With a tea, some music and a few friends joining me in my living room, we've taken it upon ourselves to dedicate this Sunday to pure laziness. The Santiago chill has decided to loom quite awhile in the city, and sometimes a day of pure laziness is absolutely necessary. Unfortunately, the Santiago nightlife schedule has also loomed in our lives as we find ourselves staying out later and later on Saturday evenings. This pretty much debilitates us every Sunday and leaves us with very little energy. So, a day of couch potato seems to be an order.
In the past month, I have been learning a lot in regards to my professional life down here. As I mentioned in a previous posting, I recently made a sudden job change on a whim and I have therefore been trying to accommodate myself to the new demands that come along with it. I have been working in my new company for about a month and I have surprisingly found myself loving it even though I am often in a cloud of confusion.
I work in an office with solely my boss and my colleague (who has now taken on the role of an older Chilean sister), and it is a very comfortable space. We spend the cold Santiago days making each other tea, sending emails, making phone calls, going out to lunch and joking around at random intervals. I am serving as the link between the Spanish-speaking world and the world that doesn't speak Spanish in order for us to maximize our communication with the event guests. My boss is extremely patient yet demanding, and it gives me a comforting challenge in both my language skills and my first steps into the professional world in any sense. So far, I have really enjoyed the onda (vibe) of the office and I'm much happier in my new setting.
Outside of the job, things are simply peachy. Unfortunately I don't have the patience to write about everyone and everything that has made an impact on my life, but I find daily reminders of why I wanted to come on this journey and why I am continuing to stay. The other day, I was walking through an area of the city where they sell artesanias and other random "Chilean" things, and got pleasantly caught in a conversation with an old man at one of the small kiosks. We greeted each other as any normal person would, but somehow 30 minutes later we were talking about philosophy, communication, and the beauty and pain that the world has to offer. I simply love getting caught in these random conversations that each give me a piece of the city and a piece of the people around me. We talked of many things, but he left me with this quote: "Sin presión, no habían diamantes" (Without pressure, there would be no diamonds).
The city center was buzzing yesterday as it does every Saturday and Sunday with people spilling from their apartments to walk around. Free hugs were being passed out (I stocked up) and there were youth groups getting people involved. It was so nice to see people connecting and walking around even though the winter has set itself in place here, and it was nice to be a part of it.
Aside from my random conversations, my work, and my lazy Sundays, I am simply continuing to live life and spend as much time with my friends as I can. I have a trip to Peru coming up with two very special people, and I am looking forward to taking two weeks outside the city life and breathing the air of another country. Until then, I'm simply trudging along in the city hoping it doesn't rain (the drainage here is horrible, so it's full of puddles at the lightest rain), enjoying the time with the wonderful Chileans that I've met here and learning as much as I can. I could get used to this for a little while.
My lazy Sunday must come to an end (or at least the internet part of it) so that I can go converse and breathe the outside air.
I hope everyone back at home is doing well
I think about you all the time
Keep the hugs flowing
Send some to me
I'll write soon.
love love love.
Oh yeah, and happy 4th of July. We celebrated with some style last night though we were missing fireworks. :)
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Friday, June 5, 2009
The sea of Santiago
Winter has fallen upon us in Santiago, which basically means freezing mornings and evenings, and 75 degree days. It has been rather confusing for the body, and thus it tends to leave everyone contracting every possible sickness there is. Halls cough drops are sold at every goodies stand (which are each located about 100 feet apart) and masks are starting to be sold at the entrance of each metro stop. I think I have made cough drops the new staple of my diet, as I pop a new one every 10 minutes to give my throat some sort of relief.
Santiago wore me down this week. In addition to contracting each kind of cold there is, I had quite an up and down experience this week.
It started at the end of last week when my friend Pancho called me to inform me that he knew someone who was looking for an English and Spanish speaker to come work for him. Pancho rents out offices in his office building, and a small events planning company was looking for someone to come work with them. I figured I had nothing to lose, so I went to meet with a man named Pablo who owns the small company. We talked for awhile, and I learned about him and what he does for his business. I also learned what he was looking for and where I could fit in. Pablo informed me that he was looking for someone who has a good knowledge of the Spanish language and who has fluency in English to work side by side with him and his employees to prepare for corporate events. The company, called GrupoDos, puts on events for various large corporations (Toyota, Avery Dennison, Bristol-Meyers Squibb etc) in which they have people from all around the world meeting in once place for various conferences and events. I would be the link to those guests who are not from the Spanish speaking world in order to offer them information and answers before and during each event.
After a few meetings with Pablo, I decided to throw caution to the wind and take the job. This meant that I would have to quit my other job of being an English professor....darn. Although English teaching has taught me a lot, I knew I couldn't let this opportunity slip through my fingers. After all, I came to this country to learn Spanish and learn how this part of the world works.
I went into my current office on Wednesday afternoon and broke the news to my Chilean boss, Tatiana. Bad move. Although I knew it was unprofessional to quit with only 5 days notice, I had to make the decision based on what would be best for me. Tatiana was not happy, to say the least. In fact, she threatened to take me to court and make me pay for the classes that my students may have to miss due to their lack of substitute teachers. "What if I had Swine Flu?" I asked her, hoping to clear up some honest curiosity of how they would approach that situation. "That's different". Needless to say, I didn't delve into the court issue too much due to my lack of Law vocabulary in Spanish, but I knew I had to figure something out since she appeared pretty serious. Luckily, my next English class right after my meeting with Tatiana was with a group of Chilean lawyers. I decided to be unprofessional yet again and take advantage of free legal advice, although it was against the company they are paying to teach them English. Each and every lawyer told me that she had no right to take me to court, that she would expend more money doing so, and they all offered me their personal information in case I got into anything too sticky with her. That immediately made me feel better, so I went on with the fact that I was quitting come Monday.
On top of the stress of Mrs. Chilean Boss, I had started my new job that day during the hours in which I was not in class. My computer had broken two days prior, so I had no connection to the world (or so it felt) and I was battling the common Chilean cold which was knocking at everybody's door.
All in all, after a few stressful and confusing days, things have worked out so far. My computer was fixed, my old boss backed off, my new job has proven to be interesting, and my sinuses have started to clear.
I learned a lot this week about many things. The one that I recognized the most was the immediate attention of my Chilean (and Gringo) friends and students to help me through any trouble I was in. In each of these difficult situations, I had either a student or a friend making connections and figuring out a way to make my life a little easier. I had people calling computer stores to find me the lowest prices, I had men at the market offering me advice for the common cold, and I had many people making contact with their friends who are lawyers in light of my boss trying to scare a little foreign girl into staying at work. With every stumbling step I took I felt so much support from everyone around me. After this week, I have finally realized that I have become so planted in this country that I already have friends who would be willing to do almost anything to help me out of confusing (and sometimes legal) situations.
As the week comes to a close, I am feeling rather tired but not defeated. I can now say I have a new job with a Chilean company (www.grupodos.cl), my computer is up and running again (for a lot less than I thought it would be), and I am finally taking a breath of relief.
Also, I just made some beet, zucchini, carrot, and pumpkin soup, so I'm feeling pretty good and fairly culinary. A good soup can always make anyone feel better.
I'll fill you in soon on my new position in this company and how it treats me. Pablo said I'll even be getting my own card to give out to people. Sweeeeeet. I don't know if I'm more excited about the card or about the actual job. I'll keep you posted.
I miss you all quite a bit.
Keep the hugs flowing
Send some my way
Eat some soup.
much much much love.
Santiago wore me down this week. In addition to contracting each kind of cold there is, I had quite an up and down experience this week.
It started at the end of last week when my friend Pancho called me to inform me that he knew someone who was looking for an English and Spanish speaker to come work for him. Pancho rents out offices in his office building, and a small events planning company was looking for someone to come work with them. I figured I had nothing to lose, so I went to meet with a man named Pablo who owns the small company. We talked for awhile, and I learned about him and what he does for his business. I also learned what he was looking for and where I could fit in. Pablo informed me that he was looking for someone who has a good knowledge of the Spanish language and who has fluency in English to work side by side with him and his employees to prepare for corporate events. The company, called GrupoDos, puts on events for various large corporations (Toyota, Avery Dennison, Bristol-Meyers Squibb etc) in which they have people from all around the world meeting in once place for various conferences and events. I would be the link to those guests who are not from the Spanish speaking world in order to offer them information and answers before and during each event.
After a few meetings with Pablo, I decided to throw caution to the wind and take the job. This meant that I would have to quit my other job of being an English professor....darn. Although English teaching has taught me a lot, I knew I couldn't let this opportunity slip through my fingers. After all, I came to this country to learn Spanish and learn how this part of the world works.
I went into my current office on Wednesday afternoon and broke the news to my Chilean boss, Tatiana. Bad move. Although I knew it was unprofessional to quit with only 5 days notice, I had to make the decision based on what would be best for me. Tatiana was not happy, to say the least. In fact, she threatened to take me to court and make me pay for the classes that my students may have to miss due to their lack of substitute teachers. "What if I had Swine Flu?" I asked her, hoping to clear up some honest curiosity of how they would approach that situation. "That's different". Needless to say, I didn't delve into the court issue too much due to my lack of Law vocabulary in Spanish, but I knew I had to figure something out since she appeared pretty serious. Luckily, my next English class right after my meeting with Tatiana was with a group of Chilean lawyers. I decided to be unprofessional yet again and take advantage of free legal advice, although it was against the company they are paying to teach them English. Each and every lawyer told me that she had no right to take me to court, that she would expend more money doing so, and they all offered me their personal information in case I got into anything too sticky with her. That immediately made me feel better, so I went on with the fact that I was quitting come Monday.
On top of the stress of Mrs. Chilean Boss, I had started my new job that day during the hours in which I was not in class. My computer had broken two days prior, so I had no connection to the world (or so it felt) and I was battling the common Chilean cold which was knocking at everybody's door.
All in all, after a few stressful and confusing days, things have worked out so far. My computer was fixed, my old boss backed off, my new job has proven to be interesting, and my sinuses have started to clear.
I learned a lot this week about many things. The one that I recognized the most was the immediate attention of my Chilean (and Gringo) friends and students to help me through any trouble I was in. In each of these difficult situations, I had either a student or a friend making connections and figuring out a way to make my life a little easier. I had people calling computer stores to find me the lowest prices, I had men at the market offering me advice for the common cold, and I had many people making contact with their friends who are lawyers in light of my boss trying to scare a little foreign girl into staying at work. With every stumbling step I took I felt so much support from everyone around me. After this week, I have finally realized that I have become so planted in this country that I already have friends who would be willing to do almost anything to help me out of confusing (and sometimes legal) situations.
As the week comes to a close, I am feeling rather tired but not defeated. I can now say I have a new job with a Chilean company (www.grupodos.cl), my computer is up and running again (for a lot less than I thought it would be), and I am finally taking a breath of relief.
Also, I just made some beet, zucchini, carrot, and pumpkin soup, so I'm feeling pretty good and fairly culinary. A good soup can always make anyone feel better.
I'll fill you in soon on my new position in this company and how it treats me. Pablo said I'll even be getting my own card to give out to people. Sweeeeeet. I don't know if I'm more excited about the card or about the actual job. I'll keep you posted.
I miss you all quite a bit.
Keep the hugs flowing
Send some my way
Eat some soup.
much much much love.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
An ocean and a rock away
I have recently found myself much more content in my journeys than I was a few months ago. Before, I found that I felt rather unsettled, confused, out-of-sorts and alone, and now I find myself settled and quite happy here. Aside from work, I have been throwing myself into many diverse social situations that have kept me busy and quite exhausted, but extremely entertained.
Not many updates other than normal life things, but there are a few to speak of. About two weeks ago while I was giving a class, I noticed the room started shaking a little. At first I couldn't think of what it could be, but then my student looked at me and simply said "ay, un temblor..(oh, a tremor)" like it was nothing. Of course, for a Chilean a tremor is nothing exciting, but for a Gringa like myself who has never experienced anything similar, I found that I was quite thrilled to be living my first one. The room was shaking and it was almost as if I could also see the earth outside shaking through the window since we were so high up in the building. It lasted quite awhile as I sat in complete shock and excitement at this unexpected movement of the ground beneath us, and my student found it very entertaining to watch me beam in awe. She was laughing quite a bit at my reaction as I let the excitement show with no shame. I've asked many people about the tremors here, and apparently they happen all the time though I have never felt one before. Although my first one was exciting, I have learned that many people fear that a tremor will quickly turn from a slight movement of the earth to a large displacement of land and grow into a "terremoto" (earthquake). I also learned that the biggest earthquake in the world occurred in the South of Chile in the 60's, and it was followed by a tsunami shortly after due to the large displacement of land. The last large earthquake was in the 80's, and they are expecting one rather soon. I'll be sure to keep the door frames in view in case I need to seek cover.
Other than minor earth dances, I have been quite intrigued by more and more each day. I have mainly been fascinated at how comfortable I now feel here and how time can really help you learn to adapt to what you are served. I have meeting many many people and I feel so lucky to know the Chileans that I know. I have recently moved to yet ANOTHER apartment for reasons that are too long to write about, but I have felt incredible since my move. Things at my other apartment had begun to wear me out emotionally and physically, and I find myself feeling refreshed with my new house and my new space. It's a cute little place on the tenth floor in an apartment located in a small park, but only a stones throw away from my old place. It's a great area in the city and I get to see the sun peek out past the mountains every morning and get tucked in behind them every night. All in all, I just feel really good.
I went to a car rally today outside the city (about 30 minutes) to watch my friend Pancho's friend ride in the race. We hauled a grill, a ton of meat, a lot of friends and our tired bum's out to the middle of some dry land at 8am to watch cars drive by all day and to share some great BBQ with some new people. I am loving being able to communicate myself to people around me and I'm learning so many new words and phrases. I find that the Spanish language still hits a positive chord for me, and I find my desire to learn it stronger everyday.
Last night, I went to a French movie with Spanish subtitles, and although I had a bit of a language overload, I found it was no problem to understand the entirety of the movie just by reading the Spanish. I am also reading books in Spanish and watching news and much more with no problem, and this often puts a smile on my face. Sometimes I cant believe that I can live in two languages, but I never cease to love it.
What else, what else, what else? Not too much, in fact. I wish I could write about many everyday things that serve me smiles and treat me well, but in addition to not being able to remember many specifics, I'd probably just end up boring the heck out of you anyways. For now I'll leave it there and hope that more stories come my way and that I'll find more of an ability to remember and express it correctly.
I still think about you all everyday and miss you quite a bit.
The autumn here still doesn't hold a flame to my home, but I have learned to sit well with the smog for the time being.
Keep the hugs flowing everydayyy
Send some to me..don't forget :)
MUCH MUCH LOVE
Les extraño mucho cada dia
Not many updates other than normal life things, but there are a few to speak of. About two weeks ago while I was giving a class, I noticed the room started shaking a little. At first I couldn't think of what it could be, but then my student looked at me and simply said "ay, un temblor..(oh, a tremor)" like it was nothing. Of course, for a Chilean a tremor is nothing exciting, but for a Gringa like myself who has never experienced anything similar, I found that I was quite thrilled to be living my first one. The room was shaking and it was almost as if I could also see the earth outside shaking through the window since we were so high up in the building. It lasted quite awhile as I sat in complete shock and excitement at this unexpected movement of the ground beneath us, and my student found it very entertaining to watch me beam in awe. She was laughing quite a bit at my reaction as I let the excitement show with no shame. I've asked many people about the tremors here, and apparently they happen all the time though I have never felt one before. Although my first one was exciting, I have learned that many people fear that a tremor will quickly turn from a slight movement of the earth to a large displacement of land and grow into a "terremoto" (earthquake). I also learned that the biggest earthquake in the world occurred in the South of Chile in the 60's, and it was followed by a tsunami shortly after due to the large displacement of land. The last large earthquake was in the 80's, and they are expecting one rather soon. I'll be sure to keep the door frames in view in case I need to seek cover.
Other than minor earth dances, I have been quite intrigued by more and more each day. I have mainly been fascinated at how comfortable I now feel here and how time can really help you learn to adapt to what you are served. I have meeting many many people and I feel so lucky to know the Chileans that I know. I have recently moved to yet ANOTHER apartment for reasons that are too long to write about, but I have felt incredible since my move. Things at my other apartment had begun to wear me out emotionally and physically, and I find myself feeling refreshed with my new house and my new space. It's a cute little place on the tenth floor in an apartment located in a small park, but only a stones throw away from my old place. It's a great area in the city and I get to see the sun peek out past the mountains every morning and get tucked in behind them every night. All in all, I just feel really good.
I went to a car rally today outside the city (about 30 minutes) to watch my friend Pancho's friend ride in the race. We hauled a grill, a ton of meat, a lot of friends and our tired bum's out to the middle of some dry land at 8am to watch cars drive by all day and to share some great BBQ with some new people. I am loving being able to communicate myself to people around me and I'm learning so many new words and phrases. I find that the Spanish language still hits a positive chord for me, and I find my desire to learn it stronger everyday.
Last night, I went to a French movie with Spanish subtitles, and although I had a bit of a language overload, I found it was no problem to understand the entirety of the movie just by reading the Spanish. I am also reading books in Spanish and watching news and much more with no problem, and this often puts a smile on my face. Sometimes I cant believe that I can live in two languages, but I never cease to love it.
What else, what else, what else? Not too much, in fact. I wish I could write about many everyday things that serve me smiles and treat me well, but in addition to not being able to remember many specifics, I'd probably just end up boring the heck out of you anyways. For now I'll leave it there and hope that more stories come my way and that I'll find more of an ability to remember and express it correctly.
I still think about you all everyday and miss you quite a bit.
The autumn here still doesn't hold a flame to my home, but I have learned to sit well with the smog for the time being.
Keep the hugs flowing everydayyy
Send some to me..don't forget :)
MUCH MUCH LOVE
Les extraño mucho cada dia
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Quédate en el camino.
Quédate en el camino.
Ha llegado la noche para ti.
Tal vez de madrugada nos veremos de nuevo.
- Pablo Neruda "El Olvido"
I recently went to one of Pablo Neruda's three houses here in Chile. This one is located in Barrio Bellavista (the "hip, cultural" place to be) and it is hidden in the backdrop of the action right up against the hill. If you didn't know it was Pablo Neruda's previous house, you'd probably pass it by and think it was simply another well-designed house on the hill with colors exploding around it to keep it in line with the rest of the area.
When we went in, there was this presence that seemed to loom over each room and an odd calm that has been hard to find within these city limits. Each of his three houses are built to make you feel like you're actually in a boat, and he achieved that feeling almost to perfection. The history of his life and the stories that we heard were pretty amazing, and you could see how much of that reflected itself in his poetry. I wish I could bring to life the feeling of walking through his house but it is fairly indescribable, and with my newly present lack of English, I fear I may simply butcher any sort of description I try to muster up. I hope some pictures below can speak a little bit for me:
I find that I am stuck between two different languages, and thus two different worlds. I have not yet mastered the Spanish language, but I am quickly losing my ability to think, write, and even speak in my mother tongue. I recently asked a few of my "gringo" friends if they were going through the same thing and they admitted much frustration in this aspect. It's been a really eye opening experience and a really confusing one at the same time. I know I have mentioned this before, but its becoming more and more present as time goes on. I find I sit in front of my blog quite often and quit before making it to the end of a blog due to the frustration of not expressing myself in the way I'd like, or the new fights I get in with 'spell-check'. I also notice that I tend to write like a 4-year-old girl with run-on sentences, rambling thoughts, and incorrect words (ie: their, there, they're...). It drives me crazy to the point of avoiding my blog, or just accepting the fact that I now sound like a fool in two languages. I find that speaking 4-year-old English all day with my students doesn't help my case, and it leads me to many of the above mentioned mistakes. I suppose more than anything, you are all now sufficiently warned and will not cringe when you stumble upon one of those run-ons, spelling mistakes, or incoherent thoughts. Either way, it's been a very interesting transition.
The city has been greeted with a layer of smog, and overnight the blanket of dirt was laid over the mountains. I have never in my life seen so much filth in the air, and the beautiful view we once had of the mountain range is now covered by a hazy mess. With the smog came the autumn, and I must say my prediction has been correct: no autumn will ever hold a flame to the autumns in New England. As I was reflecting on (more like missing) the fall in New England, I realized how much that is part of OUR culture. The bright leaves go hand-in-hand with apple cider or carved pumpkins. The cold air is our clue to put on more layers and start baking something yummy. The gloves get slipped on and hair becomes messy under warm hats and hoods. There is simply nothing like a New England autumn. I always keep my eye out for leaves bursting into shades of orange and red, but I am often disappointed to realize (time and again) that I will not be lucky enough to find one here.
My mind has already started to retire in English, so I might have to cut it there until I can re-boot and make sense of myself. This weekend, I am going to the mountains outside the city to breathe some fresh air and go camping. I'll still be keeping my eye out for leaves changing colors (out of habit) though I know it'll be a miracle to see one.
I'll keep you updated on what I find.
I miss you all and hope you're doing well. I think about everyone back home and what adventures they may be up to. Keep in touch.
Que todo este bien y espero que ustedes sigan sonriendo.
Keep the hugs flowing.
Send some through the smog.
Much much love.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Chile, summed up.
I recently came across this article online about the Chilean culture and the "10 things you really wish you'd known about Chile" before arriving. I'm sure this article can sum up the idea of Chile better than I ever could, and it's rather amusing as well. Enjoy:
'Cachai,' Completos and Cafés con Piernas: 10 Things We Really Wish We'd Known About Chile
Your first Sunday in Santiago likely left you wandering a ghost town with a non-functional cell phone ("international" plan--yeah, right), trying not to stare at the overly affectionate Chilean couples around every corner and wondering why everyone kept saying "cachai."
But you're not alone--many of us have been there, too, and hope you won't make the same mistakes we once did. Here's a crash course on the 10 most beneficial, useful and even crucial things to know about Chilean life that we each learned the hard way:
1. Chileans tend to really push the envelope when it comes to showing the world just how much they love their other half.
A simple peck on the cheek and pat of the hand just won't do for this impassioned nation. Regardless of age, expect to see various un-edifying examples of Latin lovin' in public spaces across the country.
2. The cornerstone of Chilean culture is the country's fundamental slang that makes "proper" Spanish speakers cringe.
Practically every chilenismo (Chilean saying) has at least two meanings, many times contrary to each other. La raja often means great, spectacular--or simply, the s**t. On the other hand, it can also mean very tired or spent.
Worse yet, the word weón--and its infinite derivatives--is used more often than a drunken Irishman swears. It can mean nearly anything from a term of endearment for a close friend to a violent word directed at enemies, to an idiot, "dude," "f**k" and practically any other noun, verb or adjective possible in conversation. Cachai ("got it")?
3. Santiago on Sunday feels like the Twilight Zone.
No one is around and the few shopkeepers who are working peer at you strangely as if they're wondering, "Why are you here? Is there something wrong with you?" From Las Condes to Lampa, the streets are as dead as the dodo. It’s like everyone knows something you don't, and is out somewhere having fun without you.
4. If you like hot dogs, Chile is mecca.
Completos (hot dogs with tomato salsa and mayonnaise) and italianos (hot dogs with tomato salsa, mayonnaise and guacamole) are served everywhere and eaten on almost any occasion.
Their pile of ingredients can be a bit intimidating at first; but once you polish your technique, you'll find that they're a surprisingly satisfying and tasty part of Chilean life.
5. Santiago’s urban narcotic jungle can be summed up in two words: Avenida Suecia.
While the swarm of drug movement is abound on this Providencia street, you'll also find lots of strip bars and cheap, friendly, but dubious suripantas (hookers). Watch out for pickpocketers, flaites and possible she-males, though.
6. Chilean phones aren't like phones anywhere else.
It's perfectly obvious to all the locals that you dial "02" before the number if it's a land line, "09" if it's a mobile and "963" if the recipient has brown hair and it's a Tuesday, but for any newcomer the process is utterly incomprehensible.
To make matters worse, if you've only got 3 pesos of credit left on your phone, you may as well send smoke signals--and you didn't really expect to be able to send and receive texts from abroad with your new mobile, did you?
7. Pisco is the pride of Chilean booze, and a pisco sour is the way to imbibe this deceptively strong grape liquor.
However, finding a good pisco sour can be hit or miss. When contemplating a sample, make sure that the bar makes them fresh, either normal (lemon juice, sugar, pisco, and ice) or peruano (lime juice, sugar, pisco, ice, and egg white).
Look around for the traditional petite flute glass in the hands of locals--it's a bad sign if everyone is drinking beer by the liter.
8. If it's your first time in Chile, prepare to fork over some cash at the airport (or swipe your credit card) when you arrive.
There is a "reciprocity fee" charged to US (US$131), Canadian (US$132), Mexican (US$15) and Australian (US$61) citizens upon entry to Chile. The stamp you're awarded is valid for the life of your passport, but the tourist visa lasts for just 90 days. Avoid major hassles and don't let your tourist visa expire on you--immigration won't let you leave without resolving the issue. (Trust us, we've been down that road.)
9. Whether you're job hunting, booking accomodations or just asking for a tad more info on a concert or event, forget about sending an email.
It takes a while to realize it wasn't just bad luck that no one answered--Chilean culture values the warmth of face-to-face communication or phone calls over the cold, impersonal binaries of an email or text.
To further frustrate any first-worlder, Chilean time is different than the hour on your watch. It's an unspoken understanding that whenever you work out a good time for both parties, you actually mean any time at least 30 or 40 minutes thereafter--stretching up to 4 or 5 hours when talking to gardeners, plumbers or cable TV repairmen.
10. Many cafés in Chile serve more than just coffee.
A café con piernas ("coffee with legs") comes with, well, a nice side of T and A. As one of Chile's most tantalizing cultural phenomena, delicious espressos and juices in these themed cafés are served by affectionate, attentive and scantily clad waitresses.
That's just a little idea of Chile. Hope you enjoyed.
MISS YOU ALL
'Cachai,' Completos and Cafés con Piernas: 10 Things We Really Wish We'd Known About Chile
Your first Sunday in Santiago likely left you wandering a ghost town with a non-functional cell phone ("international" plan--yeah, right), trying not to stare at the overly affectionate Chilean couples around every corner and wondering why everyone kept saying "cachai."
But you're not alone--many of us have been there, too, and hope you won't make the same mistakes we once did. Here's a crash course on the 10 most beneficial, useful and even crucial things to know about Chilean life that we each learned the hard way:
1. Chileans tend to really push the envelope when it comes to showing the world just how much they love their other half.
A simple peck on the cheek and pat of the hand just won't do for this impassioned nation. Regardless of age, expect to see various un-edifying examples of Latin lovin' in public spaces across the country.
2. The cornerstone of Chilean culture is the country's fundamental slang that makes "proper" Spanish speakers cringe.
Practically every chilenismo (Chilean saying) has at least two meanings, many times contrary to each other. La raja often means great, spectacular--or simply, the s**t. On the other hand, it can also mean very tired or spent.
Worse yet, the word weón--and its infinite derivatives--is used more often than a drunken Irishman swears. It can mean nearly anything from a term of endearment for a close friend to a violent word directed at enemies, to an idiot, "dude," "f**k" and practically any other noun, verb or adjective possible in conversation. Cachai ("got it")?
3. Santiago on Sunday feels like the Twilight Zone.
No one is around and the few shopkeepers who are working peer at you strangely as if they're wondering, "Why are you here? Is there something wrong with you?" From Las Condes to Lampa, the streets are as dead as the dodo. It’s like everyone knows something you don't, and is out somewhere having fun without you.
4. If you like hot dogs, Chile is mecca.
Completos (hot dogs with tomato salsa and mayonnaise) and italianos (hot dogs with tomato salsa, mayonnaise and guacamole) are served everywhere and eaten on almost any occasion.
Their pile of ingredients can be a bit intimidating at first; but once you polish your technique, you'll find that they're a surprisingly satisfying and tasty part of Chilean life.
5. Santiago’s urban narcotic jungle can be summed up in two words: Avenida Suecia.
While the swarm of drug movement is abound on this Providencia street, you'll also find lots of strip bars and cheap, friendly, but dubious suripantas (hookers). Watch out for pickpocketers, flaites and possible she-males, though.
6. Chilean phones aren't like phones anywhere else.
It's perfectly obvious to all the locals that you dial "02" before the number if it's a land line, "09" if it's a mobile and "963" if the recipient has brown hair and it's a Tuesday, but for any newcomer the process is utterly incomprehensible.
To make matters worse, if you've only got 3 pesos of credit left on your phone, you may as well send smoke signals--and you didn't really expect to be able to send and receive texts from abroad with your new mobile, did you?
7. Pisco is the pride of Chilean booze, and a pisco sour is the way to imbibe this deceptively strong grape liquor.
However, finding a good pisco sour can be hit or miss. When contemplating a sample, make sure that the bar makes them fresh, either normal (lemon juice, sugar, pisco, and ice) or peruano (lime juice, sugar, pisco, ice, and egg white).
Look around for the traditional petite flute glass in the hands of locals--it's a bad sign if everyone is drinking beer by the liter.
8. If it's your first time in Chile, prepare to fork over some cash at the airport (or swipe your credit card) when you arrive.
There is a "reciprocity fee" charged to US (US$131), Canadian (US$132), Mexican (US$15) and Australian (US$61) citizens upon entry to Chile. The stamp you're awarded is valid for the life of your passport, but the tourist visa lasts for just 90 days. Avoid major hassles and don't let your tourist visa expire on you--immigration won't let you leave without resolving the issue. (Trust us, we've been down that road.)
9. Whether you're job hunting, booking accomodations or just asking for a tad more info on a concert or event, forget about sending an email.
It takes a while to realize it wasn't just bad luck that no one answered--Chilean culture values the warmth of face-to-face communication or phone calls over the cold, impersonal binaries of an email or text.
To further frustrate any first-worlder, Chilean time is different than the hour on your watch. It's an unspoken understanding that whenever you work out a good time for both parties, you actually mean any time at least 30 or 40 minutes thereafter--stretching up to 4 or 5 hours when talking to gardeners, plumbers or cable TV repairmen.
10. Many cafés in Chile serve more than just coffee.
A café con piernas ("coffee with legs") comes with, well, a nice side of T and A. As one of Chile's most tantalizing cultural phenomena, delicious espressos and juices in these themed cafés are served by affectionate, attentive and scantily clad waitresses.
That's just a little idea of Chile. Hope you enjoyed.
MISS YOU ALL
Friday, March 27, 2009
Pipoca
It's really easy to lose track of time after awhile amidst the never-ending English lessons, continued exploration, and life in general. I have recently realized that I haven't written in my blog for quite awhile now, yet the days seemed to have just slipped by me without me noticing.
In the past few weeks, I have been working like a crazy gal. Due to to the crazy hours of English teaching, I find that I am running around all day with only a few hours of rest in between my classes, in which I am usually preparing for the upcoming class. Although I love it, I am getting worn out fairly easily, and I am feeling more and more disconnected from everyone back at home due to lack of time to stay in contact. However, I know that this experience requires a lot of my time and I know that I will do as much as possible to keep in contact with everyone. Forgive me, though, if I seem to disappear for a week or two at a time.
As for my life in Chile, I recently bought a bike from some old men who work at a metal shop next door to my house, and I've officially fallen in love with it. It is worn down, old, rusty, squeaky, and has one gear, but it is my baby. I am planning to clean it, strip it, oil it and paint it so that I can revive the soul that I know once lived in it's spokes. I ride my bike all over the city which allows me to avoid the insane public transportation, but I've recently realized that the sidewalks are just as full of people as the noisy buses and metro. Luckily after practicing a few times, you learn to dodge people with finesse and ease, though you sometimes encounter a grumpy old woman who wants nothing to do with bikes on the sidewalk.
Last weekend, I had the opportunity to get away from the city for a little while to go to a little place called Laguna Verde. A Chilean friend of mine invited me to go with her and a friend to her house hidden on the coast of Chile. I didn't realize how beautiful it could possibly be until I arrived. The ride out there wasn't bad at all since we blasted music, ate fresh fruit from the market, and had tons of conversation, and once we arrived I felt like I'd already taken a small vacation just being in the car and escaping from the city. At some point, the road ended and turned to dirt, and we made our way over rocks and potholes that made up the "road". After a little while of trying to secure the fruit, the dog and ourselves, we finally arrived at a small little house on the coast.
I stood for a moment in awe of how something in the world could be so beautiful.
The weekend briefly brought me back to calm New England nights of listening to nature and cooking dinner with a roaring fire in the background. We spent the weekend relaxing, breathing fresh air, staring at the stars, cooking, visiting the beach and roaming the hills/cliffs where the house rested. I'd forgotten how quiet things can get in the middle of nowhere and I'd forgotten how much I need that tranquility in my life. Although the city life offers me a lot of excitement and new experiences, I've realized how important it is to be able to see the stars and hear the wind. I've realized how much it calms me to sit in silence for a moment and stare at a beautiful landscape. I'd forgotten how to get in touch with myself and explore my thoughts, and it eased me to know that it's still quite possible.
The weekend went by fast and Sunday night hurried us home. Since then, I've been working working working and trying to get my new schedule (even more classes) settled and organized. Luckily, I won't be adding anymore classes in the next few weeks, so I'll have a chance to catch up on my organization.
The days pass really quickly here. I get lost in the hours that I'm moving throughout the city and keeping myself busy, and I notice that it weighs on me to be out of contact with the ones I love. Luckily, I am making a rather large group of friends here who comfort me and keep my spirits up when I'm feeling down, but the distance has started to become more and more apparent. I am thinking of you all...all the time.
This weekend holds a little bit relaxation from the busy work week, but I'll be staying in the city to take advantage of the city culture. Tonight, I'm off to a Radiohead concert to which I don't have tickets, but I'll be joining many others outside the stadium to enjoy the vibe and the music (and maybe hopefully buy a cheap ticket from someone).
I miss you all dearly. I think about what you are all doing in your lives, and I wish I could jump on my cell phone and quickly check in with people. Please know that I am sending many hugs and much love from down here in Chile.
Keep the hugs overflowing.
Send some to me and I'll be sending them back.
LOVE. LOVE. Y AMOR.
In the past few weeks, I have been working like a crazy gal. Due to to the crazy hours of English teaching, I find that I am running around all day with only a few hours of rest in between my classes, in which I am usually preparing for the upcoming class. Although I love it, I am getting worn out fairly easily, and I am feeling more and more disconnected from everyone back at home due to lack of time to stay in contact. However, I know that this experience requires a lot of my time and I know that I will do as much as possible to keep in contact with everyone. Forgive me, though, if I seem to disappear for a week or two at a time.
As for my life in Chile, I recently bought a bike from some old men who work at a metal shop next door to my house, and I've officially fallen in love with it. It is worn down, old, rusty, squeaky, and has one gear, but it is my baby. I am planning to clean it, strip it, oil it and paint it so that I can revive the soul that I know once lived in it's spokes. I ride my bike all over the city which allows me to avoid the insane public transportation, but I've recently realized that the sidewalks are just as full of people as the noisy buses and metro. Luckily after practicing a few times, you learn to dodge people with finesse and ease, though you sometimes encounter a grumpy old woman who wants nothing to do with bikes on the sidewalk.
Last weekend, I had the opportunity to get away from the city for a little while to go to a little place called Laguna Verde. A Chilean friend of mine invited me to go with her and a friend to her house hidden on the coast of Chile. I didn't realize how beautiful it could possibly be until I arrived. The ride out there wasn't bad at all since we blasted music, ate fresh fruit from the market, and had tons of conversation, and once we arrived I felt like I'd already taken a small vacation just being in the car and escaping from the city. At some point, the road ended and turned to dirt, and we made our way over rocks and potholes that made up the "road". After a little while of trying to secure the fruit, the dog and ourselves, we finally arrived at a small little house on the coast.
I stood for a moment in awe of how something in the world could be so beautiful.
The weekend briefly brought me back to calm New England nights of listening to nature and cooking dinner with a roaring fire in the background. We spent the weekend relaxing, breathing fresh air, staring at the stars, cooking, visiting the beach and roaming the hills/cliffs where the house rested. I'd forgotten how quiet things can get in the middle of nowhere and I'd forgotten how much I need that tranquility in my life. Although the city life offers me a lot of excitement and new experiences, I've realized how important it is to be able to see the stars and hear the wind. I've realized how much it calms me to sit in silence for a moment and stare at a beautiful landscape. I'd forgotten how to get in touch with myself and explore my thoughts, and it eased me to know that it's still quite possible.
The weekend went by fast and Sunday night hurried us home. Since then, I've been working working working and trying to get my new schedule (even more classes) settled and organized. Luckily, I won't be adding anymore classes in the next few weeks, so I'll have a chance to catch up on my organization.
The days pass really quickly here. I get lost in the hours that I'm moving throughout the city and keeping myself busy, and I notice that it weighs on me to be out of contact with the ones I love. Luckily, I am making a rather large group of friends here who comfort me and keep my spirits up when I'm feeling down, but the distance has started to become more and more apparent. I am thinking of you all...all the time.
This weekend holds a little bit relaxation from the busy work week, but I'll be staying in the city to take advantage of the city culture. Tonight, I'm off to a Radiohead concert to which I don't have tickets, but I'll be joining many others outside the stadium to enjoy the vibe and the music (and maybe hopefully buy a cheap ticket from someone).
I miss you all dearly. I think about what you are all doing in your lives, and I wish I could jump on my cell phone and quickly check in with people. Please know that I am sending many hugs and much love from down here in Chile.
Keep the hugs overflowing.
Send some to me and I'll be sending them back.
LOVE. LOVE. Y AMOR.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Fall back, spring forward
Growing up, my mom always told me a good way to remember the change of hour during daylight savings time: "Fall back, spring forward" she would say. That way, I always knew whether to change the clock back one hour or to push it forward. Daylights savings time just recently crept up on us in Chile as well, and I assumed to push the clock forward because everyone in the States just did so. However, upon investigating the "fall back, spring forward" saying, I learned that the same rule applies here. I simply forgot that instead of entering spring, we will soon be entering fall. Needless to say, that means we changed the clocks back, and I am now on the same hour as the United States. Sweeeeeet :)
Things have been moving very quickly here in Santiago, and it feels like there is not enough time in each day. Lately, now that I am settled and working, I have started to feel how far away I actually am from home. The reality of my change is starting to become more noticeable, and therefore has started to take a slight toll on me. I just keep reminding myself that it's all part of the process.
My work schedule has been starting to come together, and I'm quickly realizing how exhausting the life of an English teacher may actually be. Although I am completely content to have a job with as many hours as I can get, it's become evident that the schedule will soon run my life. Because I am teaching business people, they schedule the classes around their set work schedule, which means I am running from 8AM to 9PM with a few hours in-between to pass out on my sofa. English teaching is an interesting profession down here. After getting settled into the schedule more and more each week, I have realized that for the most part I really like my job. It's really fulfilling to see a student surpass their own expectations of their speaking abilities, and in addition to teaching them English, I have found that I am learning quite a bit as well. Each one of my students offers me so many new perspectives about the city, work, and life in general.
The language barrier is quickly crumbling, and I've noticed that my English speaking abilities have been as well. I find that when I'm speaking English, I have to work harder to express myself and find the words that once came so easily to me. In fact, it often takes many attempts to write certain emails, journal entries, and letters. Therefore, I must apologize for any stupid punctuation mistakes, run-on sentences or incoherent thoughts that will soon start to appear in every blog entry. I am currently living in a language limbo that sometimes frustrates me, and sometimes fascinates me.
I wish I could give a more detailed update of how I'm doing, however, my travels have not yet begun, and my English has ceased to flow as it once did. I am enjoying everyday that I am here, though I have not forgotten how much I love the comfort of what I left behind. I wake up some days with a huge desire to step out of the house and breathe deeply the springtime air that chases the cold away from New England, and I miss the mornings when I can hear the birds coming out of hibernation to sing us a new song.
I miss you all and I continue to think about you all the time.
I'll update more when I have some more time, some more stories, and some more ease with explaining what I am trying to say.
Keep the hugs flowing.
Send some to me.
I'll be sending them back.
Much much love.
Things have been moving very quickly here in Santiago, and it feels like there is not enough time in each day. Lately, now that I am settled and working, I have started to feel how far away I actually am from home. The reality of my change is starting to become more noticeable, and therefore has started to take a slight toll on me. I just keep reminding myself that it's all part of the process.
My work schedule has been starting to come together, and I'm quickly realizing how exhausting the life of an English teacher may actually be. Although I am completely content to have a job with as many hours as I can get, it's become evident that the schedule will soon run my life. Because I am teaching business people, they schedule the classes around their set work schedule, which means I am running from 8AM to 9PM with a few hours in-between to pass out on my sofa. English teaching is an interesting profession down here. After getting settled into the schedule more and more each week, I have realized that for the most part I really like my job. It's really fulfilling to see a student surpass their own expectations of their speaking abilities, and in addition to teaching them English, I have found that I am learning quite a bit as well. Each one of my students offers me so many new perspectives about the city, work, and life in general.
The language barrier is quickly crumbling, and I've noticed that my English speaking abilities have been as well. I find that when I'm speaking English, I have to work harder to express myself and find the words that once came so easily to me. In fact, it often takes many attempts to write certain emails, journal entries, and letters. Therefore, I must apologize for any stupid punctuation mistakes, run-on sentences or incoherent thoughts that will soon start to appear in every blog entry. I am currently living in a language limbo that sometimes frustrates me, and sometimes fascinates me.
I wish I could give a more detailed update of how I'm doing, however, my travels have not yet begun, and my English has ceased to flow as it once did. I am enjoying everyday that I am here, though I have not forgotten how much I love the comfort of what I left behind. I wake up some days with a huge desire to step out of the house and breathe deeply the springtime air that chases the cold away from New England, and I miss the mornings when I can hear the birds coming out of hibernation to sing us a new song.
I miss you all and I continue to think about you all the time.
I'll update more when I have some more time, some more stories, and some more ease with explaining what I am trying to say.
Keep the hugs flowing.
Send some to me.
I'll be sending them back.
Much much love.
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