Hola todos,
As of now, I have pretty much completely organized my travels for after school etc. ends. I will be traveling with a boy from a different program, CIEE, named Jason. He goes to school in Boulder, Colorado and is from there. We met through a mutual friend a few months ago. He is very nice and will definitely be fun to travel with. We're similar and both easy-going so we won't be wanting to kill each other.
Here's the itinerary:
July 5th:I finish all my work for classes and the program.
July 8th: We go to Buenos Aires via airplane. We will be there for one day to see the city a little and make an plans we may need to make in advance.
July 10th: We go to Iguazu via airplane. We will be there until the 16th, therefore have 5 solid days to explore. Because it is on the border of Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay, we may go to Asuncion, Paruguay for a day since it's close.
July 16th: We return to Buenos Aires. We will spend most of time there in Buenos Aires and maybe spend a few days in Uruguay. Jason's flight back to the U.S. is the 25th, and therefore our current flight return to Santiago from Buenos Aires is July 23rd. However, I will be staying longer. With this extra time, I will go to Uruguay if we don't go before the 23rd, and will either go to Mar del Plata or Rosario. Mar del Plata is south-east of Buenos Aires (about 5 hour bus ride) on the Atlantic coast, full of beach. It is apparently pretty touristy, but because it's off-season it shouldn't be very crowded. Rosario to the north-west of Buenos Aires (about a 4 hour bus ride). It's supposed to be pretty. It's obviously not as big as Buenos Aires, but it seems like there is a lot to do.
Augutst 1st: I take the plane back to Santiago. I will spend a few days there.
August3rd: Plane ride to Easter Island! It's not too big, but it will be nice and warm so I will be there until the 9th.
August 9th: I return to Santiago in the evening. I have the 10th and 11th to do any last things I want to do in Santiago.
August 12th: My flight back to the U.S.
Sunday, June 30, 2013
My First Final Grade
Hola todos,
As you all know, classes pretty much didn't exist this semester for me. I am dreading going back to school in the U.S. and actually going to class... Wait, why are there no strikes? That's going to be the biggest culture shock when I return. Regardless, I still get grades of the "work" that I have done. For my "Artistic Discourses and Political Forms" class, I received my grades and final grade!
Here, they have a different grading scale. In the U.S. we have percentages and A to F grading systems. Here however is 1 through 7. (A 7 is an A, 4 is a C and 3 is an F) Well, for this class, I had four assignments: a one-page essay about an art museum, a short presentation on three paintings and our perception of them, a 5 page essay (the telenovela one), and another presentation. On the one-page essay, I got a 7.0, the short presentation a 6.5, the essay a 7.0 (I couldn't believe it!) and the presentation a 7.0. In total, I got a 6.8 which is equivalent to a 97%!!!! I would like to add that ironically, those grades are better than the ones I get in the U.S., where English as opposed to Spanish is spoken.
So so proud of myself; we'll see how I do in the other 4 classes! As of right now, I am writing my final paper for the program's class. It is an at least 10 page paper about the culture of the Mapuche people (the indigenous tribe).
Wish me luck!
As you all know, classes pretty much didn't exist this semester for me. I am dreading going back to school in the U.S. and actually going to class... Wait, why are there no strikes? That's going to be the biggest culture shock when I return. Regardless, I still get grades of the "work" that I have done. For my "Artistic Discourses and Political Forms" class, I received my grades and final grade!
Here, they have a different grading scale. In the U.S. we have percentages and A to F grading systems. Here however is 1 through 7. (A 7 is an A, 4 is a C and 3 is an F) Well, for this class, I had four assignments: a one-page essay about an art museum, a short presentation on three paintings and our perception of them, a 5 page essay (the telenovela one), and another presentation. On the one-page essay, I got a 7.0, the short presentation a 6.5, the essay a 7.0 (I couldn't believe it!) and the presentation a 7.0. In total, I got a 6.8 which is equivalent to a 97%!!!! I would like to add that ironically, those grades are better than the ones I get in the U.S., where English as opposed to Spanish is spoken.
So so proud of myself; we'll see how I do in the other 4 classes! As of right now, I am writing my final paper for the program's class. It is an at least 10 page paper about the culture of the Mapuche people (the indigenous tribe).
Wish me luck!
Sunday, June 23, 2013
My Little Puppies
Hola todos,
Recently, I started volunteering at a dog shelter. I thought it was going to be terrible because I was going to cry myself to sleep every night, but thankfully, I do enjoy it. However, it is quite sad. I go as often as possible, usually four times a week. When I go, I walk the dogs in the little area, and I have learned that yes, they enjoy leaving their little kennels and stretching their little legs, but they more so enjoy exploring the area. What dog peed where and all those different smells. They also like to be pet. I have a usual routine of taking out my favorite dogs, and then I take out as many others as possible. The next time I go, I want to bring my camera and take pictures of my favorites and then show them to all of you. For this reason, I will not go into details in describing them and what their names are quite yet.
Every dog enjoys a good petting. After I take them for a few spins around the area, the dog and I will sit on a bench together and they will get a sufficient petting. They are so adorable and love it so much. I mean, who wouldn't like to be pet?
The dogs are all adorable and I want to adopt them all. Seriously. I do know that when I leave permanently I will most likely cry. I am not looking forward to that. That is going to be the moment that I realize it was a huge mistake to volunteer at a dog shelter during my time in Chile.
Recently, I started volunteering at a dog shelter. I thought it was going to be terrible because I was going to cry myself to sleep every night, but thankfully, I do enjoy it. However, it is quite sad. I go as often as possible, usually four times a week. When I go, I walk the dogs in the little area, and I have learned that yes, they enjoy leaving their little kennels and stretching their little legs, but they more so enjoy exploring the area. What dog peed where and all those different smells. They also like to be pet. I have a usual routine of taking out my favorite dogs, and then I take out as many others as possible. The next time I go, I want to bring my camera and take pictures of my favorites and then show them to all of you. For this reason, I will not go into details in describing them and what their names are quite yet.
Every dog enjoys a good petting. After I take them for a few spins around the area, the dog and I will sit on a bench together and they will get a sufficient petting. They are so adorable and love it so much. I mean, who wouldn't like to be pet?
The dogs are all adorable and I want to adopt them all. Seriously. I do know that when I leave permanently I will most likely cry. I am not looking forward to that. That is going to be the moment that I realize it was a huge mistake to volunteer at a dog shelter during my time in Chile.
The First Day of Sum-- Winter
Hola todos,
A few days ago was, normally for me, the first day of summer! Knowing it was June 21st, my first thought was, Yay! It's summer. But then I realized. I am in Chile, therefore the southern hemisphere, therefore it's the first day of winter. No! While, you northern hemisphere people are enjoying the first few days of summer, I am stuck, in the beginning of winter. As I wrote in a previous blog, this is pay back for escaping New York's winter. I guess I can't completely outsmart Mother Nature. But no worries, I will be returning to a warm New York. It's just sad to know that it is steadily getting warmer there while it is steadily getting colder here. Oh well! Hopefully I'll be gone before the real cold winter weather comes.
A few days ago was, normally for me, the first day of summer! Knowing it was June 21st, my first thought was, Yay! It's summer. But then I realized. I am in Chile, therefore the southern hemisphere, therefore it's the first day of winter. No! While, you northern hemisphere people are enjoying the first few days of summer, I am stuck, in the beginning of winter. As I wrote in a previous blog, this is pay back for escaping New York's winter. I guess I can't completely outsmart Mother Nature. But no worries, I will be returning to a warm New York. It's just sad to know that it is steadily getting warmer there while it is steadily getting colder here. Oh well! Hopefully I'll be gone before the real cold winter weather comes.
I Am A Travel Girl, A Travel Travel Girl
Hola todos,
As mentioned in my previous blog, I am forming my plans for traveling after I am done with everything here. And these are my plans thus far!
I have to present my final project for the program on July 5th and then I will be done with everything I have to do here. Afterwards, I will have one day to get organized and do any last things for my trip. My friend, Jason, and I will be taking a bus to Buenos Aires on the 7th. So that we don't have to be on the bus for 23 hours straight, I was intelligent and decided we would stop in Mendoza. Mendoza is on the way to Buenos Aires, about 9 hours from Santiago. It will then be another 14 hours to Buenos Aires. We figure we'll be taking a night bus to Mendoza (always the best option because then we will pass the time with sleep.) We will then arrive to Mendoza in the early morning. We'll spend the day in Mendoza and then take another night bus to Buenos Aires, arriving there in the early morning of the 9th.
When we arrive, we'll have the entire day to organize what we want to do because on the 10th, we take a 4:30PM plane to Iguazu! While there, we will explore Iguazu and then maybe go to Asuncion, Paraguay. They're very close by. But, that trip's not certain. We return to B.A. on the 16th. We will spend the week in B.A./ surrounding area/ Montevideo/ Uruguay for a week and then he will return to Santiago for his flight back to the U.S. which is on the 25th. This is the part that is definite.
Then, I will either stay in B.A. longer, go up to Cordoba or another part of Argentina, explore Uruguay, or go back to Santiago with him. The reason I would go back to Santiago at that date is if I decide to go to Easter Island. I figure that, how many times will I ever have the opportunity to go to Easter Island? It's not the type of place where you would travel from your home to just go there. Therefore, while in Chile, why not? But, but, not sure. The only other reason I would go back to Santiago is if I wanted to travel somewhere in Chile. However, right now, I think that if I do return to Santiago, it will only be if I decide to go to Easter Island.
I then leave back for the U.S. on August 13th. Sounds great, right? I was going to go to Brazil, but I would have to get a visa, which would be a huge huge pain, and especially if I'm not 100% sure if I could make it there, it's wouldn't be worth it. Also, a friend told me that Brazil is so big that you could spend three months just seeing Brazil. Therefore, I figured when I go to Brazil, I'll do it right and spend not just a few weeks there.
So exciting!!
As mentioned in my previous blog, I am forming my plans for traveling after I am done with everything here. And these are my plans thus far!
I have to present my final project for the program on July 5th and then I will be done with everything I have to do here. Afterwards, I will have one day to get organized and do any last things for my trip. My friend, Jason, and I will be taking a bus to Buenos Aires on the 7th. So that we don't have to be on the bus for 23 hours straight, I was intelligent and decided we would stop in Mendoza. Mendoza is on the way to Buenos Aires, about 9 hours from Santiago. It will then be another 14 hours to Buenos Aires. We figure we'll be taking a night bus to Mendoza (always the best option because then we will pass the time with sleep.) We will then arrive to Mendoza in the early morning. We'll spend the day in Mendoza and then take another night bus to Buenos Aires, arriving there in the early morning of the 9th.
When we arrive, we'll have the entire day to organize what we want to do because on the 10th, we take a 4:30PM plane to Iguazu! While there, we will explore Iguazu and then maybe go to Asuncion, Paraguay. They're very close by. But, that trip's not certain. We return to B.A. on the 16th. We will spend the week in B.A./ surrounding area/ Montevideo/ Uruguay for a week and then he will return to Santiago for his flight back to the U.S. which is on the 25th. This is the part that is definite.
Then, I will either stay in B.A. longer, go up to Cordoba or another part of Argentina, explore Uruguay, or go back to Santiago with him. The reason I would go back to Santiago at that date is if I decide to go to Easter Island. I figure that, how many times will I ever have the opportunity to go to Easter Island? It's not the type of place where you would travel from your home to just go there. Therefore, while in Chile, why not? But, but, not sure. The only other reason I would go back to Santiago is if I wanted to travel somewhere in Chile. However, right now, I think that if I do return to Santiago, it will only be if I decide to go to Easter Island.
I then leave back for the U.S. on August 13th. Sounds great, right? I was going to go to Brazil, but I would have to get a visa, which would be a huge huge pain, and especially if I'm not 100% sure if I could make it there, it's wouldn't be worth it. Also, a friend told me that Brazil is so big that you could spend three months just seeing Brazil. Therefore, I figured when I go to Brazil, I'll do it right and spend not just a few weeks there.
So exciting!!
4 Months In Chile
Hola todos,
As of yesterday, I have been here for 4 months! Which is crazy. I can say that I know Santiago very well and Chile as a country pretty well. I have traveled to the north and south, but Chile is also 2,653 miles long. (We calculated, that if it were possible to take a bus from top to bottom, it would take roughly 80 hours!)
Unlike what some people had told me prior to coming here, Santiago is a great city. It is not super smoggy (according to some, in the winter smog touches the ground). However, I haven't seen such a thing. They also said the weather is absolutely horrible in the winter. And yes, there have been some really cold, cloudy days but the majority of the days, even if it's cold, it's still a sunny day. Also, rain is rare here. Therefore, when it occurs it's not that bad, it's more so, "what is this liquid falling from the sky?" type thing. Also, I was told Santiago was really polluted and dirty. It's actually quite clean to me. There isn't much trash in the city (the outskirts there's more) but it is a very nice city. Especially my neighborhood, there's not a sign of trash anywhere. We even have street cleaners come by at night.
There is lots to do and I have been busy. If I'm bored there is always something for me to find and do.
School, is on the verge of ending (at least I think so, no one really knows for sure). I had a paper for my Art History class which... which I think I did acceptable on? Just to give you all some understanding of the I-have-no-idea-what-I'm-writing-about paper, here's the question I had to answer: Según Baudelaire la modernidad es "lo transitorio, lo fugitivo, lo contingente". Relacione esta afirmación con la pintura impresionista. Dé ejemplos. (According to Baudelaire, the modernity is "the transitory, the fugitive, the contingent. Relate this quote with an impressionist painting. Give examples.) ...What does that even mean? I wrote the paper, which had to be over one page. (I successfully wrote a page and four lines.) But, I have no idea what I wrote about. None. I picked some paintings and pretty much wrote, "well as you can see, we don't know how long he has been there for. That makes it transitory. We're not sure where he's going after. That makes it contingent. I still don't understand the whole fugitive part of that. But, I did manage to write it.
Either way, school should be ending soon. I have another paper to write. Then I have to write a paper for my program. Although we haven't really had class for two months now, I still feel like I have had some form of education and knowing it's ending I can't help but think how fast it has all gone. I am able to understand the professors better! That is the all-time biggest accomplishment here in Chile. Naturally, now that I can understand people, I'm leaving the country.
I am very very excited to continue my travels though!! Yesterday, I met with this boy in the CIEE Program, which is a study abroad program, and we decided to travel together! I know him well enough to know that he and I will be able to travel together without wanting to abandon then other in a foreign country. When we met yesterday at a cafe, we started to plan our trip! So exciting.
Santiago and Chile as a whole have treated me very well and I have had a great 4 months, but am ready to leave. I am incredibly happy I chose to study abroad in not only Chile, but in Santiago too.
As of yesterday, I have been here for 4 months! Which is crazy. I can say that I know Santiago very well and Chile as a country pretty well. I have traveled to the north and south, but Chile is also 2,653 miles long. (We calculated, that if it were possible to take a bus from top to bottom, it would take roughly 80 hours!)
Unlike what some people had told me prior to coming here, Santiago is a great city. It is not super smoggy (according to some, in the winter smog touches the ground). However, I haven't seen such a thing. They also said the weather is absolutely horrible in the winter. And yes, there have been some really cold, cloudy days but the majority of the days, even if it's cold, it's still a sunny day. Also, rain is rare here. Therefore, when it occurs it's not that bad, it's more so, "what is this liquid falling from the sky?" type thing. Also, I was told Santiago was really polluted and dirty. It's actually quite clean to me. There isn't much trash in the city (the outskirts there's more) but it is a very nice city. Especially my neighborhood, there's not a sign of trash anywhere. We even have street cleaners come by at night.
There is lots to do and I have been busy. If I'm bored there is always something for me to find and do.
School, is on the verge of ending (at least I think so, no one really knows for sure). I had a paper for my Art History class which... which I think I did acceptable on? Just to give you all some understanding of the I-have-no-idea-what-I'm-writing-about paper, here's the question I had to answer: Según Baudelaire la modernidad es "lo transitorio, lo fugitivo, lo contingente". Relacione esta afirmación con la pintura impresionista. Dé ejemplos. (According to Baudelaire, the modernity is "the transitory, the fugitive, the contingent. Relate this quote with an impressionist painting. Give examples.) ...What does that even mean? I wrote the paper, which had to be over one page. (I successfully wrote a page and four lines.) But, I have no idea what I wrote about. None. I picked some paintings and pretty much wrote, "well as you can see, we don't know how long he has been there for. That makes it transitory. We're not sure where he's going after. That makes it contingent. I still don't understand the whole fugitive part of that. But, I did manage to write it.
Either way, school should be ending soon. I have another paper to write. Then I have to write a paper for my program. Although we haven't really had class for two months now, I still feel like I have had some form of education and knowing it's ending I can't help but think how fast it has all gone. I am able to understand the professors better! That is the all-time biggest accomplishment here in Chile. Naturally, now that I can understand people, I'm leaving the country.
I am very very excited to continue my travels though!! Yesterday, I met with this boy in the CIEE Program, which is a study abroad program, and we decided to travel together! I know him well enough to know that he and I will be able to travel together without wanting to abandon then other in a foreign country. When we met yesterday at a cafe, we started to plan our trip! So exciting.
Santiago and Chile as a whole have treated me very well and I have had a great 4 months, but am ready to leave. I am incredibly happy I chose to study abroad in not only Chile, but in Santiago too.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Burn Notice
Hola todos,
As some of you may know, I love the show, Burn Notice. I plan to wed Michael Weston (Jeffery Donovan) (the main character). Because I am not in the U.S. right now, I am missing today's episode!!! As in, it is playing right now! And I cannot watch it because Chilean TV does not have USA Network! Ah! Get me a plane ticket immediately! So, I therefore have to wait until 10:01PM when it ends and then watch it online. It is so torturous because I am dying to know what will happen; it's the 3rd episode of season 7 and things are very intense. What's going to happen with Fiona and Michael? Is she really done with him? Will Michael ever return to Miami or spend the rest of his life in the Dominican Republic? I am so stressed. All because Chile does not have USA Network. Am I more mad at USA Network for not being in Chile, or that I'm in Chile in the first place? Both.
Michael Weston don't worry, I know everything will be okay! But, I'll be sure of that in 28 minutes!!
As some of you may know, I love the show, Burn Notice. I plan to wed Michael Weston (Jeffery Donovan) (the main character). Because I am not in the U.S. right now, I am missing today's episode!!! As in, it is playing right now! And I cannot watch it because Chilean TV does not have USA Network! Ah! Get me a plane ticket immediately! So, I therefore have to wait until 10:01PM when it ends and then watch it online. It is so torturous because I am dying to know what will happen; it's the 3rd episode of season 7 and things are very intense. What's going to happen with Fiona and Michael? Is she really done with him? Will Michael ever return to Miami or spend the rest of his life in the Dominican Republic? I am so stressed. All because Chile does not have USA Network. Am I more mad at USA Network for not being in Chile, or that I'm in Chile in the first place? Both.
Michael Weston don't worry, I know everything will be okay! But, I'll be sure of that in 28 minutes!!
PDA (Public Display of Affection)
Hola todos,
As I am in the last few weeks of my stay in Santiago, I have come to realize something that really bugs me about it here. Mind you, this has bugged me since I first stepped on Chilean soil, but now I'm just done with seeing it. What is this disgust geared towards, you ask? PDA.
Ugh, it is terrible here. As much as I hate to share this will all of you, it is a part of Chilean culture so if I were not to, I would only be withholding information from all my readers. If any of you Americans think you understand how PDA can be repulsive, you don't even want to imagine Chile.
I personally am not into PDA (if you couldn't tell). I understand and am tolerant with a quick peck on the cheek or even lips, hugs are fine, and holding hands is absolutely acceptable. But, absolutely nothing more. Chileans here will make-out anywhere. I mean anywhere. For example, on several occasions, I have been on the metro and there is a couple making-out as if they're in their own private area. A few times, I actually turned the other way, because it just disgusted me too much. In the metro!! Where it's dirty, and there are people all around you! Another huge place of make-out sessions, is the park. And of all the places, I understand the park. But, it is still no excuse. As much as it's a park and can be romantic, it's still a public area.
Yesterday, I was in the library. Yes, you read correctly, the library, and this couple just started making-out at the table. Their friends were sitting across from them, and then he leaned her head down and started kissing her as if they were never going to see each other ever again. Naturally at a moment like this, I cannot hide my disgust, so I just looked for a second and turned away as if I had just seen... I don't even know. Then, yesterday evening, my friend from Valdivia was in Santiago so we went out to dinner. While there, an older couple in their 50s were holding each other close to the other, and doing what seemed like, licking each others faces, even though they had food right in front of them.
The younger couples (in their teens), is slightly understandable. They don't know anything. But 50 year olds?! They're married! They have a house to go back to! Why do they feel the need to make-out in not only a public area, but a restaurant where people are eating?! Terrible.
I hope I have made you understand the repulsion of this, and I'm sorry I had to tell you this, but... it is a huge part of Chilean culture.
Rethinking visiting Chile?
As I am in the last few weeks of my stay in Santiago, I have come to realize something that really bugs me about it here. Mind you, this has bugged me since I first stepped on Chilean soil, but now I'm just done with seeing it. What is this disgust geared towards, you ask? PDA.
Ugh, it is terrible here. As much as I hate to share this will all of you, it is a part of Chilean culture so if I were not to, I would only be withholding information from all my readers. If any of you Americans think you understand how PDA can be repulsive, you don't even want to imagine Chile.
I personally am not into PDA (if you couldn't tell). I understand and am tolerant with a quick peck on the cheek or even lips, hugs are fine, and holding hands is absolutely acceptable. But, absolutely nothing more. Chileans here will make-out anywhere. I mean anywhere. For example, on several occasions, I have been on the metro and there is a couple making-out as if they're in their own private area. A few times, I actually turned the other way, because it just disgusted me too much. In the metro!! Where it's dirty, and there are people all around you! Another huge place of make-out sessions, is the park. And of all the places, I understand the park. But, it is still no excuse. As much as it's a park and can be romantic, it's still a public area.
Yesterday, I was in the library. Yes, you read correctly, the library, and this couple just started making-out at the table. Their friends were sitting across from them, and then he leaned her head down and started kissing her as if they were never going to see each other ever again. Naturally at a moment like this, I cannot hide my disgust, so I just looked for a second and turned away as if I had just seen... I don't even know. Then, yesterday evening, my friend from Valdivia was in Santiago so we went out to dinner. While there, an older couple in their 50s were holding each other close to the other, and doing what seemed like, licking each others faces, even though they had food right in front of them.
The younger couples (in their teens), is slightly understandable. They don't know anything. But 50 year olds?! They're married! They have a house to go back to! Why do they feel the need to make-out in not only a public area, but a restaurant where people are eating?! Terrible.
I hope I have made you understand the repulsion of this, and I'm sorry I had to tell you this, but... it is a huge part of Chilean culture.
Rethinking visiting Chile?
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
¡Hace Frio!
Hola todos,
When I first arrived in Chile, the weather was so warm and so wonderful! It was freezing cold and snowy in New York, and it was at least 80 degrees and sunny here. However, that has all changed. I have been here for almost 4 months (wow!) and in these 4 months, it has basically become winter. Meanwhile in NY it´s spring. I am currently sitting in the library in the Faculty of Physics with my jacket on, and am freezing. My hands might break off any moment now. While on the computer, I sent some e-mails concerning next semester at Albany. When I signed on to albany.edu, it says the weather. What is it there in Albany? 70 degrees! What is it here? 54 degrees. And I know, that´s not terrible, but the previous wonderful weather has spoiled me. I was so used to absolutely beautiful warm days. Now, it´s still sunny 90% of the time, but not warm.
Thinking back on November and how cold it was in NY and warm it was here, it is so strange that as July is approaching, it will only be getting colder. What kind of parellel universe am I living in?! Oh right, the southern hemisphere. Right about now, I think Karma´s kicking me because of how jealous I made everyone when I was here in February. It´s your turn to brag New York.
However, at least there is not smog touching the ground like the Chileans said there would be. And I know it´s not going to get as cold as New York at any point; that´s a little reassuring. Oh well, looks like my next trip will be to Hawaii or the Caribbean where it´s always warm.
When I first arrived in Chile, the weather was so warm and so wonderful! It was freezing cold and snowy in New York, and it was at least 80 degrees and sunny here. However, that has all changed. I have been here for almost 4 months (wow!) and in these 4 months, it has basically become winter. Meanwhile in NY it´s spring. I am currently sitting in the library in the Faculty of Physics with my jacket on, and am freezing. My hands might break off any moment now. While on the computer, I sent some e-mails concerning next semester at Albany. When I signed on to albany.edu, it says the weather. What is it there in Albany? 70 degrees! What is it here? 54 degrees. And I know, that´s not terrible, but the previous wonderful weather has spoiled me. I was so used to absolutely beautiful warm days. Now, it´s still sunny 90% of the time, but not warm.
Thinking back on November and how cold it was in NY and warm it was here, it is so strange that as July is approaching, it will only be getting colder. What kind of parellel universe am I living in?! Oh right, the southern hemisphere. Right about now, I think Karma´s kicking me because of how jealous I made everyone when I was here in February. It´s your turn to brag New York.
However, at least there is not smog touching the ground like the Chileans said there would be. And I know it´s not going to get as cold as New York at any point; that´s a little reassuring. Oh well, looks like my next trip will be to Hawaii or the Caribbean where it´s always warm.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
GOOOOLL!!! GOOOOLL!!!
Hola todos,
Last week, I went to my first Chile soccer game! It was against Bolivia. I went with a Chilean friend named Hernan, who got lucky and won two tickets! Usually the tickets range from $20 to $80. At 7:30PM we went to the stadium which is about a half hour south of my house. The place was bustling with Chileans buying things, talking, and finding their seats. The game began at 8.
After the anthem and the introduction of the players, the game began. It was so funny because when Bolivia did something well, the fans chanted insults upon insults. Though, when Chile had the ball, they often chanted, Chi-chi-chi le-le-le. Viva Chile! Which I consider represents Chile (versus the national anthem).
It was a very boisterous crowd. But, would anything different be expected?
Within the first 20 minutes, Chile scored two goals! It was awesome to not only see the goal itself, but the reaction of the entire stadium as they jumped up and cheered. For most of the game is was 2-0 and then Bolivia scored a goal, which didn't go over well with the fans. However, towards the end of the game, we scored another goal! We won 3-1. It was so much fun and am very happy I got to go to a soccer game down here considering how popular soccer is in not only Chile, but South America too.
Last week, I went to my first Chile soccer game! It was against Bolivia. I went with a Chilean friend named Hernan, who got lucky and won two tickets! Usually the tickets range from $20 to $80. At 7:30PM we went to the stadium which is about a half hour south of my house. The place was bustling with Chileans buying things, talking, and finding their seats. The game began at 8.
After the anthem and the introduction of the players, the game began. It was so funny because when Bolivia did something well, the fans chanted insults upon insults. Though, when Chile had the ball, they often chanted, Chi-chi-chi le-le-le. Viva Chile! Which I consider represents Chile (versus the national anthem).
It was a very boisterous crowd. But, would anything different be expected?
Within the first 20 minutes, Chile scored two goals! It was awesome to not only see the goal itself, but the reaction of the entire stadium as they jumped up and cheered. For most of the game is was 2-0 and then Bolivia scored a goal, which didn't go over well with the fans. However, towards the end of the game, we scored another goal! We won 3-1. It was so much fun and am very happy I got to go to a soccer game down here considering how popular soccer is in not only Chile, but South America too.
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| Guess what colors the Chilean team colors are? |
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| Introduction of players |
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| View from the stadium |
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| Hernan bought me a hat! I fit in more. |
Monday, June 17, 2013
La Serena: The Final Middlebury Program Trip
Hola todos,
This previous weekend, I went on a trip to La Serena with my program. It is about six hours north. We took the night bus at 12:45AM which was not fun. Luckily I slept a little; no red sign to keep me up. We arrived at 7AM, went to the hostal and ate breakfast. Afterwards, we went to Vicuña, which is about an hour east from La Serena in the Elqui Valley. When we arrived we put our belongings in the hostal and then went right to a museum of Gabriela Mistral. She was quite a women and had quite an influence in Chile.
After the museum, we headed to a little pisco factory. (Pisco is the popular alcohol here. I personally find it repulsive, but it was interesting to see.) Because this factory wasn't that big, the tour wasn't very long and after looking at the the machines they use, inhaling the scent of the horrific pisco, and then taste-testing it (it is about 12PM at this point) we were off to go eat lunch. Thank goodness.
For lunch, we went to a nice restaurant where I got something called Lagunista which is beef with tomato, mushroom, onion etc. with a stew-like consistency. However, the best part of the meal was something called the Elqui Pisco. As deceiving as the name seems, it thankfully did not have any pisco in it. It was a roasted piece of goat cheese with sun-dried tomatoes and honey drizzled over the top. Wonderful, incredible, brilliant, I will make it as soon as possible. We had the choice of whether we wanted to get ice cream or go to the other pisco factory. Obviously you all know which one I voted for. We went to the ice cream place and there were some very interesting flavors including Pisco Sour which is the drink here. I tried it, not the best thing I've ever had. I got Harina Tostada, which translates to Toasted Flour. I don't understand the whole toasted flour idea, but it was good.
We went into town and had about an hour to explore before we went to the observatory! The town was nice; it had a beautiful view of the mountains. At 6:30, we headed to the observatory. By the time we got there, it was quite dark. We went into the white dome building and watched a few clips on planets, stars etc., before going out to look at the stars. Did you know, there is a star (the biggest star discovered thus far) that would take 1,100 years to circle the entire thing (via common airplane)! Crazy, right? The craziest thing however is that it is so far that we cannot even see a glimpse of it! My mind half blew up. We looked at the moon, some stars, and then went into the building in which they had the large telescope. We looked at the Milky Way and some other stars. It was so cool! At around 9PM we returned to the hostal for a quick dinner.For dinner we had toasted bread with cheese, avocado, and tomato. Perfect dinner. Afterwards, we lit a fire in the furnace and we all passed out. We were going to wake up at 8:30AM to go to another, more acclaimed museum of Gabriela Mistral and then another, bigger and famous pisco factory.
At 9AM we ate breakfast and headed out. The museum was very interesting and they had a nice garden outside; it was such a beautiful day that we all laid outside for some time. We then continued our journey to the Capel Pisco Plant. Capel is basically the ruler of pisco here. Capel stands for Cooperativa Agrícola Pisquera Elqui Limitada (Cooperative Pisco Farm Elqui Limited). We went and saw the factory, the machines they use and the gallons upon gallons of pisco they had there. I wanted to die of repulsion. We learned about how it's made and how much they sell of it each year. A lot. We then tried some more pisco, ugh, but hey, carpe diem. Afterwards, we had a quick lunch and went to the bus station to return home, at about 3:30PM. They bus ride wasn't very fun because since it wasn't really nighttime, we didn't sleep much. Instead we watched Limitless and Skyfall. (I did want to see Skyfall). We arrived back to Santiago at 11PM.
It was a fun trip, and I am so happy I made it up to the Elqui Valley. It was absolutely beautiful. Also, I can now say that I have experienced pisco for all it's worth. However, apparently Elqui Valley has a lot of great vineyards. Why pisco factories?? Either way, this was our final trip all together and it was kind of sad to say goodbye to everyone. But, we have all had a fun journey.
Below are some picture:
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| This is a view of the lake and mountains in Vicuña |
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| This is the moon seen through the telescope |
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| What I looked like after the pisco tasting |
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| Pisco pisco pisco! |
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| The king of piscos |
I'm Famous
Hola todos,
So exciting! I Googled my name. What came up? My blog! Number one hit. Notice my picture as well. I am famous. Watch out, you may see me on TMZ soon! (Is Anna really in Chile as she says? Sources say she was spotted in L.A. on the red carpet in the arms of Leonardo Dicaprio.)
So exciting! I Googled my name. What came up? My blog! Number one hit. Notice my picture as well. I am famous. Watch out, you may see me on TMZ soon! (Is Anna really in Chile as she says? Sources say she was spotted in L.A. on the red carpet in the arms of Leonardo Dicaprio.)
Perros Callejeros (Street Dogs)
Hola todos,
I have mentioned in previous blogs how there are many many street dogs in Chile. Here are some pictures of some absolutely adorable ones!
I have mentioned in previous blogs how there are many many street dogs in Chile. Here are some pictures of some absolutely adorable ones!
This dog was lying out on the beach in Valparaiso
This one was sleeping outside a metro
This one too
Laying out on the sidewalk soaking in the sun
He decided to take the bus with us
Playing on the beach in Pucon
Hanging out on the porch of a house in Pucon
Sleeping at Las Cascadas de Las Animas
A dog I named Hoja which means leaf, because he was originally rolling around in a pile of leaves when I first met him in Olmue.
A dog I named Foxy in Maipo, he looked like a little fox!
Foxy and some of his friends also decided to come greet me
A dog my mom and I met in Bellavista who followed us the entire time. He even waited outside for us when we went into stores.
Santiago, You're Really Getting On My Nerves
Hola todos,
A few days ago, I went on a journey to find a charger for my new camera and a connector to a computer (as you recall, my mom sent me a new camera but forgot to send me the charger etc.). Well, I talked to my host mom and she said that there was a place on the main street. I headed there, thinking, Ok this will only take me a few minutes. (This was 3:30 and I had class at 4:15) Of course it wasn't that easy. I went there and they said they didn't have any. I went to a nearby mall and went to a store and they said that I would not find just a charger for my camera (as in I needed to buy the camera as well). And I said, in all of Chile? And she said, yes, that I would have to buy it online. To this I said, Why don't you guys have Best Buys here?! I said this is English so she didn't understand. Although, I assumed this was false information. I searched a few more stores in the mall, and no luck. I made my way to where my class is and after stopping at two more places that seemed like they'd have cables with no success, I gave up and went to class. However, I went to the faculty where the class is, and not to my surprise, class had been cancelled. Apparently there was a "toma" going on which entails the student body taking over the faculty. Ha. There was not a soul there. I went upstairs to my classroom, all of the lights on the entire floor were off and the door was locked. Some "toma."
Well, at least I had a little more time to find a charger. I talked to the people at the front desk who said I could find one down the street. I went down the street and they told me to go to Casa Royal which was about a 20 minute walk from the faculty. I got there, and they said that they didn't have any. At that point I gave up. Seven stores, and no luck. I started walking to the metro, and saw one last store and figured, what the heck. Naturally, when I walked in they were playing "In The Arms Of An Angel" which we all know that I hate, and I was not full of hope. Well, they shockingly had a computer connector and a charger!!! I almost cried of happiness. According to my (real) mom, cables/chargers are basically $2 in the U.S. How much where they you ask? The cable was $3, but the real shocker is the charger it was... drum roll, $30!!!! Can you believe that?? But, desperate times call for desperate measures. I left the store both happy and with $2 in my wallet. Oh well.
Santiago, you are the biggest city in the most stable (economically and politically) country, yet you cease to have a supply of camera chargers?
A few days ago, I went on a journey to find a charger for my new camera and a connector to a computer (as you recall, my mom sent me a new camera but forgot to send me the charger etc.). Well, I talked to my host mom and she said that there was a place on the main street. I headed there, thinking, Ok this will only take me a few minutes. (This was 3:30 and I had class at 4:15) Of course it wasn't that easy. I went there and they said they didn't have any. I went to a nearby mall and went to a store and they said that I would not find just a charger for my camera (as in I needed to buy the camera as well). And I said, in all of Chile? And she said, yes, that I would have to buy it online. To this I said, Why don't you guys have Best Buys here?! I said this is English so she didn't understand. Although, I assumed this was false information. I searched a few more stores in the mall, and no luck. I made my way to where my class is and after stopping at two more places that seemed like they'd have cables with no success, I gave up and went to class. However, I went to the faculty where the class is, and not to my surprise, class had been cancelled. Apparently there was a "toma" going on which entails the student body taking over the faculty. Ha. There was not a soul there. I went upstairs to my classroom, all of the lights on the entire floor were off and the door was locked. Some "toma."
Well, at least I had a little more time to find a charger. I talked to the people at the front desk who said I could find one down the street. I went down the street and they told me to go to Casa Royal which was about a 20 minute walk from the faculty. I got there, and they said that they didn't have any. At that point I gave up. Seven stores, and no luck. I started walking to the metro, and saw one last store and figured, what the heck. Naturally, when I walked in they were playing "In The Arms Of An Angel" which we all know that I hate, and I was not full of hope. Well, they shockingly had a computer connector and a charger!!! I almost cried of happiness. According to my (real) mom, cables/chargers are basically $2 in the U.S. How much where they you ask? The cable was $3, but the real shocker is the charger it was... drum roll, $30!!!! Can you believe that?? But, desperate times call for desperate measures. I left the store both happy and with $2 in my wallet. Oh well.
Santiago, you are the biggest city in the most stable (economically and politically) country, yet you cease to have a supply of camera chargers?
Friday, June 14, 2013
Valdivia
This previous weekend, Arantxa and I went to Valdivia. This is a small town about an 11 hour bus ride south on the coast. The bus ride there was not fun. Some of you may know this, but there are little things that bug me, seemingly meaningless and not bothersome. However, Arantxa and I were sitting in the second row on the bus, and right in front of us, was a little sign that said the speed, the driver etc, in bright red lights. Well, this was very very bothersome to me. We got on the bus at 10PM and by 12 I was ready to sleep. Well, no. When I closed my eyes all I could see was red. That stupid sign. For a few hours, I looked at that darn sign, counting how many words were in each message, then how many letters where in each word, then how many letters could fit on the sign at one point. I know everything about that red sign. After a few hours of this, I got annoyed and took my sweater I was wearing and tied it around my eyes like Zorro. At least I slept for a few hours.
We arrived in Valdivia at 9AM Saturday morning, then got on a town bus to ride a little ways out of the city where we dropped off our stuff at our friend from the program's house, where we'd be staying. He, Leif, lived in a little house in a town about a half hour outside the city called Niebla. His house overlooks the ocean. And rent is US$200, how great is that?! We dropped off our stuff, got some fruit and bread for breakfast. We were going to go to a park 40 minutes away, but we missed the bus, so we took a different bus that went half way and walked around on the hills, cliffs, beach and boulders. It was soo beautiful!! One of the most beautiful places I have seen in my life. We walked around for a few hours and then went back to road to catch the bus that went to the park. The park was absolutely beautiful as well! The trail is an hour and a half loop with view points along the way. There were a lot of different plants, everything about the path was beautiful. My goal in Chile thus far was to see the sunset over the Pacific. We got very lucky because as the sun was beginning to set, we ended up at the viewpoint that overlooks the Pacific. So gorgeous! So gorgeous! My visit here is now complete. Along the way we met two guys from Canada who were doing an internship here, and we invited them to dinner at the house with us.
When we got back, the two other people in the Valdivia program (Simone and Jack) came to Leif's house and we all made dinner. It was quite a feast. The Canadians made Spanish Omelets and then Jack made pasta with oysters in wine sauce. I mostly just drank wine and chopped vegetables. It was fun. Dinner was absolutely wonderful. Arantxa and I were starving and I can say that I probably ate twice of what the others ate. I honestly just could not get full. It was wonderful. We then hung around and chatted. We fell asleep early, and it was a wonderful sleep. The only problem with his house is that he doesn't have heat and it was freezing. We could see our breath inside! Therefore, we had lots of blankets. It was comfortable.
The next morning, Sunday, we had breakfast and then went to see the university that the people in the program go to, and the botanical garden next to it. It was such a beautiful campus and the botanical garden was pretty as well. We continued on to the city which was a short walk across the bridge from the university. When we got there, we went to the market on the river, and saw sea lions! They were gigantic; much bigger than the ones in The Galapagos. We continued walking around the city looking at building etc. Valdivia is known for it's chocolate and beer due to their German influence (a lot of German's settled there), therefore, obviously we had to visit the chocolate store! Unfortunately it was closed, but thankfully, we had decided to stay another day considering it was so beautiful and we had to get chocolate! At around 5PM we were going to go to a restaurant that is pretty well known there, but it was closed as well. Instead we went to a grocery store and bought some fixings for dinner.
That night was quieter. It was just Arantxa, Leif and me. I made stir-fry for us all with rice. (I am an expert at stir-fry, they can agree to that). We then played Uno and for some odd reason, Leif had Indian Tarot cards so we created fortunes for each other. Hysterical. We then went to sleep. Another full day.
In the morning, we went to Valdivia again. Sadly it was kind of misty and wasn't great weather for walking around. We went to a cafe and had coffee. Afterwards, finally we went to the chocolate store, Entrelagos. Mmm. I wanted to buy everything. Though, it was expensive. And, everyone, hold on to the closest thing near you to brace yourself for this: I still haven't eaten any of the chocolate I bought yet!! I know. I should go see a doctor. Afterwards we met up with Simone and Jack and went out to that restaurant we were going to go to last night for dinner, before embarking on our journey back to Santiago. The food was great. I had Shawarma which is pita with strips of meat, covered in yogurt and mint, and tomatoes and cucumbers. We also each had a beer to get us ready for the trip back. The beer was good, and it was a huge cup!
At 9:30PM we got on the bus, this time I picked out the seats. I asked the ticket seller to show us a map of the bus seats and picked the seats with regard to where the bathroom would be, and that darn red sign. Thankfully, I picked well and slept most of the way back.
Valdivia was so wonderful and it was well worth the 22 hours of travel. I am so so so happy we made it down there. It is green and lush, and everything looked happy and healthy because they get an abundance of rain. We were lucky because the weekend we went the weather was perfect (warm, sunny, cloudless). A great weekend.
Below are pictures of the trip!
View of the ocean from a cliff during the first part of Saturday morning
View of ocean and rocks from view point of park
View point in park
Sunset over the Pacific with Arantxa and Leif at the view point.
The Botanical Gardens
Friday, June 7, 2013
Anismos
Hola todos,
Some of you may know that I am quite creative. Being in Chile hasn't stunted that. I have come to create my own words. I have named this idea of creating my own words, Anismos (Anna modismos (slang)). I have compiled a list.
My favorite of all the words is akwardo (pronounced uh- KWARD- o) hopefully you can tell that that means awkward. In the Spanish language, I have tried and tried to find a translation of the word awkward, but there is not one. The closest I have gotten to solving this is the word incomodo, which means uncomfortable. Not the same.
The next ones are just words, phrases and acronyms I have created when needed.
ADM (Ay Dios Mio)- the same meaning of OMG (Oh My God)
Lameo- lame
Esnapo- snap, as in a rebuttal to an insult
SB (Solamente Bromeando)- the same meaning as JK (Just Kidding), literally means only joking
Te tengo- I got you, I understand you. Literally mean I have you
Yo gano- I win. In a situation where I got lucky, achieved something great etc. Ironically not said when I actually win something, a trophy for example.
Others are still forming so the list will keep growing. Who knows, maybe I'll be able to write my own book by the end of the trip: "Anismos, A New Language Has Emerged"
Some of you may know that I am quite creative. Being in Chile hasn't stunted that. I have come to create my own words. I have named this idea of creating my own words, Anismos (Anna modismos (slang)). I have compiled a list.
My favorite of all the words is akwardo (pronounced uh- KWARD- o) hopefully you can tell that that means awkward. In the Spanish language, I have tried and tried to find a translation of the word awkward, but there is not one. The closest I have gotten to solving this is the word incomodo, which means uncomfortable. Not the same.
The next ones are just words, phrases and acronyms I have created when needed.
ADM (Ay Dios Mio)- the same meaning of OMG (Oh My God)
Lameo- lame
Esnapo- snap, as in a rebuttal to an insult
SB (Solamente Bromeando)- the same meaning as JK (Just Kidding), literally means only joking
Te tengo- I got you, I understand you. Literally mean I have you
Yo gano- I win. In a situation where I got lucky, achieved something great etc. Ironically not said when I actually win something, a trophy for example.
Others are still forming so the list will keep growing. Who knows, maybe I'll be able to write my own book by the end of the trip: "Anismos, A New Language Has Emerged"
In The Arms Of An Angel
Hola todos,
Yesterday, finally, I started volunteering. Why did it take so long? Who knows, that's Chile for you. I rode my bike there. It was farther than I thought and after 45 minutes, I arrived. I talked to the secretary and was introduced to the staff. I am volunteering at a dog shelter.
When I first saw all the dogs, the first thing I thought was, "In the arms of an angel, fly away from here!" Does anyone understand why? Because in N.Y. (not sure about other places) there are SPCA commercials on TV where they play, In The Arms Of An Angel by Sarah McLachlin for the entire commercial while they show pictures of dogs waiting to be adopted. So depressing. I always change the channel when I hear the first notes of that song.
It was first depressing seeing all the dogs in their kennels. I was there for five minutes and thought, Ok, never coming back here again! However, I went around to pet the dogs which they enjoyed and according to the staff, the dogs are happy here because they have shelter, food, and water. They were so adorable and so friendly. I have some favorites now, even though it's been a short time. Some people came in and took some of them, mostly puppies which I don't like because adopters always want puppies, not the older dogs that would make equally great dogs. If I could adopt those dogs, I would take the full grown ones. There is a German Shepard mix in there, and he is absolutely beautiful. I saw him and pet his for a while.
After a little bit when the shelter was closing up, we went around and gave them all little bed quilts to sleep on. When we went to the German Shepard one, we had to take him out because he is quite big. However, once we got him out, it was going to take a lot to get him back in. Of course the dogs don't want to be in their kennels. When we took the German Shepard out, he was standing, then when we tried to put in back in, he sat down. Then we kind of pushed him, and he laid down on his back. Naturally I couldn't help but pet him. Finally the girl came over to help me put him back in. He probably weighs 70 lbs. He would be a great dog.
The shelter closed at 5:30, I said good-bye (to the dogs and humans) and then biked back to my house. It was fun, and though I was covered in fur and smelled of dog when I got back, a shower can always fix that. I enjoyed taking care of the dogs and am hoping that I can walk them during the week when I am there. Apparently on Saturdays, volunteers come in to walk, pet, and groom the dogs. However for the next few weekend I will be traveling. For that reason, I'm hoping the owner will let me walk several during the week, in my arms of an angel.
If anyone wants a dog, or know of someone who wants a dog, the address is Vicuña McKenna 1590
Yesterday, finally, I started volunteering. Why did it take so long? Who knows, that's Chile for you. I rode my bike there. It was farther than I thought and after 45 minutes, I arrived. I talked to the secretary and was introduced to the staff. I am volunteering at a dog shelter.
When I first saw all the dogs, the first thing I thought was, "In the arms of an angel, fly away from here!" Does anyone understand why? Because in N.Y. (not sure about other places) there are SPCA commercials on TV where they play, In The Arms Of An Angel by Sarah McLachlin for the entire commercial while they show pictures of dogs waiting to be adopted. So depressing. I always change the channel when I hear the first notes of that song.
It was first depressing seeing all the dogs in their kennels. I was there for five minutes and thought, Ok, never coming back here again! However, I went around to pet the dogs which they enjoyed and according to the staff, the dogs are happy here because they have shelter, food, and water. They were so adorable and so friendly. I have some favorites now, even though it's been a short time. Some people came in and took some of them, mostly puppies which I don't like because adopters always want puppies, not the older dogs that would make equally great dogs. If I could adopt those dogs, I would take the full grown ones. There is a German Shepard mix in there, and he is absolutely beautiful. I saw him and pet his for a while.
After a little bit when the shelter was closing up, we went around and gave them all little bed quilts to sleep on. When we went to the German Shepard one, we had to take him out because he is quite big. However, once we got him out, it was going to take a lot to get him back in. Of course the dogs don't want to be in their kennels. When we took the German Shepard out, he was standing, then when we tried to put in back in, he sat down. Then we kind of pushed him, and he laid down on his back. Naturally I couldn't help but pet him. Finally the girl came over to help me put him back in. He probably weighs 70 lbs. He would be a great dog.
The shelter closed at 5:30, I said good-bye (to the dogs and humans) and then biked back to my house. It was fun, and though I was covered in fur and smelled of dog when I got back, a shower can always fix that. I enjoyed taking care of the dogs and am hoping that I can walk them during the week when I am there. Apparently on Saturdays, volunteers come in to walk, pet, and groom the dogs. However for the next few weekend I will be traveling. For that reason, I'm hoping the owner will let me walk several during the week, in my arms of an angel.
If anyone wants a dog, or know of someone who wants a dog, the address is Vicuña McKenna 1590
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
I Haven't Been In The U.S. For 104 Days
Hola todos,
Thinking I have been here for over 3 months, it feels like a long time. But over 100 days? That sounds like I've been here for forever! Now, thus far I can say that I haven't really missed the U.S. in any way. When I was in Ecuador, I was there for 9 months and don't recall ever really wanting to return to the U.S.
However, there are some things I do miss about the U.S. and here is a list.
1. Salt and Vinegar chips. I miss them so much. My daily diet does not feel complete. I miss the Troyer Farms once that are only in upstate NY (very tragic), and Cape Cod chips. But, for that matter, I don't think I have ever met a Salt and Vinegar chip that I have not liked. I think I could write an entire blog about the ideal Salt and Vinegar chip. But I shall spare you all.
2. Pretzels. Along with Salt and Vinegar chips, I feel incomplete without my sufficient supply of pretzels. (I found pretzels here, maybe the most exciting moment since I've been here, though they weren't anything great. But, I'll take what I can get.) I miss Snyder's pretzels, especially the Buffalo Wing ones!!
3. New York City everything bagels (usually toasted) with lox, tomato and cream cheese. I don't think I have seen any bagels here. Very tragic.
4. Microwavable kettle corn. As my mom knows, when I am home, I enjoy sitting on the couch at 11PM to watch Seinfeld and eat microwaved kettle corn. However, I haven't really seen any popcorn. For that matter, I also haven't seen any Seinfeld.
5. Now, moving on from foods, I miss the clothing I did not bring with me. Mind you, I can't recall what clothing I have back home, but I am so sick of these clothes that I have here that any clothing would be better. Under packing is over rated.
6. Cheddar! That's my cat. I miss him so much, just cuddling and squeezing him. I'm not sure if he misses me, but under his I-don't-care-about-anyone appearance, he probably misses me.
I guess those are the 6 things I miss most. But, based on that list, as much as I do consider Salt and Vinegar chips very important to me, I don't miss anything too important (besides Cheddar of course). I will remain on the search for a Salt and Vinegar chip for the next few months. I'll keep you updated.
Thinking I have been here for over 3 months, it feels like a long time. But over 100 days? That sounds like I've been here for forever! Now, thus far I can say that I haven't really missed the U.S. in any way. When I was in Ecuador, I was there for 9 months and don't recall ever really wanting to return to the U.S.
However, there are some things I do miss about the U.S. and here is a list.
1. Salt and Vinegar chips. I miss them so much. My daily diet does not feel complete. I miss the Troyer Farms once that are only in upstate NY (very tragic), and Cape Cod chips. But, for that matter, I don't think I have ever met a Salt and Vinegar chip that I have not liked. I think I could write an entire blog about the ideal Salt and Vinegar chip. But I shall spare you all.
2. Pretzels. Along with Salt and Vinegar chips, I feel incomplete without my sufficient supply of pretzels. (I found pretzels here, maybe the most exciting moment since I've been here, though they weren't anything great. But, I'll take what I can get.) I miss Snyder's pretzels, especially the Buffalo Wing ones!!
3. New York City everything bagels (usually toasted) with lox, tomato and cream cheese. I don't think I have seen any bagels here. Very tragic.
4. Microwavable kettle corn. As my mom knows, when I am home, I enjoy sitting on the couch at 11PM to watch Seinfeld and eat microwaved kettle corn. However, I haven't really seen any popcorn. For that matter, I also haven't seen any Seinfeld.
5. Now, moving on from foods, I miss the clothing I did not bring with me. Mind you, I can't recall what clothing I have back home, but I am so sick of these clothes that I have here that any clothing would be better. Under packing is over rated.
6. Cheddar! That's my cat. I miss him so much, just cuddling and squeezing him. I'm not sure if he misses me, but under his I-don't-care-about-anyone appearance, he probably misses me.
I guess those are the 6 things I miss most. But, based on that list, as much as I do consider Salt and Vinegar chips very important to me, I don't miss anything too important (besides Cheddar of course). I will remain on the search for a Salt and Vinegar chip for the next few months. I'll keep you updated.
Class? What Does That Word Mean?! How Do You Pronounce It?!
Hola todos,
Today, I had the first class, The History of Modern and Contemporary Art, that I have had in over 3 weeks. Of course I didn't have both classes I normally would have today because one of the faculties is still on strike. I have no idea why the Faculty of Art decided to not be on strike for today, I mean, chances are it will be going back on strike any day now. But, that's Chile.
Either way, for the first time in 7 weeks I had this class. Of course because all of the Chileans are busy striking, I got to class first and no one was there. Thankfully, the professor was there, so I knew there was class. We chatted for about 15 minutes before another person came. (Class started at 2:30). Finally at around 2:50, 4 more people came in. The professor figured this was sufficient enough to teach a class so we got started. Then, at 4:00, around 25 people just came in! I assume a meeting for a strike had just ended. Now, this is the class that I was supposed to have a test in... 7 weeks ago. However, because we have missed so many classes, she has made it a take-home essay. Therefore, I will be writing at least a page, (i.e. a page and a line) about 1 of the 2 questions she gave to us. I have read them, but don't understand them very well. Thank goodness she gave us the take-home essay because if we had had the test today, I probably would've been sunk.
Since we have been on strike for so long, school will be prolonged and the semester will probably end in late July. However, my program ends on the 15th of July, therefore I will not have finished the classes. In this class, we would normally have a midterm (this take-home test) and a final. However, I will not be here for the final so my entire grade for this course will be based on this one essay. And, I actually don't really have a problem with that. The professor really likes me and obviously she is aware that I am an international student. Therefore she will understand the little mistakes that I make. (Why didn't I go to school as an international for the past 3 years?!)
It was very strange to have class today. I forgot what it was like to sit at a desk and listen to a professor's lesson. However, I do not think I should get used to this, because it is not going to last! Oh well, instead, I am exploring the city more, going to museums, performances, and having fun with my friends. I suppose it's not the end of the world.
Today, I had the first class, The History of Modern and Contemporary Art, that I have had in over 3 weeks. Of course I didn't have both classes I normally would have today because one of the faculties is still on strike. I have no idea why the Faculty of Art decided to not be on strike for today, I mean, chances are it will be going back on strike any day now. But, that's Chile.
Either way, for the first time in 7 weeks I had this class. Of course because all of the Chileans are busy striking, I got to class first and no one was there. Thankfully, the professor was there, so I knew there was class. We chatted for about 15 minutes before another person came. (Class started at 2:30). Finally at around 2:50, 4 more people came in. The professor figured this was sufficient enough to teach a class so we got started. Then, at 4:00, around 25 people just came in! I assume a meeting for a strike had just ended. Now, this is the class that I was supposed to have a test in... 7 weeks ago. However, because we have missed so many classes, she has made it a take-home essay. Therefore, I will be writing at least a page, (i.e. a page and a line) about 1 of the 2 questions she gave to us. I have read them, but don't understand them very well. Thank goodness she gave us the take-home essay because if we had had the test today, I probably would've been sunk.
Since we have been on strike for so long, school will be prolonged and the semester will probably end in late July. However, my program ends on the 15th of July, therefore I will not have finished the classes. In this class, we would normally have a midterm (this take-home test) and a final. However, I will not be here for the final so my entire grade for this course will be based on this one essay. And, I actually don't really have a problem with that. The professor really likes me and obviously she is aware that I am an international student. Therefore she will understand the little mistakes that I make. (Why didn't I go to school as an international for the past 3 years?!)
It was very strange to have class today. I forgot what it was like to sit at a desk and listen to a professor's lesson. However, I do not think I should get used to this, because it is not going to last! Oh well, instead, I am exploring the city more, going to museums, performances, and having fun with my friends. I suppose it's not the end of the world.
Monday, June 3, 2013
Traveling South America
Hola todos,
I have created a rough draft of what I want to do when I finish school here in Santiago. Here is a map of my plans for traveling for a month and a week.
I have created a rough draft of what I want to do when I finish school here in Santiago. Here is a map of my plans for traveling for a month and a week.
The above map is my as-of-now plan. I will be starting in Santiago, and then taking a plane to Asuncion, Paraguay. I do not plan on staying there too long, more so I am landing there because it is the closest airport to Iguazu (the place with the wonderful waterfalls). The yellow line represents the flight to Asuncion. I will then travel by bus not far at all to get to Iguazu. I will spend a few days there and then go onto Rio De Janeiro, this is represented by the green line. The thing I am unsure of though is whether I should go to Brasilia. It is pretty much the same distance from Asuncion, and I do have plenty of time. Therefore, I would go to Brasilia and then to Rio De Janeiro and continue. After Rio De Janeiro, I will stop in Sao Paulo because not only do I have a friend there, but it's completely on the way. This is represented with the orange line. Afterwards, with the representation of the purple line, I will travel down the coast of Brazil to Montevideo. I figure I will keep this part of the trip very flexible. I know that I try and organize things too much in which it is too ideal to actually happen. Therefore, I will leave room for flexibility. (If I want to spend en extra day in Sao Paulo for example). After Montevideo, I will go to Buenos Aires (thank goodness) and spend some time there. I am then thinking of going to Cordoba. But again, that depends on how much time I have. If not, I will stop in Mendoza from Buenos Aires to Santiago again in order to avoid being on the bus for such a long time. I will then return on the 10th or 11th of August and leave back for the U.S. on the 13th.
I hope this trip doesn't seem too idealistic. I completely cut out Peru even though I really wanted to go, but that would definitely be too much. What does everyone think?
Sunday, June 2, 2013
A Movie, Dinner, And Leonardo DiCaprio
Hola todos,
On Saturday, Micaela, Arantxa, and I went and saw "The Great Gatsby"! It was actually really really good. I would just like to state that I am in love with Leonardo DiCaprio. (Leo if you're reading this, I am single in case you're wondering!!) He played Jay Gatsby, and was magnificent, all beauty aside. He is a great actor. I won't ruin the movie for anyone because everyone should see it, but it was very similar to the book and they did a great job. I like seeing movies like these because instead of dubbing the actors' voices, there are subtitles, which I find help me more.
After the movie, Micaela, Arantxa, and I walked to Plaza Ñuñoa. On the way, we gushed about Leo and decided we are having a Leo Appreciation Day, in which we will watch some of his greatest movies, obviously starting with Titanic.
We went to Plaza Ñuñoa, sat outside at the restaurant and ate sushi. Although the waitress didn't get my order right, it was good. (I ordered shrimp and avocado wrapped in salmon (mmm) but she gave me octopus and something else I forgot wrapped in Salmon). We ate our sushi and talked. It was a very fun night, and I hadn't been to the movies in forever! What a great first Chilean movie experience. Just like the U.S. they have popcorn and all the usual movie foods, except, get this, they had a crepe stand! I spotted the Nutella from a mile away. I resisted though. The movie was great, and Leo, again, if you are reading this, I am available.
On Saturday, Micaela, Arantxa, and I went and saw "The Great Gatsby"! It was actually really really good. I would just like to state that I am in love with Leonardo DiCaprio. (Leo if you're reading this, I am single in case you're wondering!!) He played Jay Gatsby, and was magnificent, all beauty aside. He is a great actor. I won't ruin the movie for anyone because everyone should see it, but it was very similar to the book and they did a great job. I like seeing movies like these because instead of dubbing the actors' voices, there are subtitles, which I find help me more.
After the movie, Micaela, Arantxa, and I walked to Plaza Ñuñoa. On the way, we gushed about Leo and decided we are having a Leo Appreciation Day, in which we will watch some of his greatest movies, obviously starting with Titanic.
We went to Plaza Ñuñoa, sat outside at the restaurant and ate sushi. Although the waitress didn't get my order right, it was good. (I ordered shrimp and avocado wrapped in salmon (mmm) but she gave me octopus and something else I forgot wrapped in Salmon). We ate our sushi and talked. It was a very fun night, and I hadn't been to the movies in forever! What a great first Chilean movie experience. Just like the U.S. they have popcorn and all the usual movie foods, except, get this, they had a crepe stand! I spotted the Nutella from a mile away. I resisted though. The movie was great, and Leo, again, if you are reading this, I am available.
Mercado Central
Hola todos,
Friday, I went to Mercado Central. Hopefully all of you know that that means Central Market! This market is near a neighborhood called Bellavista, which is a great place. There's a lot of nightlife there, and a lot to do during the day too. Walking north, Mercado Central is located right next to Rio Mapocho, which is hardly a river. And when I mean hardly, I mean hardly. I could put my shoes on the ground and create a dam. I am not kidding. I don't even understand why they call it a river, but that's besides the point.
Mercado Central is very bustling with lots of markets and restaurants. The main focus is seafood and there are venders upon venders in the aisles of the huge building. There are fish of all types, shell fish, and who knows what else. The restaurants of course all serve seafood. The problem with these restaurants however is that there are waiters and servers standing outside trying to persuade you as much as possible to go in and eat there. Ah! They can be so annoying! I told my friend who I went with that they are just driving us away. We got so annoyed that we didn't even bother looking at what they had. This one guy was talking to us so much that I told him, "Stop talking! We need to think!" But, he continued talking. We eventually decided to go across the river to another market, similar to Mercado Central, but more so with fruit and meat. We ate dinner there which was tasty and cheap. My friend and I were saying that it felt like we were getting a home cooked meal, it was a small area in the market, where we could see the kitchen right in front of us. A good deal.
We then walked around a little and looked at the little shops. At 6PM it started to get cold so my friend took the subway back, and though Mercado Central is far from my house in Providencia, I walked a little while parallel to the "river." A nice day, always exciting to see Mercado Central, a very Chilean experience.
Friday, I went to Mercado Central. Hopefully all of you know that that means Central Market! This market is near a neighborhood called Bellavista, which is a great place. There's a lot of nightlife there, and a lot to do during the day too. Walking north, Mercado Central is located right next to Rio Mapocho, which is hardly a river. And when I mean hardly, I mean hardly. I could put my shoes on the ground and create a dam. I am not kidding. I don't even understand why they call it a river, but that's besides the point.
Mercado Central is very bustling with lots of markets and restaurants. The main focus is seafood and there are venders upon venders in the aisles of the huge building. There are fish of all types, shell fish, and who knows what else. The restaurants of course all serve seafood. The problem with these restaurants however is that there are waiters and servers standing outside trying to persuade you as much as possible to go in and eat there. Ah! They can be so annoying! I told my friend who I went with that they are just driving us away. We got so annoyed that we didn't even bother looking at what they had. This one guy was talking to us so much that I told him, "Stop talking! We need to think!" But, he continued talking. We eventually decided to go across the river to another market, similar to Mercado Central, but more so with fruit and meat. We ate dinner there which was tasty and cheap. My friend and I were saying that it felt like we were getting a home cooked meal, it was a small area in the market, where we could see the kitchen right in front of us. A good deal.
We then walked around a little and looked at the little shops. At 6PM it started to get cold so my friend took the subway back, and though Mercado Central is far from my house in Providencia, I walked a little while parallel to the "river." A nice day, always exciting to see Mercado Central, a very Chilean experience.
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