, we got off the bus and saw some more neat artsy markets. The nice thing about jewelry-selling vendors here is that they REALLY make their stuff. They don't buy chains and string beads...they twist and mold the wire into a chain, cut beautiful rocks to fit the copper that they have hand-shaped into intricate designs, then put it all together to sell for relatively cheap prices. Also, its special to buy copper jewelry here in Chile since copper is a main export...THE main export that all Chileans are proud of.
From La Serena- a few miles away, you can see a huge cross on the top of one cerro(hill) in Coquimbo. We climbed that cerro, from bottom to top, and reached the gigantic Cruce Milenio III. It was really cool and we had a great outlook over both Coquimbo and La Serena from the top of the cerro.
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| HUGE. |
After the cross- we walked back down the cerro, stopped for lunch in the fish market, and made our way back to La Serena.
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| view from the top. |
Interesting thing about restaurants in general: The restaurant has workers who stand outside and FORCE you into their place. Literally, they grab you and try to make you eat there. In the case of the fish market, this woman probably would not have let us say no. She took us to our table and sat us down, recited a special and mothing else, and that was it. We weren't even that hungry but you know- we might as well eat as much seafood as we can while we're here. Although....as much as I like seafood I DESPISE the seafood soup they love here. Its awful- like someone took a net and scooped out whatever swam in they could then boiled and served it. Lauren ordered some (not intentionally, I don't think). I steared clear and just ordered a shrimp empanada....it was alright.
Back in La Serena we stopped for some coffee (Cafe Helado- coffee and ice cream YUM) and walked around through more artesenia markets. We found the nicest, most genuinely talented lady selling jewelry...she was making something when we walked up to her stand. She didn't try to force us to buy anything, just explained how everything was made by her from start to finish- each earring or bracelet or ring completely unique. I wanted a bracelet but they weren't just the right size. Lauren got some really pretty turquoise earrings :) That was cool- she was another character who I think we both learned from, hard to explain.
Later, we talked for hours about lots of things then went to bed exhausted yet again but looking forward to the next day...bike riding through the Andes!
Day 4:
We woke up at the crack of dawn, literally. By 7:00 we were walking towards the bus station in our workout attire, ready to take on the Andes via mountain bike. Our bus ride was cool- we rode through grape-growing-paradise in the valleys of the mountains...I've never seen anything like that before. Rows and rows and rows or carefully aligned plants- what a tedious task it must be to take care of.
Two hours later we were in Elqui Valley where we quickly were paired with bikes and fitted into helmets. Before we knew it we were in the van riding up into the mountains...the ride was much longer than I expected it would be...IT WAS A LOOOOOOOOOONG BIKE RIDE!
Two hours later we were in Elqui Valley where we quickly were paired with bikes and fitted into helmets. Before we knew it we were in the van riding up into the mountains...the ride was much longer than I expected it would be...IT WAS A LOOOOOOOOOONG BIKE RIDE!
....but probably one of the coolest things I'll ever do in my whole life. The van driver left and the four of us (Lauren, Nicole, Ahzha, y yo) took our time on the dirt roads. It was kind of scary at times- my tired were a little skiddy but I never fell (yes!). We went down near the river that runs through the valley, rode through a pueblo or two, saw a REAL cowboy hearding horses, bought some raisins from the coolest little dried fruit place, and finally made it back to the starting point several hours later. I'll admit- at some points during the bike ride I felt like I was in a movie or something- flying as fast as a car down a mountain just smilling hugely...I couldn't believe what we were getting to do! And I think we all felt the same way. Nicole and Ahzha were bursting into song every once in a while- pure euphoria!
A mango ice cream and diet-coke later I was revived and relaxed. The bus ride back was beautiful and the day was completey incredible. Couldn't get better.
But it did. We met up with Nicole's Chilean family after a delicious dinner of NOT pb&j. We had completos- like hot dogs but with avocado and tomato (I'll make them when I come home). Nicole's brothers and the four of us girls left La Serena around 10 and drove to Vicuna where we scaled another mountain, this time via car, and reached the top where we found the Mamalluca Observatory. It was awesome. We were there around 11:30, and it was completely 100% dark- the clearest sky ever. We got to look at the moon through a HUGE telescope...the light blinded us, that's how bright the moon was. Something else that I may never see again!
WHAT A GREAT DAY.
And that was the end of Spring Break. By the next day, we were ready to get back to Vina. La Serena was great, but Vina might be better ;)
Monday, September 20, 2010
islands,andes,desert,beach,bus,boat,bike
Where to begin.
We made several stops in small towns to pick up fellow travelers and about 7 hours and an empanada later, we arrived in La Serena. I didn't have a clue what to expect really- for some reason I couldn't get Salado, Texas off my mind (Serena statue in the creek, there).
There were a few problems catching a colectivo driver who knew what hostel or street we were talking about. Vincua? Vicuna? Vicuaa?
...We probably should have studied up a little more. I guess it would have been nice to know where we were staying for the next few nights. But it all worked out and we found a cab that took us straight to Aji Verde, our hostel.
Never judge a hostel by its smell.
There was a fish market one door over which made getting some fresh air out of our window kind of difficult...but the hostel was awesome. I love the fact that when you stay in a hostel- you meet people coming from and going to the coolest places. A totally international scene. Mexico, Holland, USA, Canada, UK...you name it, they've got it.
The first night in La Serena rocked, literally. We ran to the sunset as fast as we could after a quick stop for some peanut butter at the local Jumbo store. It was deceiving- we thought we were close to the beach but in reality, it was a 30 minute trek. I'd say it was definitely worth breaking a sweat to get there in time:
After seeing a beautiful sunset, we made it back into town on foot and made a pit-stop at Telepizza for a much-needed meal. Something about pizza sounded delicious and even though it wasn't much more than a slab of dough with some cheese on top- at the moment I think we would have all given the pizza two thumbs up. As soon as we demolished to pizza, we headed down the street to the most intense, Chilean concert EVER! Los Jaivas- apparently I should know who they are. Ahzha tells us that they are like Pink Floyd to Chile. They were around when Pinochet was in power and were very involved politically...
They were SO good. We stood the whole time, smooshed smack dab in the middle of a HUGE crowd. It was uncomfortable at times i.e. jumping, swaying, etc.
Spring Break was this week...and it was awesome. I think I may still be in shock that we actually accomplished that insanely loaded trip.
Ahzha, Lauren. and I left early Sunday morning from Vina. We took a double decker bus and had the best seats in the house- front row, top deck. It was like a video game, just a huge window right in front of us.
Ahzha, Lauren. and I left early Sunday morning from Vina. We took a double decker bus and had the best seats in the house- front row, top deck. It was like a video game, just a huge window right in front of us.
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| this doesnt really prove my point- but the view was great. |
We made several stops in small towns to pick up fellow travelers and about 7 hours and an empanada later, we arrived in La Serena. I didn't have a clue what to expect really- for some reason I couldn't get Salado, Texas off my mind (Serena statue in the creek, there).
There were a few problems catching a colectivo driver who knew what hostel or street we were talking about. Vincua? Vicuna? Vicuaa?
...We probably should have studied up a little more. I guess it would have been nice to know where we were staying for the next few nights. But it all worked out and we found a cab that took us straight to Aji Verde, our hostel.
Never judge a hostel by its smell.
There was a fish market one door over which made getting some fresh air out of our window kind of difficult...but the hostel was awesome. I love the fact that when you stay in a hostel- you meet people coming from and going to the coolest places. A totally international scene. Mexico, Holland, USA, Canada, UK...you name it, they've got it.
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| the kitchen in our hostel...not many pics of the place. |
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| worth it. |
They were SO good. We stood the whole time, smooshed smack dab in the middle of a HUGE crowd. It was uncomfortable at times i.e. jumping, swaying, etc.
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| Los Jaivas |
After the concert, we made it home quickly and packed up some peanut butter and jelly for the next day. I called Priscilla to let her know I was alive and safe in our destination city...she told me there had been a tremor in La Serena! We didn't notice- the concert was too crazy. Actually- the concert was probably the cause of the tremor :)
Day 2:
I was super excited to see Isla Damas but again- since we have never been to Chile...we had no idea what to expect.
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| tubleweeds and roadrunners missing from this picture |
We woke up super early, filled our packpacks with lunch etc and at 8:45 the bus driver rang the bell at our hostel. How cool! We got in a bus that seemed to stop every five seconds until we made it out of town. And by out of town I mean we were so far out of any town that we were in the desert. The real desert.
We finally made it to Punto de Chorros, where we would wait for two hours to get on the boat and head towards Isla Damas, thanks to unsafe boating conditions. The waves were HUGE and there were a few times when I thought: maybe this isn't a great idea? While we waited for the sea patrol's approval, Lauren and I experienced the most delicous empanada I have had to date. The woman who made them was a character- similar to the mom on My Big Fat Greek Wedding..."Digame chiquitas que quieren?"
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| shrimp and cheese- never had better |
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| you know the food is good when you want a pic with it. |
Finally, after several hours of waiting and waiting, we were able to board a boat. I was pretty scared for my life, but trusted that the boatman knew what he was doing. After an hour of being doused with freezing water and smacked in the face by cold strong wind, we made it to the island and rounded another island where we saw penguins, sea lions (gross), and cool birds. Look in my album for lots of pictures :)
As we paid the "tourguide" on the island...we received notice from two fellow travelers that OUR BUS HAD LEFT. The problem: there is only one bus per day that goes to this particular location...in the middle of the desert. Long story shortened....we caught a ride home with a guy who someone knew and called to come get the three gringas and our two new best friends from Santiago (who knew English, thank goodness).
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| Senor Lifesaver |
What a great day. We made it home with a layer of salt on our faces, terrible wind/sun/salt burn on my face, and lots of good times that I could never have the time to write all about. Peanut butter and jelly was for dinner, and we went to bed pretty early.
Friday, September 10, 2010
just beach bummin'
I went for a much-needed run this morning but didn't make it anywhere near where I hoped to...the beach looked too good. I sat on the sand for a while and people-watched...until I looked at my watch and realized an hour and half had passed.
The fast-walk home along the highway was accompanied by the usual series of car beeps and bus honks, but my loud Brazilian music helps to drown out the annoyingness of those sounds. I am still smelling the scent of something dead when I walk by a certain spot each day...I really am convinced that Chile's version of the FBI may be searching the area next time I pass. Its that bad.
I'm noticing more pelicans and seagulls around every day, probably since spring is alllllmost here. It's definitely getting warmer- or at least its warm enough to unzip my jacket for a few hours during the day. As soon as the sun sets its a different story- winter returns.
After a healthy lunch of rice and vegetables with a tomato stuffed with tuna (?) I went back to the beach for some more deep relaxation. I have to note the juice that we drank with lunch today. I've never drank poison, but whatever that green liquid in my cup was surely seemed close to it. Cucumber was the closest thing that I could come up with- definitely not a fruit flavor. Lettuce, maybe? NO TELLING.
Everyone else went skiing today, but I chose sand over slopes- thanks to the horrible experience I had in Colorado a few years ago. I know its THE Andes, and I'm positively sure that I missed out on a once-in-a-lifetime thing...but for my own good, the beach was probably the smarter idea.
While sitting on the beach, I looked around and could count a total of 18 Chilean flags. Every day there is some sort of new celebratory item on the streets to prepare for next Saturday, Chile's 200th birthday. People suuuuuure are getting excited! A little while later I looked around and counted a total of nine beach-dogs on the beach, all very close to me. One was really cute, but scared the heck out of me when he dashed over and took a seat directly behind me...I thought it was a person at first, yikes! A little while later the sun began to set. I looked around and saw 13 couples...I knew it was probably time to leave. The beach becomes romance-city around 5:45 each day. I got out of there QUICK. It was cold by then, anyway.
I'm home now, just relaxing and watching some BASEBALL! The Braves and the Cardinals...too bad no Rangers. Maybe tomorrow the since its the Yankees? But most likely, it's never going to happen.
Patricio is coming home tonight and Fernanda is over...which means a gooooood dinner tonight! YES!
And tomorrow I get to go watch Balty dance the cueca. How will I ever manage to hold in the smiles !? I hope I don't make him mess up...he has a costume and everything!
...
dinner was excellent, probably the best yet. Patricio made "anticocha?"...like kabobs with salchichas, carne, and cebollas. YUMMO. Afterwards, the five of us played a card game that I can't wait to show to the rest of the world when I come home...Nervioso :)
A good night.
Until manana,
Lesley
The fast-walk home along the highway was accompanied by the usual series of car beeps and bus honks, but my loud Brazilian music helps to drown out the annoyingness of those sounds. I am still smelling the scent of something dead when I walk by a certain spot each day...I really am convinced that Chile's version of the FBI may be searching the area next time I pass. Its that bad.
I'm noticing more pelicans and seagulls around every day, probably since spring is alllllmost here. It's definitely getting warmer- or at least its warm enough to unzip my jacket for a few hours during the day. As soon as the sun sets its a different story- winter returns.
After a healthy lunch of rice and vegetables with a tomato stuffed with tuna (?) I went back to the beach for some more deep relaxation. I have to note the juice that we drank with lunch today. I've never drank poison, but whatever that green liquid in my cup was surely seemed close to it. Cucumber was the closest thing that I could come up with- definitely not a fruit flavor. Lettuce, maybe? NO TELLING.
Everyone else went skiing today, but I chose sand over slopes- thanks to the horrible experience I had in Colorado a few years ago. I know its THE Andes, and I'm positively sure that I missed out on a once-in-a-lifetime thing...but for my own good, the beach was probably the smarter idea.
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| Shiloh? what a little cutie. |
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| how romantic. |
Patricio is coming home tonight and Fernanda is over...which means a gooooood dinner tonight! YES!
And tomorrow I get to go watch Balty dance the cueca. How will I ever manage to hold in the smiles !? I hope I don't make him mess up...he has a costume and everything!
...
dinner was excellent, probably the best yet. Patricio made "anticocha?"...like kabobs with salchichas, carne, and cebollas. YUMMO. Afterwards, the five of us played a card game that I can't wait to show to the rest of the world when I come home...Nervioso :)
A good night.
Until manana,
Lesley
Thursday, September 9, 2010
We're American, and we're over it.
ALERT!
Pictures have been updated- there was a slight technical difficulty and I didn't realize my recent pictures were not being posted. Have a look, there are some new things in there.
Class was interesting AGAIN today, but we have all decided we are tired of talking about and comparing North Americans to South Americans. I could talk about the American Dream all day and ponder the psychological issues that we face...but it's gotten old. I/we are over it. En fin.
Directly after class today, the "International Volunteers" including myself took a bus to the main University of Vina del Mar campus which is located on the very very top of a mountain-like hill that overlooks the entire city of Vina del Mar. There, we participated in a sort of pat-yourself-on-the-back meeting/orientation for volunteers and saw/met several of the chairpersons for the organizations which we are helping this year. Afterwards there were empanadas!
A little while later, UVM had a huge party right outside, on campus. It was awesome. There was food, people were dancing everywhere, they were selling cokes, water, beer...
...maybe I should suggest to President Boren that he could have these kinds of parties at OU and soooo many more people would want to participate in on-campus events! This is just the beginning of next week partying for the 200th anniversary of Chile. I'm PUMPED.
I came home for a late late late lunch and will relax and organize my room, clothes, thoughts,papers, etc. before my completely free day tomorrow. I hope to spend it on the beach- the whole day.
Priscilla just came into my room and invited me to watch Balty dance the Cueca at his school on Saturday, YES! This is going to be hilarious.
We leave Sunday for La Serena and its looking like it may be the best trip ever. Can't wait, and can't believe its spring break.
Until tomorrow,
Lesley
Pictures have been updated- there was a slight technical difficulty and I didn't realize my recent pictures were not being posted. Have a look, there are some new things in there.
Class was interesting AGAIN today, but we have all decided we are tired of talking about and comparing North Americans to South Americans. I could talk about the American Dream all day and ponder the psychological issues that we face...but it's gotten old. I/we are over it. En fin.
Directly after class today, the "International Volunteers" including myself took a bus to the main University of Vina del Mar campus which is located on the very very top of a mountain-like hill that overlooks the entire city of Vina del Mar. There, we participated in a sort of pat-yourself-on-the-back meeting/orientation for volunteers and saw/met several of the chairpersons for the organizations which we are helping this year. Afterwards there were empanadas!
A little while later, UVM had a huge party right outside, on campus. It was awesome. There was food, people were dancing everywhere, they were selling cokes, water, beer...
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| this is inside the main UVM campus. cool, right ? |
I came home for a late late late lunch and will relax and organize my room, clothes, thoughts,papers, etc. before my completely free day tomorrow. I hope to spend it on the beach- the whole day.
Priscilla just came into my room and invited me to watch Balty dance the Cueca at his school on Saturday, YES! This is going to be hilarious.
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| a gooooood meal. |
We leave Sunday for La Serena and its looking like it may be the best trip ever. Can't wait, and can't believe its spring break.
Until tomorrow,
Lesley
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
north american reality?
Class today was very interesting. We read an abstract from one of Octavio Paz's articles that tries to explain some of the differences between the South American and the North American in terms of reality. For example, in the United States our reality is something that we create for ourselves with things and we obtain these things by setting and achieving goals. I don't think this is bad- it works. We are inherently striving for something...and for everyone that something is different but it's there. South Americans are apparently not the same. According to our teacher, the South American/Chilean lives in the reality that is his natural surroundings. Wherever he might end up is not only determined by his actions, but by the consequences under which he lives and cannot change for himself. All of South America can't be like this. I'm sure that in every country, most or many people are trying to achieve something- some sort of ideal success. It's not like North Americans are the only people trying to achieve goals and be successful in life. It's just that in our minds, education and lots of hard work combined with some experience of the world are what lead to success- no matter what field you wish to go into. Maybe its hard to explain...but our homework tonight is to write a paper on if we do or don't agree with ideas like this one. I totally agree...in moderation.
Tonight, Lauren, Liz, Liz's friend, me, and Lauren's mom Glady went to Valparaiso to watch Simone (Lauren's sister) in a kind of play/dance. Simone is super legit at dance- and the performance was very ineresting. I would say it was contemporary ? But also tribal ? I'll admit, by the end I was ready for some light-hearted tap or jazz but I don't think those are common dance-genres here.
Tomorrow is the busiest day ever. Wake up, go to class, go directly to a volunteer ceremony, rush back to volunteer at the childrens' home, and finally come home around 6:30 where Crazy Abuelita will be waiting to serve me another super late lunch. Priscilla is going to Santiago alllll day.
Until tomorrow,
Lesley
Tonight, Lauren, Liz, Liz's friend, me, and Lauren's mom Glady went to Valparaiso to watch Simone (Lauren's sister) in a kind of play/dance. Simone is super legit at dance- and the performance was very ineresting. I would say it was contemporary ? But also tribal ? I'll admit, by the end I was ready for some light-hearted tap or jazz but I don't think those are common dance-genres here.
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| Simone in the middle :) |
Tomorrow is the busiest day ever. Wake up, go to class, go directly to a volunteer ceremony, rush back to volunteer at the childrens' home, and finally come home around 6:30 where Crazy Abuelita will be waiting to serve me another super late lunch. Priscilla is going to Santiago alllll day.
Until tomorrow,
Lesley
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
"we're in a cloud!"
This morning it was like I was floating in a cloud...so tired and blurry-eyed...
wait...
I WAS IN A CLOUD.
The entire city of Vina was in a fog this morning until about 11. I look out my window and couldn't see past the neighboring building! Foghorns were blasting all night and continued to distract me from paying attention in class.
Class was insightful and interesting. I walked home afterwards but thanks to Carlos's new class that starts inconveniently at 2 PM, I couldn't eat lunch with the family and had to wait until after class at 4 PM. This late lunch idea is not my thing. I'm starving by noon and half-dead by 4. Also, I don't think I've had a single sip of pure water in three days. That can't be good.
I took a late night trip across town to Lauren's tonight, in search for something to do. It was nice- but a dumb idea to leave her house so late at night. Well, it wasn't really that late but it sure is difficult to find a bus at 11 PM.
I think the main difference between living here and living at home is that here, I have to completely think EVERYTHING through before doing it. For example, here is my thought process before going to Lauren's house:
Do I have enough change to catch a colectivo? Yes, 350 pesos to get to Alvarez.
Okay, from there I need 120 pesos for the bus to Lauren's apartment. Got it.
Where are my keys?
I need money to get home. Is my cell phone charged? Where is my student buss pass? Should I even go to Lauren's this late at night? Yes.
I should tell Priscilla what time I'll be back. Now I have to say it in Spanish.
Then, I have to communicate with a colectivo driver, a bus driver, and the security guard at the apartment complex. All of the above require thought.
No wonder Chileans have an odd sense of time. There are so many steps to be taken before you can make it from point A to point B!
The money, the language, transportation,...its all a task. I think the hardest part about returning to the US is going to be the transition back into the easiness of...everything. I never fully realized how convenient and easy we have it.
ennnnn fin.
Until tomorrow,
Lesley
wait...
I WAS IN A CLOUD.
The entire city of Vina was in a fog this morning until about 11. I look out my window and couldn't see past the neighboring building! Foghorns were blasting all night and continued to distract me from paying attention in class.
Class was insightful and interesting. I walked home afterwards but thanks to Carlos's new class that starts inconveniently at 2 PM, I couldn't eat lunch with the family and had to wait until after class at 4 PM. This late lunch idea is not my thing. I'm starving by noon and half-dead by 4. Also, I don't think I've had a single sip of pure water in three days. That can't be good.
I took a late night trip across town to Lauren's tonight, in search for something to do. It was nice- but a dumb idea to leave her house so late at night. Well, it wasn't really that late but it sure is difficult to find a bus at 11 PM.
I think the main difference between living here and living at home is that here, I have to completely think EVERYTHING through before doing it. For example, here is my thought process before going to Lauren's house:
Do I have enough change to catch a colectivo? Yes, 350 pesos to get to Alvarez.
Okay, from there I need 120 pesos for the bus to Lauren's apartment. Got it.
Where are my keys?
I need money to get home. Is my cell phone charged? Where is my student buss pass? Should I even go to Lauren's this late at night? Yes.
I should tell Priscilla what time I'll be back. Now I have to say it in Spanish.
Then, I have to communicate with a colectivo driver, a bus driver, and the security guard at the apartment complex. All of the above require thought.
No wonder Chileans have an odd sense of time. There are so many steps to be taken before you can make it from point A to point B!
The money, the language, transportation,...its all a task. I think the hardest part about returning to the US is going to be the transition back into the easiness of...everything. I never fully realized how convenient and easy we have it.
ennnnn fin.
Until tomorrow,
Lesley
Monday, September 6, 2010
Just another manic Monday
I arose at the crack of dawn this morning- again to the hideous sound of a rooster.
Priscilla and I both woke up around 6- she had a doctors appointment and I had to get going early so that I could make it to the school by 8 to help with english classes. I chugged my hot fakemilk (ew) and quickly ate my kiwi and banana platter. The turkey sandwich once again failed to make the cut and went to the dogs later in the day.
Today Lauren and I really had a good time at the school. The girls were slightly more attentive and there seemed to be much better attendance. We came up with a game! It needs some improvement, but worked as we had hoped. Nothing like a little FIERCE competition amongst a roomfull of 18+ crazy Chilean girls. It can get out of hand quickly if you aren't careful. Something new to add to the list of in-class distrations: card games.
My groove was ruined when I sat in a faulty chair and went crashing to the floor- thankfully no one laughed and the moment quickly passed. So unreliable, Chilean technology. Even the most primitive i.e. a chair. I wasn't embarrassed...this has happened too many times to get upset.
After class, we went home for lunch. Unfortunately, I failed to tell Priscilla that I had class at 2, not 2:30. This meant that I had no time to eat and had to rush off to school. We had class until 6, so I ate lunch at 6:30. Weird.
Its starting to get very festive around here...everyone is getting excited for the 18th!!!
And Janet, the other english teacher, says that in October everyone is going on strike. THAT should be interesting! More travel time for us ?!?! Who knows...
Lauren and I were walking around the other day saying that it feels like something is about to happen in Chile. The party is going to be so huge and there is so much excitement that we can already feel it, 12 days ahead of time. Woo!
Until tomorrow,
Lesley
Priscilla and I both woke up around 6- she had a doctors appointment and I had to get going early so that I could make it to the school by 8 to help with english classes. I chugged my hot fakemilk (ew) and quickly ate my kiwi and banana platter. The turkey sandwich once again failed to make the cut and went to the dogs later in the day.
Today Lauren and I really had a good time at the school. The girls were slightly more attentive and there seemed to be much better attendance. We came up with a game! It needs some improvement, but worked as we had hoped. Nothing like a little FIERCE competition amongst a roomfull of 18+ crazy Chilean girls. It can get out of hand quickly if you aren't careful. Something new to add to the list of in-class distrations: card games.
My groove was ruined when I sat in a faulty chair and went crashing to the floor- thankfully no one laughed and the moment quickly passed. So unreliable, Chilean technology. Even the most primitive i.e. a chair. I wasn't embarrassed...this has happened too many times to get upset.
After class, we went home for lunch. Unfortunately, I failed to tell Priscilla that I had class at 2, not 2:30. This meant that I had no time to eat and had to rush off to school. We had class until 6, so I ate lunch at 6:30. Weird.
Its starting to get very festive around here...everyone is getting excited for the 18th!!!
And Janet, the other english teacher, says that in October everyone is going on strike. THAT should be interesting! More travel time for us ?!?! Who knows...
Lauren and I were walking around the other day saying that it feels like something is about to happen in Chile. The party is going to be so huge and there is so much excitement that we can already feel it, 12 days ahead of time. Woo!
Until tomorrow,
Lesley
We are sooo VIP
I've really been slacking in the blog department,but here's a recap of my weekend:
Saturday-
I slept in late as usual, and after a fruity breakfast and a shower I took a few hours to relax on the beach and then explored some new shops along the way to the mall- a one hour walk.
I bought some essentials at the mall and came back to a delicious lunch.
Priscilla told me that I should really try and go to a traditional Chilean kind of party called a pena.
Everything fell into place and around 7:30 Lauren, Nicole and I were on the Metro headed towards Valparaiso where we would enjoy one of our most cultural, great experiences yet.
Before you can understand the party- you have to know a little about Valparaiso. Its a coastal city that's divided into hills called cerros. Each cerro is like its own vertical neighborhood- each has its own name and its own identity. Here's a picture of Valpo- you can kind of see the hills here, and how they are separated.
SO. The party that we went to was a Cerro Cordillero party. It was at the very top of the hill at an old museum and looked over the city and the water...an awesome view. I'd say it was a pretty exclusive gathering, but since Priscilla's family lives in Cerro Cordillero, we had a connection and got in with no problems :)
We enjoyed some good food, met some really interesting people, and watched some real Cueca dancers do their thing. I unfortunately forgot my camera- but won't forget how fun the whole thing was.
Afterwards, the three of us spent the night with Nicole. We watched Bride Wars and ate puppy-chow...the perfect ending to a great night :)
Sunday-
The most relaxing, do-nothing day, ever. I was super tired and slept almost all day. Good thing, because today I had to wake up at the crack of dawn.
Saturday-
I slept in late as usual, and after a fruity breakfast and a shower I took a few hours to relax on the beach and then explored some new shops along the way to the mall- a one hour walk.
I bought some essentials at the mall and came back to a delicious lunch.
Priscilla told me that I should really try and go to a traditional Chilean kind of party called a pena.
Everything fell into place and around 7:30 Lauren, Nicole and I were on the Metro headed towards Valparaiso where we would enjoy one of our most cultural, great experiences yet.
Before you can understand the party- you have to know a little about Valparaiso. Its a coastal city that's divided into hills called cerros. Each cerro is like its own vertical neighborhood- each has its own name and its own identity. Here's a picture of Valpo- you can kind of see the hills here, and how they are separated.
 |
| (i did not take this) |
We enjoyed some good food, met some really interesting people, and watched some real Cueca dancers do their thing. I unfortunately forgot my camera- but won't forget how fun the whole thing was.
Afterwards, the three of us spent the night with Nicole. We watched Bride Wars and ate puppy-chow...the perfect ending to a great night :)
Sunday-
The most relaxing, do-nothing day, ever. I was super tired and slept almost all day. Good thing, because today I had to wake up at the crack of dawn.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Wine is good for you, right !?
As usual, it was another great Friday.
I woke up to a mostly mouth-watering breakfast of kiwi and banana with the always available but never edible breakfast sandwich. Kiwi is great in Chile, I wasn't expecting to eat so much of it on this trip.
After quickly guzzling down my breakfast I met Lauren for our usual run to the beach. Unfortunately, I left her waiting, standing alone on the corner of Alvarez and Creeper Central for longer than I should have thanks to a crazy colectivo experience in front of my house. Apparently, drivers aren't supposed to stop just anywhere for a passenger; he or she should be waiting at the Parada/bus-stop if he/she wants a ride. After about 10 minutes of unsuccessful flag-downs, I figured out that because there was a significant amount of construction happening on my street and cops were around, all colectivo drivers were obeying the law...for once. We had a little trouble running today...thanks to the combination of Lauren's Theta fanny-back boucing and jingling in front of me as we ran, accompanied by the sound of Papara Americano blasting in my ears. Its on my playlist, have a listen!
After our run, we parted ways and went home for lunch and a quick shower. At 2 o'clock, it was TIME.
We visited two local vineyards in the Casablanca Valley about 40 minutes from Vina del Mar. The first was Veramonte.
It was nice, and I really did like all three of the wines that we tried. We tasted one white and two reds. The second vineyard we visited was called William Cole. William Cole, and American, has two wineries in California as well, but has lived in Chile for 15 years.
The experience at the second winery was much more intense, and our tourguide seemed like he really wanted to get something out of the tasting. We tried a white and a red- both were extra delicious.
I bought some wine, too!
After a tiring day at the vineyards,we all went home for a few hours of relaxation before going out again for girls night out. It kind of fell apart, as two of our most active partiers were feeling ill after such a long day...but that didn't stop us from ice cream and a cool new karaoke bar!
We didn't get to to any karaoke, but the place was nice and for the most part, creeper-free. We had a great time and left around 12:30- making it home at a good hour.
A good Friday, it was.
Until tomorrow,
Lesley
I woke up to a mostly mouth-watering breakfast of kiwi and banana with the always available but never edible breakfast sandwich. Kiwi is great in Chile, I wasn't expecting to eat so much of it on this trip.
After quickly guzzling down my breakfast I met Lauren for our usual run to the beach. Unfortunately, I left her waiting, standing alone on the corner of Alvarez and Creeper Central for longer than I should have thanks to a crazy colectivo experience in front of my house. Apparently, drivers aren't supposed to stop just anywhere for a passenger; he or she should be waiting at the Parada/bus-stop if he/she wants a ride. After about 10 minutes of unsuccessful flag-downs, I figured out that because there was a significant amount of construction happening on my street and cops were around, all colectivo drivers were obeying the law...for once. We had a little trouble running today...thanks to the combination of Lauren's Theta fanny-back boucing and jingling in front of me as we ran, accompanied by the sound of Papara Americano blasting in my ears. Its on my playlist, have a listen!
After our run, we parted ways and went home for lunch and a quick shower. At 2 o'clock, it was TIME.
We visited two local vineyards in the Casablanca Valley about 40 minutes from Vina del Mar. The first was Veramonte.
 |
| Veramonte |
 |
| William Cole |
 |
| i tried to get really into it |
I bought some wine, too!
After a tiring day at the vineyards,we all went home for a few hours of relaxation before going out again for girls night out. It kind of fell apart, as two of our most active partiers were feeling ill after such a long day...but that didn't stop us from ice cream and a cool new karaoke bar!
 |
| we ordered a delicious pile of fries and meat...and devoured it |
A good Friday, it was.
Until tomorrow,
Lesley
Thursday, September 2, 2010
an explosion
I couldn't go to sleep last night, thanks to a movie that made me think about a lot of things.
I laid in bed for about an hour before I was consciously drifting and near sleep when
SPLATTTT. an explosion.
I heard Priscilla jump out of bed and run 10 feet to Balty's room...he was barfing again.
Three hours later, I was still wide awake listening to the horrible sound of Balty gagging repeatedly in the bathroom. Priscilla was cleaning up the mess called her dad to come pick them up and take them to the hospital. They left around four and came home around five. I was falling asleep just as the door opened.
That being said, it was a day of pure tiredness. Class was alright, we watched a movie. From class, I sprinted down the street to el hogar, where I am supposed to volunteer for 2 hours each Thursday, and more if I can.
It was fun but very eye-opening, tough to explain and pretty stressful for me. I think it will become easier the more I go there, but I should probably go a little more prepared next time. Wearing my hair down as usual was a HORRIBLE idea. I spent about 5 minutes trying to untangle the rats nest that was the left side of my head.
I came home as fast as possible and found Priscilla happily scrubbing down the apartment. Balty was looking good and was eager to share the news with me that he had thrown up four times this morning! Poor guy.
After a lasagna lunch I lazed around for a while, just relaxed and watched a few movies. It felt nice to do nothing for a few hours. Patricio came home for dinner, and again we indulged in lasagna and wine. For desert- delicious ice cream.
GOOD THING LAUREN AND I ARE RUNNING IN THE MORNING.
Until tomorrow,
Lesley
I laid in bed for about an hour before I was consciously drifting and near sleep when
SPLATTTT. an explosion.
I heard Priscilla jump out of bed and run 10 feet to Balty's room...he was barfing again.
Three hours later, I was still wide awake listening to the horrible sound of Balty gagging repeatedly in the bathroom. Priscilla was cleaning up the mess called her dad to come pick them up and take them to the hospital. They left around four and came home around five. I was falling asleep just as the door opened.
That being said, it was a day of pure tiredness. Class was alright, we watched a movie. From class, I sprinted down the street to el hogar, where I am supposed to volunteer for 2 hours each Thursday, and more if I can.
It was fun but very eye-opening, tough to explain and pretty stressful for me. I think it will become easier the more I go there, but I should probably go a little more prepared next time. Wearing my hair down as usual was a HORRIBLE idea. I spent about 5 minutes trying to untangle the rats nest that was the left side of my head.
I came home as fast as possible and found Priscilla happily scrubbing down the apartment. Balty was looking good and was eager to share the news with me that he had thrown up four times this morning! Poor guy.
After a lasagna lunch I lazed around for a while, just relaxed and watched a few movies. It felt nice to do nothing for a few hours. Patricio came home for dinner, and again we indulged in lasagna and wine. For desert- delicious ice cream.
GOOD THING LAUREN AND I ARE RUNNING IN THE MORNING.
Until tomorrow,
Lesley
Un mes.
Today marks the one month anniversary of our stay in Chile :)
I feel like I just got here until I think for about five more seconds then I feel like its been ages. I didn't realize how comfortable we've gotten in just one month. The majority of people in our group can finally get around town on foot or via Vina transportation without problems. Talking with locals has gotten easier even though at times I still have major conversation flops. Communication in general has become much easier.
Priscilla had a blood test this morning, so she and Balty left home before I even woke up at eight o clock. Unfortunately, she forgot to light the gas, so I had no option but to take a freezing shower. I decided to just wash my hair, but was suffering from intense brain freeze afterwards and had to borrow Priscilla's hair dryer to regain consciousness. I think a hair dryer will be my next investment. Tomorrow.
Priscilla had a blood test this morning, so she and Balty left home before I even woke up at eight o clock. Unfortunately, she forgot to light the gas, so I had no option but to take a freezing shower. I decided to just wash my hair, but was suffering from intense brain freeze afterwards and had to borrow Priscilla's hair dryer to regain consciousness. I think a hair dryer will be my next investment. Tomorrow.
Class in the morning, lunch, class in the evening. It tires me out, especially when I walk to and from school.
To commemorate the one-month, Lauren, me, Liz, and a group of Liz's pals from Minnesota went to the movies...it was great. Popcorn, chocolate, and flavored gas water...yummo.
I made it home safely, though the colectivo ride was questionable.
Im thinking I have a great idea for a new South American video game. Crazy Colectivo.
It would be such a hit. Colectivos are so interesting to me because
1)they're all privately owned cars
2)they all have ineresting seat covers
3)each driver has his or her own music preference
4)each driver drives with his own style, making passengers feel either comfortable enough to snooze or scared enough to grip the seats for dear life
Object of the game: pick up as many passengers as possible and take them to their requested location as fast as possible without hitting dogs or pedestrians while maintaining an acceptable level of driving-recklessness.
I could make millions.
And that is what I thought about on my ride home in the colectivo.
Until tomorrow,
Lesley
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