So, where was I? That's right, I was in Peru making friends with the clouds in Machu Picchu. So let me continue...
After we visited the real life postcard and sat in the unreal setting, we made our way down to the city of Cuzco to spend a few days exploring that area. We took the train through beautiful mountain landscapes in a railway car filled with a huge group on vacation from Japan. They spoke no English or Spanish, and we certainly didn't speak any Japanese, but somehow we all became friends within the first thirty minutes.
We arrived in Cuzco late (meaning 9:30 to me...) and settled in the hotel. I got up early to explore on foot via a morning run, and I couldn't believe how beautiful the small city was. The architecture was screaming with history and even the color of the sky at sunrise seemed just right for this place. The next few days were spent roaming more Inka sites around Cuzco. There were so many places in which I thought to myself "How can the earth be this beautiful? How can something like this exist?" By this point in the trip, I was really learning to enjoy the meditation that we did each day, and I really used my surroundings to get into it. At each Inka site I noticed that the use of water was very important to the ancient culture, and there would always be sources of water incorporated into each space. Amazing fountains that seemed to come from no where would offer a peaceful background noise as trees seemed to make their offering to the land by swaying back and forth whenever the wind desired. I walked barefoot around many of the sites trying to allow my body to soak up what it could from the earth. Each day in Cuzco consisted of roaming an Inka site, being amazed at the beauty of nature and coming back to the city to roam the historical streets and have coffee somewhere.
From Cuzco, we took a 9 hour bus ride to an even smaller city named Puno. The bus ride was beautiful, and we stopped on the way to see ruins from Pre-Inka cultures and beautiful churches. We slept, meditated, talked and conversed with each other and with strangers. It was a much needed rest day after many days of such mental, emotional and physical changes and adventures. As we pulled into Puno the one site we were all set on was the grandeur of Lake Titicaca. Even from afar we could see that it was such an immense body of water and it seemed to appear from no where. Everyone had their faces up to the windows on the left side of the bus and digital cameras were clicking away.
After settling into our hotel in Puno, we rested for the night and prepared for the next days adventures. I got up early and ran down to the water to jog alongside the sunrise, but I had to stop many times to stare. In addition to the beauty taking my breath away, I realized that the higher up you are in altitude the harder it is to breathe. I was up at 5:00am due to the inability to sleep (again with the breathing thing) and I watched the sunrise over the lake as I stared without being able to form a thought it my head. It was just so real.
Our Shaman Amaru took us to a local market that morning to pick up the necessities for a picnic by the water. We spoke with the vendors and they provided us with delicious foods and snacks for our journey. We drove for an hour out to a random rock formation in the middle of nowhere and climbed over pathways and rocks stopping to talk to the locals on the way. We were in the middle of a field of huge, tall, thin, flat rocks that seemed to spurt from the ground. I was amazed that rocks could be formed like this in any element of weather. They were incredible. We were apparently in some pre-Inka gateway to the Pachamama god. We chanted and hummed our way into a meditation of sorts before roaming the area in some silence. I realized that I was silent during a lot of our days due to my desire to take in each molecule of beauty, and also due to my lack of words to express how beautiful it really was. After breathing deeply and getting drunk off the landscape, we got in the van and made our way to the waters edge to have a picnic, do some tai chi and breathe some more.
We drove through a little town that was so remote and almost desolate (but also very alive), and I couldn't believe that they were places like this that existed. Women sat against their mud houses to take a break from herding sheep or washing clothes in a water basin while kids ran around letting the earth be their playground. It was so refreshing to see.
We sat on the waters edge cutting mangos, pears, peaches, bananas and homemade bread for our picnic. We fed the dogs that roamed the area and watched women carry a wheelbarrow down to the water to wash clothes. We watched ox (I think) wash in the water and follow their owners back to their land. We filled our bellies with such ripe fruits before we walked along the shore. I stuck my hand in the water and was surprised at how warm it was considering the breeze that was keeping us so chilly. We each laid out on a rock like stuffed seals and took some sun into our bones to warm us up. It was simply an ideal afternoon. On our way out, we left fruits with the locals and waved goodbye to the sheep...The rest of the afternoon was so relaxing as we just headed back into town to bum around. Perfection.
Speaking of bumming around, I think it's about time for me to do some of that before I update anymore about Peru. There is little left (yet so much left out), however it IS a Sunday morning and the parks are calling my name. I will write soon about the rest of my trip to Peru and whats been going on in Santiago.
Keep the hugs flowing.
I'll send them back.
xoxo
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Sunday, September 6, 2009
I can still smell the eucalyptus trees
It's been almost two months since I've last posted, and for that I apologize.
Let me quickly catch you up on the last two months before I delve into other things:
For most of July, I simply worked and tried to stay warm in the Santiago winter. I got into the routine of making dinners most nights with friends, relaxing whenever I had the chance, and tried to get myself more comfortable in my work environment. The beginning of August had me mentally preparing for a trip to Peru during the last two weeks of August. At work, I did whatever I could to organize things and make sure there wouldn't be any loose ends when I left. More so, however, I was trying not to let the excitement take over every minute of every day. It had been 7 months since Id seen anyone from home and the anticipation was killing me. I spent two weeks in Peru (which I will explain a little bit below) and I came back to Santiago with a completely different perspective of things. Things have shifted into a completely different frame and that was something I was not exactly expecting.
Peru was ineffable, though I will try to explain a few feelings I had along the way and a few things my eyes gazed upon on our journey.
I got on a plane on August 15th to head up to Lima, where I would meet up with my two aunts (Patti and 'Stretch'), to spend two weeks with a Peruvian shaman who would introduce us to power points in the ruins of the Inkas and many other incredible things. I got to the hotel where my aunts were already waiting and fell into hugs hugs hugs. That was enough to fulfill me and it was simply the beginning.
We spent a day in Lima catching up, eating well, roaming the streets and hugging some more. Then, we were on our way. We flew to Cuzco to meet with a man named Mallku (who Stretch often called 'Malcolm') who would explain our trip to us. Immediately upon landing in Cuzco I felt like I was in more of a cultural experience than I had been in Lima. The city was old and beautiful yet modern enough to offer complete comfort. Buildings were built on old Inka ruins and the energy throughout the city was incredible. We went to our Shaman's office and drank some coca tea for altitude sickness as he described what we'd be doing.
After the office visit, we drove to the Sacred Valley which is a small city outside of Cuzco and located at the base of beautiful mountains. We were driven to our hotel which was a beautiful lodge on the edge of a small river and placed in a small town. Everything was so fresh, so beautiful, so natural. I couldn't believe my eyes at the sight of how incredible nature could be. I had almost forgotten how special it was since Ive been living in the heart of a smoggy, dirty city for the last seven (now 8) months. There, we spent a few days learning the area around us. We went to salt basins, Inka ruins and more. We meditated beneath the scorching sun in the middle of Inka ruins. I am new to meditation and I found it a little bit confusing and difficult at first, but I was traveling with some experts and very supportive people who simply told me to do what felt right to me.
After a few days in the Sacred Valley, we made our way to Aguas Calientes for a night to go see the infamous Machu Picchu. We arrived and wandered around the extremely touristy town before taking our first trip up to what should be (and maybe is) one of the wonders of the world. We sat in a bus that rode around the edge of the mountains for about twenty minutes until we arrived. We waited until later in the afternoon so that we'd miss the mass of people, and luckily it worked. We arrived there while many others were leaving so we had some peace and quiet on the mountain top. Without even seeing the ruins yet, I could barely believe my eyes. The mountains were completely covered in trees except for this big mass of open land that housed the ruins of the the Inkas. There was so much beauty in each branch and stick and rock that we passed, and the energy was incredible. On our way up the path, a small butterfly circled around me and landed on my foot as if to greet me and welcome me to the area. I waited until it flew away to continue.
Laying eyes upon Machu Picchu was like sitting in a real life post card. looking down from high above, it was so perfect that it was almost unreal. Llamas fed on the grass to keep it short, and the verdant ambiance still remained fertile. It was so incredible that words would only diminish it.
We meditated and allowed ourselves to take in whatever the place wanted us to take in. We breathed deeply and rubbed our hands through the grass as we sat overlooking the peaceful ruins below. Although there were tourists galore (even at a 'slow' period) there was still a strong energy that surrounded the area. We remained fairly silent as we simply enjoyed our time overlooking such an immense history.
The next morning, we made our way up to Machu Picchu again only this time to see the daybreak. We arrived at about 5:30 or 6:00 and sat waiting for the sun to come over the peaks and warm up the land. It slowly rose as everyone around us awoke as well, and the shadows crept over the ruins as if they were stretching into another day of looking amazing. The air was clean and fresh, and everyone seemed so content and happy to simply be there. People were taking pictures and laying in the grass for hours as the sun crept up behind us. The light falling on the ruins made things look almost surreal, but we believed and joined in to the picture taking and relaxation that was going on in the patches of grass. We laid around for a few hours before making our way down to explore the ruins themselves. There, we saw the llamas walk right by us to feast on different patches of grass. We touched beautifully carved stones and looked through perfectly placed windows as we learned that NOTHING was done without intention. We spent hours in the big historical playground before we meditated and made our way down the mountain to call it a day.
Unfortunately, I can't describe every moment or feeling, otherwise we'd both be sitting here for days. I will leave this post for now so that you may read the little bit that I could even describe before I explain the second part of my trip. I will post again really soon with other details of my trip to Peru, since there is still so much left to be said.
Hope you enjoyed this brief update. Look for more really soon about Peru and more.
Keep the hugs flowing.
Send some to me.
Let me quickly catch you up on the last two months before I delve into other things:
For most of July, I simply worked and tried to stay warm in the Santiago winter. I got into the routine of making dinners most nights with friends, relaxing whenever I had the chance, and tried to get myself more comfortable in my work environment. The beginning of August had me mentally preparing for a trip to Peru during the last two weeks of August. At work, I did whatever I could to organize things and make sure there wouldn't be any loose ends when I left. More so, however, I was trying not to let the excitement take over every minute of every day. It had been 7 months since Id seen anyone from home and the anticipation was killing me. I spent two weeks in Peru (which I will explain a little bit below) and I came back to Santiago with a completely different perspective of things. Things have shifted into a completely different frame and that was something I was not exactly expecting.
Peru was ineffable, though I will try to explain a few feelings I had along the way and a few things my eyes gazed upon on our journey.
I got on a plane on August 15th to head up to Lima, where I would meet up with my two aunts (Patti and 'Stretch'), to spend two weeks with a Peruvian shaman who would introduce us to power points in the ruins of the Inkas and many other incredible things. I got to the hotel where my aunts were already waiting and fell into hugs hugs hugs. That was enough to fulfill me and it was simply the beginning.
We spent a day in Lima catching up, eating well, roaming the streets and hugging some more. Then, we were on our way. We flew to Cuzco to meet with a man named Mallku (who Stretch often called 'Malcolm') who would explain our trip to us. Immediately upon landing in Cuzco I felt like I was in more of a cultural experience than I had been in Lima. The city was old and beautiful yet modern enough to offer complete comfort. Buildings were built on old Inka ruins and the energy throughout the city was incredible. We went to our Shaman's office and drank some coca tea for altitude sickness as he described what we'd be doing.
After the office visit, we drove to the Sacred Valley which is a small city outside of Cuzco and located at the base of beautiful mountains. We were driven to our hotel which was a beautiful lodge on the edge of a small river and placed in a small town. Everything was so fresh, so beautiful, so natural. I couldn't believe my eyes at the sight of how incredible nature could be. I had almost forgotten how special it was since Ive been living in the heart of a smoggy, dirty city for the last seven (now 8) months. There, we spent a few days learning the area around us. We went to salt basins, Inka ruins and more. We meditated beneath the scorching sun in the middle of Inka ruins. I am new to meditation and I found it a little bit confusing and difficult at first, but I was traveling with some experts and very supportive people who simply told me to do what felt right to me.
After a few days in the Sacred Valley, we made our way to Aguas Calientes for a night to go see the infamous Machu Picchu. We arrived and wandered around the extremely touristy town before taking our first trip up to what should be (and maybe is) one of the wonders of the world. We sat in a bus that rode around the edge of the mountains for about twenty minutes until we arrived. We waited until later in the afternoon so that we'd miss the mass of people, and luckily it worked. We arrived there while many others were leaving so we had some peace and quiet on the mountain top. Without even seeing the ruins yet, I could barely believe my eyes. The mountains were completely covered in trees except for this big mass of open land that housed the ruins of the the Inkas. There was so much beauty in each branch and stick and rock that we passed, and the energy was incredible. On our way up the path, a small butterfly circled around me and landed on my foot as if to greet me and welcome me to the area. I waited until it flew away to continue.
Laying eyes upon Machu Picchu was like sitting in a real life post card. looking down from high above, it was so perfect that it was almost unreal. Llamas fed on the grass to keep it short, and the verdant ambiance still remained fertile. It was so incredible that words would only diminish it.
We meditated and allowed ourselves to take in whatever the place wanted us to take in. We breathed deeply and rubbed our hands through the grass as we sat overlooking the peaceful ruins below. Although there were tourists galore (even at a 'slow' period) there was still a strong energy that surrounded the area. We remained fairly silent as we simply enjoyed our time overlooking such an immense history.
The next morning, we made our way up to Machu Picchu again only this time to see the daybreak. We arrived at about 5:30 or 6:00 and sat waiting for the sun to come over the peaks and warm up the land. It slowly rose as everyone around us awoke as well, and the shadows crept over the ruins as if they were stretching into another day of looking amazing. The air was clean and fresh, and everyone seemed so content and happy to simply be there. People were taking pictures and laying in the grass for hours as the sun crept up behind us. The light falling on the ruins made things look almost surreal, but we believed and joined in to the picture taking and relaxation that was going on in the patches of grass. We laid around for a few hours before making our way down to explore the ruins themselves. There, we saw the llamas walk right by us to feast on different patches of grass. We touched beautifully carved stones and looked through perfectly placed windows as we learned that NOTHING was done without intention. We spent hours in the big historical playground before we meditated and made our way down the mountain to call it a day.
Unfortunately, I can't describe every moment or feeling, otherwise we'd both be sitting here for days. I will leave this post for now so that you may read the little bit that I could even describe before I explain the second part of my trip. I will post again really soon with other details of my trip to Peru, since there is still so much left to be said.
Hope you enjoyed this brief update. Look for more really soon about Peru and more.
Keep the hugs flowing.
Send some to me.
Friday, July 10, 2009
6 months to the day
I woke up this morning to some cold mountains, loud city buses and the knowledge that the weekend is right around the corner. I glanced over at my calendar in hopes to see a holiday coming up soon (Score! This Thursday the city takes yet another day off)and I realized that the date is July 10th. I kinda stared at it behind sleepy eyes for a moment, and I quickly realized that July 10th marks half a year of living here.
Although it's not exactly a huge milestone, it is the first significant one I can think of. In six months, I have created a completely different life, made new friends, got a real job and I've done it all in a new country and a language other than my own.
I remember quite clearly arriving here in Chile. I hadn't slept in about two days, I got fined at the airport for "smuggling" an apple in from Florida, I got ripped off in the taxi (because I was a tired, apple-stealing gringa), and everything looked new, scary and exciting. I walked the city for days, I learned the streets and the metros and I slowly started to let Santiago seem into my pores (literally...its filthy here).
6 months later I have moved twice, I have made a ton of new friends (additional family, if you will) and I have a job that I really enjoy. I thought about that as I walked to work in the cold this morning. I thought about how in 6 short months I have built something out of nothing. I landed on empty shores and built a hut, then a road, then I started a small town (I just need a bank...). The sounds of the buses no longer shake me as they pass, the streets no longer intimidate me, and I am no longer a stranger to Santiago.
Well, its back to work for now.
I miss you all.
Keep the hugs flowing and flying, and I'll try to catch a few.
much much love.
Although it's not exactly a huge milestone, it is the first significant one I can think of. In six months, I have created a completely different life, made new friends, got a real job and I've done it all in a new country and a language other than my own.
I remember quite clearly arriving here in Chile. I hadn't slept in about two days, I got fined at the airport for "smuggling" an apple in from Florida, I got ripped off in the taxi (because I was a tired, apple-stealing gringa), and everything looked new, scary and exciting. I walked the city for days, I learned the streets and the metros and I slowly started to let Santiago seem into my pores (literally...its filthy here).
6 months later I have moved twice, I have made a ton of new friends (additional family, if you will) and I have a job that I really enjoy. I thought about that as I walked to work in the cold this morning. I thought about how in 6 short months I have built something out of nothing. I landed on empty shores and built a hut, then a road, then I started a small town (I just need a bank...). The sounds of the buses no longer shake me as they pass, the streets no longer intimidate me, and I am no longer a stranger to Santiago.
Well, its back to work for now.
I miss you all.
Keep the hugs flowing and flying, and I'll try to catch a few.
much much love.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Lazy Sunday
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. :)
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. :)
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.
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