Well, after the family returned from Mass, we went out for lunch. We had had plans to meet up for someone´s birthday, but the plans didn´t seem to follow through...however, on our way out the door for lunch, the plans were back on. Things seem to be very last minute around here...
Anyway, we went to the birthday party of someone´s Aunt. She was turning 89! Her 92 year old sister was there to celebrate too. They were funny! First we walk into this gorgeous resturant and go through the whole drill of saying hello to everyone and kissing them on the cheek. Then, I get to the old lady and she asks me if I am German. (I am surprised I even understood her...she was missing half her teeth and she was spraying me with the empañada she was chewing while talking with me...ha ha).
She and her sister both had never been married. (If that is my fate, then I am one third of the way to being 90 and single..ha ha). But, the two sisters remind me of the two old guys on the muppet show. They cannot live together because when they play cards, they fight. ha ha...
The one of them, for sure, had never taken medicine, never had glasses, and is still in great health, minus the fact she is missing half her teeth. The other is in great health too.
They joked around about never marrying...why would we do that? ha ha...
This trip has reminded me about how small the world is. The man who put on the dinner has a daughter whose husband works for Pioneer. He travels to Des Moines several times a year and is taking long distance courses for his master´s in Agronomy and MBA (a combo deal). He works for Pioneers ¨winter production¨meaning they grow the seeds that farmer´s in the US will plant in summer. I thought it was interesting. Cargill is all over down here too...in fact my host mother worked for Cargill (contracted) , teaching English to their employees.
Also, there is a couple volunteering in the same program I am. They have their kids here too, two kids. They went to school at Winona State and their parents, one set of parents anyway, live in La Crosse. Small world, eh? Too, one of the guys here, who is 21...when did I get to be ten years older than a 21 year old? geez! Anyway, the kid is from Ireland and he had friends from Ennis, which is the town I was doing my practice teaching...ha ha...fun to make some connections.
Small world. It is nice. ha ha...and I saw one of my fellow volunteers here in Santa Cruz today while we were picking up flowers for the Old Lady´s birthday...My family stopped the car so I could yell at him...slowly, things are becoming familiar. But, as my host mom tells me...I will hit my homesick moment in two months....at which time I may want to throw some dishes on the ground...as long as they aren´t her good dishes! (evidently, when she was working in the US she was feeling homesick and her friend gave her some dishes to throw on the ground...to make her feel better...haha..)
Alright...the food was fabulous at the lunch...they brought out this huge cake that I was hoping would be chocolate on the inside, but it was eggfruit. Yep, eggfruit. All I know about egg fruit is that it is grown in the north...it is dry...and you mix it with milk. I still haven´t seen one. The cake was so sweet, I think my teeth are still hurting...tasted almost like a maple flavor and the cake itself was layers of something like solid sugar...oh, I don´t know the appropriate term... whatever it was, it was good. I may not ever order it, but it was fun to try.
It was a fun afternoon. Next is my Spanish lesson.....
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Misa
The family went to Misa just now...Misa is mass. I had to jump back onto the computer to see if a person could fly directly to Santiago from Minneapolis, as my host father just asked me before they left....for the record, I didn´t find anything direct. But, holy cow, have prices ever soared! Uff Da!
Just want to be sure to say thank you to all of you for your comments and messages! I am still new to blogging, so I am learning how to check comments on the blog. So, I am starting to get it! Thank you!
I was just sitting here thinking about what a nice cozy house this is. I really like it. It reminds me, to some degree, of the cabins up north at Ox Bow. The wood stove, the little fridge in the kitchen, the little table we eat at, and the hot water heater that kicks on in the morning when everyone is showering in the morning. It is just a very warm house. Hardwood floors, stained wood finished ceilings...the wood is a light natural color and the beams have a reddish color to them...really pretty. All the rooms are small, but big enough. The fence outside is tall and made of iron and wood, with two doors...one for people (you have to buzz in and out) and the other for the car, which is pulled into a carport right by the front door. There is a tile walkway (be careful when it is wet) and a litle yard with a little hedge. Out back is a larger yard with lemon tree. They put lemon juice on many things we eat...lemon juice and vineger. They have a little outdoor grill and oven in a little patio area. There are clothes lines for drying....
Which reminds me...here, like in many foreign countries, they don´t use clothes dryers. SO, I might have to buy some clothes, we will see how it goes...BUT, on a warm day, you could expect your clothes to be dry by the end of the day, if you hang them out to dry in the morning, right? Well, uff da, I think it took my jeans about three or four days to dry in the cold...and when I get them all back, nicely folded and everything (yes, I am being spoiled) they still feel cold and damp. Brrr... Naturally, I am wearing things for several days at a time...but I am going to be joining the animation class (which is a physical education class where the students play all kinds of games I have never seen before), so I may need something more suited for physical activity. I had one of the classes, I think it was 3rd secretary class, that want me to teach them a sport. I dont´know when or where this will take place, but I think I am going to teach them ultimate frisbee, since I brought my frisbee and I really don´t know what else I would teach them. I would teach some swimming lessons, BUT, there isn´t a pool in town. Well, there is, but it is open in the summer time and it doesn´t sound very big. I guess there is one in the Santa Cruz Hotel, but I think I would do three arm strokes per lap if I tried to swim there. So, I am just going to stick to ultimate frisbee. ;)
Alright, my fingers are starting to get cold and I need to start planning for school next week. Also, Ana is giving me a Spanish lesson today. I am kind of nervous because for the past three days I feel like I have gotten worse with my Spanish...but, as I have been told before, that happens. Practice, practice. There is an American girl at our school who I met the other day. She is from California and has been here for six months. She is a student, but she told me it took her about two months to feel like she could really talk and understand. We will see.
Also, as I think about meeting people. I stopped at a store to look at postcards and the woman working starting talking to me. She has a Danish foreign exhange student staying with her, another high schooler. But as I was talking with her, the Danish boy showed up, then her husband came over, and next thing I know, they are asking me if I would like to come with them sometime to Talca, which is a city about 1-2 hours south of here. Evidently, they have a daughter who attends the university there and they know it is nice to break away from Santa Cruz every once in a while. I thought that was nice. I think I am going to take them up on it too.
I found out I have to go to Santiago on Friday for training, it will be mandatory. I was looking forward to being here at school on the 4th because students are interested in our customs and what better day to share a holiday than the 4th? Ana told me Ceasar was planning something for the 4th, since there are two of us Americans at school now...so, I kind of feel bad that I won´t be here. BUT, it will be nice to see the other volunteers again, as well as meet some new ones. We have our winter camp coming up at the end of July. I have one week off before that and I am still trying to figure out what I am going to do...we (the family and I) might go skiing. yeah! But we will see. I would also like to travel around with some of the other volunteers....so much to do! You start out thinking 6 months is a long time, but then, as you start planning and living, it goes so fast!
I am hoping we get out stipends before winter break. They are setting up bank accounts for electronic deposits. We have to go to the bank with our passports and collect our cash. There is a casino being built here in Santa Cruz, so maybe I could double my stipend after I pick it up! ha! (note: I completely would not gamble my whole stipend...it would be nice to double it though).
Alright...this was a big day for blogging, but I feel like I have been a slacker with blogging... sorry.
Cold Fingers!
HUGS!
jami
Just want to be sure to say thank you to all of you for your comments and messages! I am still new to blogging, so I am learning how to check comments on the blog. So, I am starting to get it! Thank you!
I was just sitting here thinking about what a nice cozy house this is. I really like it. It reminds me, to some degree, of the cabins up north at Ox Bow. The wood stove, the little fridge in the kitchen, the little table we eat at, and the hot water heater that kicks on in the morning when everyone is showering in the morning. It is just a very warm house. Hardwood floors, stained wood finished ceilings...the wood is a light natural color and the beams have a reddish color to them...really pretty. All the rooms are small, but big enough. The fence outside is tall and made of iron and wood, with two doors...one for people (you have to buzz in and out) and the other for the car, which is pulled into a carport right by the front door. There is a tile walkway (be careful when it is wet) and a litle yard with a little hedge. Out back is a larger yard with lemon tree. They put lemon juice on many things we eat...lemon juice and vineger. They have a little outdoor grill and oven in a little patio area. There are clothes lines for drying....
Which reminds me...here, like in many foreign countries, they don´t use clothes dryers. SO, I might have to buy some clothes, we will see how it goes...BUT, on a warm day, you could expect your clothes to be dry by the end of the day, if you hang them out to dry in the morning, right? Well, uff da, I think it took my jeans about three or four days to dry in the cold...and when I get them all back, nicely folded and everything (yes, I am being spoiled) they still feel cold and damp. Brrr... Naturally, I am wearing things for several days at a time...but I am going to be joining the animation class (which is a physical education class where the students play all kinds of games I have never seen before), so I may need something more suited for physical activity. I had one of the classes, I think it was 3rd secretary class, that want me to teach them a sport. I dont´know when or where this will take place, but I think I am going to teach them ultimate frisbee, since I brought my frisbee and I really don´t know what else I would teach them. I would teach some swimming lessons, BUT, there isn´t a pool in town. Well, there is, but it is open in the summer time and it doesn´t sound very big. I guess there is one in the Santa Cruz Hotel, but I think I would do three arm strokes per lap if I tried to swim there. So, I am just going to stick to ultimate frisbee. ;)
Alright, my fingers are starting to get cold and I need to start planning for school next week. Also, Ana is giving me a Spanish lesson today. I am kind of nervous because for the past three days I feel like I have gotten worse with my Spanish...but, as I have been told before, that happens. Practice, practice. There is an American girl at our school who I met the other day. She is from California and has been here for six months. She is a student, but she told me it took her about two months to feel like she could really talk and understand. We will see.
Also, as I think about meeting people. I stopped at a store to look at postcards and the woman working starting talking to me. She has a Danish foreign exhange student staying with her, another high schooler. But as I was talking with her, the Danish boy showed up, then her husband came over, and next thing I know, they are asking me if I would like to come with them sometime to Talca, which is a city about 1-2 hours south of here. Evidently, they have a daughter who attends the university there and they know it is nice to break away from Santa Cruz every once in a while. I thought that was nice. I think I am going to take them up on it too.
I found out I have to go to Santiago on Friday for training, it will be mandatory. I was looking forward to being here at school on the 4th because students are interested in our customs and what better day to share a holiday than the 4th? Ana told me Ceasar was planning something for the 4th, since there are two of us Americans at school now...so, I kind of feel bad that I won´t be here. BUT, it will be nice to see the other volunteers again, as well as meet some new ones. We have our winter camp coming up at the end of July. I have one week off before that and I am still trying to figure out what I am going to do...we (the family and I) might go skiing. yeah! But we will see. I would also like to travel around with some of the other volunteers....so much to do! You start out thinking 6 months is a long time, but then, as you start planning and living, it goes so fast!
I am hoping we get out stipends before winter break. They are setting up bank accounts for electronic deposits. We have to go to the bank with our passports and collect our cash. There is a casino being built here in Santa Cruz, so maybe I could double my stipend after I pick it up! ha! (note: I completely would not gamble my whole stipend...it would be nice to double it though).
Alright...this was a big day for blogging, but I feel like I have been a slacker with blogging... sorry.
Cold Fingers!
HUGS!
jami
Mayonaise in a bag
I almost forgot...when I was at the store, of course there were many new things to me, but one thing that just disgusted me was a 2 liter bag of mayonaise. Is that disgusting to anyone else?
Other things that are odd...milk...it comes in a little box that is sold on a dry shelf, in otherwords, it isn´t refridgerated. Along with eggs, but that doesn´t shock me anymore.
They also sell some great little hats for birthday parties. As I was checking them out I was just laughing to myself. Ha ha!
Other things that are odd...milk...it comes in a little box that is sold on a dry shelf, in otherwords, it isn´t refridgerated. Along with eggs, but that doesn´t shock me anymore.
They also sell some great little hats for birthday parties. As I was checking them out I was just laughing to myself. Ha ha!
Cock-a-doodle-doo
There is a rooster at the house behind ours and every morning he is cock-a-doodle-dooing...
Went to the grocery store yesterday to find chocolate chips. With the 4th of July coming up, I thought it would be nice to make a little 4th of July picnic for my family. AND, I have been craving a good homemade chocolate chip cookie.
Well, at the grocery store I went to, I could not find chocolate chips. I asked several people and they all looked at me with a very confused expression. With one guy, I grabbed a bag of chocolate chi cookies and said, these are chocolate chip cookies. I want to make my own chocolate chip cookies, but I need to find chocolate chips. He sent me to the perfume section, at which time I thought, clearly he didn´t understand me. But, then I noticed that amidst all he perfume were specialty chocolates...aha! But, after looking over all the bars of chocolate, I found nothing.
But, in the perfume section I did find ¨camisetas panty¨. These are little shirts that everyone person, woman at least, wear for an extra layer of warmth. Angelica, our home nanny, told me to get one. She said they come in all styles and colors. Well, most of the ones at the grocery store were one size fits all. Well, here in Chile, where Jami feels like a starbucks coffee order...that is right, here I am jami grande...one size fits all doesn´t fit Jami. So, thankfully they did have one XL top, unfortunately my color and style choices were narrowed down to black or brown. But, I bought one anyway, along with a pair of leggings. So, now I will be sporting a body covered in nylon underneath all my clothes. It is wierd to me...but, whatever it takes to stay warm.
I finally broke down and bought a new coat too. I needed a new ski coat anyway, so the purchase was one of need and practicallity. Clothes aren´t necessarily cheap around here, so I still believed I paid too much, but the more I wear it, the more thankful I am I decided to just buy it!
As for the chololate chips...I found out I need to go to Santiago on Friday, the 4th of July, for training, so maybe I will be able to find some there at a specialty shop. Otherwise, I may be chopping up a bar of chocolate and making chocolate chunk cookies.
Went to the grocery store yesterday to find chocolate chips. With the 4th of July coming up, I thought it would be nice to make a little 4th of July picnic for my family. AND, I have been craving a good homemade chocolate chip cookie.
Well, at the grocery store I went to, I could not find chocolate chips. I asked several people and they all looked at me with a very confused expression. With one guy, I grabbed a bag of chocolate chi cookies and said, these are chocolate chip cookies. I want to make my own chocolate chip cookies, but I need to find chocolate chips. He sent me to the perfume section, at which time I thought, clearly he didn´t understand me. But, then I noticed that amidst all he perfume were specialty chocolates...aha! But, after looking over all the bars of chocolate, I found nothing.
But, in the perfume section I did find ¨camisetas panty¨. These are little shirts that everyone person, woman at least, wear for an extra layer of warmth. Angelica, our home nanny, told me to get one. She said they come in all styles and colors. Well, most of the ones at the grocery store were one size fits all. Well, here in Chile, where Jami feels like a starbucks coffee order...that is right, here I am jami grande...one size fits all doesn´t fit Jami. So, thankfully they did have one XL top, unfortunately my color and style choices were narrowed down to black or brown. But, I bought one anyway, along with a pair of leggings. So, now I will be sporting a body covered in nylon underneath all my clothes. It is wierd to me...but, whatever it takes to stay warm.
I finally broke down and bought a new coat too. I needed a new ski coat anyway, so the purchase was one of need and practicallity. Clothes aren´t necessarily cheap around here, so I still believed I paid too much, but the more I wear it, the more thankful I am I decided to just buy it!
As for the chololate chips...I found out I need to go to Santiago on Friday, the 4th of July, for training, so maybe I will be able to find some there at a specialty shop. Otherwise, I may be chopping up a bar of chocolate and making chocolate chunk cookies.
Monday, June 23, 2008
First week at school
Wow! Is it Thursday already?
Things are going great! I was definately a bit nervous on my first day. First we had a staff meeting, at which time I was asked to stand up and say a few things. Everyone was very kind. Then I found out later that I would be introduced to the whole school during their Monday meeting, for lack of a better word. The school has an open courtyard area where all the students line up for Monday announcements. There are about 1,200 students, so to be introduced to all of them at once was a bit scarey, nerving. Some of the students introduced me, telling the other students in Spanish what they were asking me, then asking me in English, then translating it back to them. We practiced a few times before hand, so the students knew what I would say. :) They finished by presenting me with a Chilean flag.
Since then, I have been introducing myself to the students, or classes, I will be working with. It is funny, I kind of feel like a movie star at times, which is wierd to me. I will be walking from one building to the next and students will come up and say hi. I say hi back and they giggle and run off. Or they will wave and I will wave back and they will respond with the same giggling routine. My first day I was swarmed by a group of students and they were talk, talk, talk, talk...I wasn´t sure what else to say. One of the other volunteers from a nearby town happened to be in the area for something and stopped by my school (nice to see a familiar face!) . I asked her if she was experiencing the same thing and she said, yes.
I really like this school I am working at. It is called Instituto Politecnico Santa Cruz. I really like it because students get a general education for the first two years. Then, they pick a profession: accounting, secretary, electrician, tourism, clothes designer...again, very practical. I think I have mentioned this before. Some students travel for many miles to get here, a commute that could be 30 minutes each way. Some students, as I found out yesterday, board here.
Anyway...everyone is very nice. I am trying so hard to remember teacher´s names, but they are all so different to me. I would like to remember student´s names too, but, again, they are different. But, everyone is so nice! The students are so nice. We went to a museum for the tourism class yesterday. As we were touring, the students would look at me with that, Do you understand, Jami, look. If I didn´t get it, they would give me a recap. They would also make sure I could see. Very nice.
The other two teachers I will be working with are men, older men. The classes are for accounting and secretary students. Oh, and one general education level. The one teacher, Ceasar, has my introduce myself to the class in English...then he will turn around and say, ok, now say it all in Spanish. The students like it when I have to turn around and say it in Spanish. They like to laugh at my Gringa accent. But, Ceasar commented yesterday that my Spanish was already improving...so, it is good to practice. Plus, the students see I can´t speak Spanish very well, hopefully encouraging them to speak english for me.
Too, to help me with my Spanish, Ana, the English teacher and my host mom, arranged for me to sit in on a class as a student. So, I am taking a history class. I get a partner to help me understand and learn. Ana is also wanting me to sit in on a Spanish grammar class.
Ana is great. Being an English language teacher and learner, she knows what a person needs to do to learn the language. She knows my goal is to learn more Spanish and speak better. So, she and her husband made sure I had cable in my room so I can watch Chilean t.v., to better tune my ear. She is making sure I get in on these classes as a student. Also, she makes me feel at home by introducing me to people. She is very good. She, Francisco, and Felipe, are wonderful. I am comfortable living here. There isn´t any wierdness or anything like that. They have a very comforatble home, a very cute home. I am very fortunate.
There are some things to get used to...like late nights. They eat dinner at 9 pm. And that dinner is just a snack and tea. The big meal is lunch, at which time we have a glass of wine. You gotta love a culture that takes a nice long lunch and enjoys a glass of wine while doing so.
Alright...I better be going. I have a later start this morning, but I have to walk to school. Ana gives me a ride in the morning and then a ride home for lunch. Then, I walk to school in the afternoon. School is about a 20-30 minute walk. I have been switching up my route every time, sometimes because I have been looking around and getting a little lost, so I really don´t have a good gauge as to how long it really takes me yet. All I know is that I enjoy the walk. It warms me up so the school doesn´t seem so cold.
Ha...Ana warned me the first day...remember Jami, you are in South America. Schools don´t have heat and you need to bring your own toilet paper. :)
Ciao!
jami
Things are going great! I was definately a bit nervous on my first day. First we had a staff meeting, at which time I was asked to stand up and say a few things. Everyone was very kind. Then I found out later that I would be introduced to the whole school during their Monday meeting, for lack of a better word. The school has an open courtyard area where all the students line up for Monday announcements. There are about 1,200 students, so to be introduced to all of them at once was a bit scarey, nerving. Some of the students introduced me, telling the other students in Spanish what they were asking me, then asking me in English, then translating it back to them. We practiced a few times before hand, so the students knew what I would say. :) They finished by presenting me with a Chilean flag.
Since then, I have been introducing myself to the students, or classes, I will be working with. It is funny, I kind of feel like a movie star at times, which is wierd to me. I will be walking from one building to the next and students will come up and say hi. I say hi back and they giggle and run off. Or they will wave and I will wave back and they will respond with the same giggling routine. My first day I was swarmed by a group of students and they were talk, talk, talk, talk...I wasn´t sure what else to say. One of the other volunteers from a nearby town happened to be in the area for something and stopped by my school (nice to see a familiar face!) . I asked her if she was experiencing the same thing and she said, yes.
I really like this school I am working at. It is called Instituto Politecnico Santa Cruz. I really like it because students get a general education for the first two years. Then, they pick a profession: accounting, secretary, electrician, tourism, clothes designer...again, very practical. I think I have mentioned this before. Some students travel for many miles to get here, a commute that could be 30 minutes each way. Some students, as I found out yesterday, board here.
Anyway...everyone is very nice. I am trying so hard to remember teacher´s names, but they are all so different to me. I would like to remember student´s names too, but, again, they are different. But, everyone is so nice! The students are so nice. We went to a museum for the tourism class yesterday. As we were touring, the students would look at me with that, Do you understand, Jami, look. If I didn´t get it, they would give me a recap. They would also make sure I could see. Very nice.
The other two teachers I will be working with are men, older men. The classes are for accounting and secretary students. Oh, and one general education level. The one teacher, Ceasar, has my introduce myself to the class in English...then he will turn around and say, ok, now say it all in Spanish. The students like it when I have to turn around and say it in Spanish. They like to laugh at my Gringa accent. But, Ceasar commented yesterday that my Spanish was already improving...so, it is good to practice. Plus, the students see I can´t speak Spanish very well, hopefully encouraging them to speak english for me.
Too, to help me with my Spanish, Ana, the English teacher and my host mom, arranged for me to sit in on a class as a student. So, I am taking a history class. I get a partner to help me understand and learn. Ana is also wanting me to sit in on a Spanish grammar class.
Ana is great. Being an English language teacher and learner, she knows what a person needs to do to learn the language. She knows my goal is to learn more Spanish and speak better. So, she and her husband made sure I had cable in my room so I can watch Chilean t.v., to better tune my ear. She is making sure I get in on these classes as a student. Also, she makes me feel at home by introducing me to people. She is very good. She, Francisco, and Felipe, are wonderful. I am comfortable living here. There isn´t any wierdness or anything like that. They have a very comforatble home, a very cute home. I am very fortunate.
There are some things to get used to...like late nights. They eat dinner at 9 pm. And that dinner is just a snack and tea. The big meal is lunch, at which time we have a glass of wine. You gotta love a culture that takes a nice long lunch and enjoys a glass of wine while doing so.
Alright...I better be going. I have a later start this morning, but I have to walk to school. Ana gives me a ride in the morning and then a ride home for lunch. Then, I walk to school in the afternoon. School is about a 20-30 minute walk. I have been switching up my route every time, sometimes because I have been looking around and getting a little lost, so I really don´t have a good gauge as to how long it really takes me yet. All I know is that I enjoy the walk. It warms me up so the school doesn´t seem so cold.
Ha...Ana warned me the first day...remember Jami, you are in South America. Schools don´t have heat and you need to bring your own toilet paper. :)
Ciao!
jami
Invitation says 9:00 p.m.
Saturday night, my host father, Francisco, was handing over his presidency for the Rotary Club here in Santa Cruz. It was a formal event and I was invited to go. By formal, I mean everyone was wearing black, looking classy. I was wearing gray slacks, a pink and white collared top (yes, you read that right, PINK), a black sweater-coat, my clogs, along with my sky blue ski socks...classy only in my world. I don´t have a proper winter coat (I wish I had packed my down coat), so I wore this pancho sort of gray blanket (loaned to me by my host mother) over the top of my already classy outfit. (is anyone laughing at me yet?).
The invitation said things started at 9 pm. In Chliean, 9pm means you may be ready to leave your house, but you are still thinking about it at 9pm. I think we arrived at the party at 9:45pm and we weren´t the last ones.
Right away, I was offered pisco sour (national drink, kind of tastes like a very tart margarita). I took one. I think I kissed everyone in the room, as a typical greeting in Chile is a kiss on the cheek. I was very uncomforatble, so I opted to take the second pisco sour when it came around (they aren´t big at all...really, they are appetizer drinks). People spoke very quickly. One woman, after I told her I liked her ring, su anillo, told me she bought it in Buenas Aires. Only when she said Buenas Aires it sounded like, uena air. Chilean Spanish is very difficult to understand.
I met the Mayor of Santa Cruz. She was very nice. She let me know she knows nothing of English. No problem.
We all sat at tables, starting eating around 11:30- midnight, finished around 1 am. Then, more people spoke. I grabbed the program to try to figure out who was talking and why...when I saw the word baile, which means dance. I turned to someone and asked, baile? en serio? Meaning, a dance? for real? She said, yes. Seriously, after a night of dancing, or maybe I should say morning of dancing, I didn´t turn out my light until 4am! Whoa!
That was a formal occassion...a late night fiesta...I slept until 1 pm the next day...UFF DA!
jami
The invitation said things started at 9 pm. In Chliean, 9pm means you may be ready to leave your house, but you are still thinking about it at 9pm. I think we arrived at the party at 9:45pm and we weren´t the last ones.
Right away, I was offered pisco sour (national drink, kind of tastes like a very tart margarita). I took one. I think I kissed everyone in the room, as a typical greeting in Chile is a kiss on the cheek. I was very uncomforatble, so I opted to take the second pisco sour when it came around (they aren´t big at all...really, they are appetizer drinks). People spoke very quickly. One woman, after I told her I liked her ring, su anillo, told me she bought it in Buenas Aires. Only when she said Buenas Aires it sounded like, uena air. Chilean Spanish is very difficult to understand.
I met the Mayor of Santa Cruz. She was very nice. She let me know she knows nothing of English. No problem.
We all sat at tables, starting eating around 11:30- midnight, finished around 1 am. Then, more people spoke. I grabbed the program to try to figure out who was talking and why...when I saw the word baile, which means dance. I turned to someone and asked, baile? en serio? Meaning, a dance? for real? She said, yes. Seriously, after a night of dancing, or maybe I should say morning of dancing, I didn´t turn out my light until 4am! Whoa!
That was a formal occassion...a late night fiesta...I slept until 1 pm the next day...UFF DA!
jami
Friday, June 20, 2008
¿Hablas Español?
Ha ha...I THOUGHT I spoke Spanish! Holy cow! They speak so fast here!
The shuttle came this morning at 8am to take us to the bus station in Santiago. Three of us were put on a bus to San Fernando, leaving at 9:15am. Now, everything in Chile may be done last minute, but buses run on time. The busses are very nice, clean, comfortable, and they play 80´s music...whenI walked on, Amadeus was playing. When was the last time you heard that song? Evidently, Chileans LOVE 80´s music. They play it everywhere!
We arrived in San Fernando at 11:30 and a man was there to pick us up, his name was Evan. I think I understood about 10 words when he was talking. Chileans speak very quickly and they use alot of words called Chilenismos (sp?). On top of that they like to drop letters off their words...so it will take some time to understand.
Evan took us to his office where he introduced us to a bunch of people, who asked us so many questions! I, again, hardly knew what they were saying. The three of us waited there until our families arrived. When they arrived, he announced we would head upstairs to meet our families. The host moms, English teachers, and principals for all three locations were lined up on one side of the table and there were three chairs for us volunteers on the otherside, a bit intimidating. Evan made some opening remarks and then we all had to introduce ourselves, starting with me! It was a little nerving.
We went down stairs, picked up our bags and hit the road. My host Mom is also the English teacher I will be working with. On the drive to Santa Cruz I was able to see some country side. There are many vineyards in and arouns Santa Cruz. Right now it is winter, so things are a bit bare, but it is still pretty.
The shuttle came this morning at 8am to take us to the bus station in Santiago. Three of us were put on a bus to San Fernando, leaving at 9:15am. Now, everything in Chile may be done last minute, but buses run on time. The busses are very nice, clean, comfortable, and they play 80´s music...whenI walked on, Amadeus was playing. When was the last time you heard that song? Evidently, Chileans LOVE 80´s music. They play it everywhere!
We arrived in San Fernando at 11:30 and a man was there to pick us up, his name was Evan. I think I understood about 10 words when he was talking. Chileans speak very quickly and they use alot of words called Chilenismos (sp?). On top of that they like to drop letters off their words...so it will take some time to understand.
Evan took us to his office where he introduced us to a bunch of people, who asked us so many questions! I, again, hardly knew what they were saying. The three of us waited there until our families arrived. When they arrived, he announced we would head upstairs to meet our families. The host moms, English teachers, and principals for all three locations were lined up on one side of the table and there were three chairs for us volunteers on the otherside, a bit intimidating. Evan made some opening remarks and then we all had to introduce ourselves, starting with me! It was a little nerving.
We went down stairs, picked up our bags and hit the road. My host Mom is also the English teacher I will be working with. On the drive to Santa Cruz I was able to see some country side. There are many vineyards in and arouns Santa Cruz. Right now it is winter, so things are a bit bare, but it is still pretty.
We went out for Chinese food. Yes, Chinese. We met up with some other faculty from the school. Everyone was very nice and very happy. They said not to take them seriously, ever. I thought, easy enough, I can´t understand what you are saying anyway. :) ha ha..no, but they seem like a good group. Very hapy.
From there, we came to the house, where Ana, my host mom, gave me a tour. They have a very nice house. There is a wood burning stove for heat and Felipe has given up his space heater for me to have in my room. He is a very nice kid. I have my own room and own bathroom. There is a woman, Angelica, who is the housekeeper, and she took my dirty clothes right away for washing and also ironed my school clothes, since they have been crammed in my backpack for the last week. She is very nice. Ana finished showing me around, then she went to work. So, I took a short nap and now, as you can see, I am using the internet. She has an office here and said I am able to use the computer whenever I want, which is very nice.
Ana works alot. She has a classroom here in the house for private English lessons. She teaches English at the hotels and she teaches tourism at the technical school, which is the high school I will be working at. Here, students have the option to gain skills for their high school requirements. So, these students, from what I understand, are taking accounting, design, tourism, computers, mechanics, and other classes...practical stuff, the stuff I like. So, I feel very fortunate to be living where I am living and to have the opportunity to work in a unique school environment.
Ana told me that the students thought I would be at school today, so they were disappointed not to see me today. She said they are very excited to meet me...all of her students. I am excited to meet all of them.
Tonight, we are going out for pizza. Ana has told me she doesn´t cook. She told me this right away. But, she said to make myself at home if I want anything. I like having some independence.
I have yet to meet my host father. I had a lovely conversation with Felipe, my host bro. He likes Red Hot Chili Peppers and Guns -n- Roses. He plays they bass guitar and is starting a band, but they don´t have a vocalist yet. Ha, maybe I could be their lead singer! (completely joking). He is also a gymnaist. He likes to shoot pool. I better watch out though, because he puts money on the table. :) He seems cool.
So, that is the update for now....I am sure there will be more later as I explore the city, meet students, and get to know my host family. So far so good!
Ciao!
jami
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Paragua, paragua, paraguas!
It is raining today in Santiago, so as we were walking down the streets the venders selling umbrellas were shouting out, Paragua, paragua, paraguas! I have been practicing the word, trying to say it as fast as they are...it might take me six months! ha!
Last night was had a BBQ and were given our placements. The BBQ was very fun! They gave us drink tickets and a food ticket. After dinner, we had a short dance session where I learned some new moves! Fun! We went out later for a couple of beers, since some of us are leaving today.
Most people got their placements last night at the dinner, but they forgot the packet for the region me and three others are in, so I received my placement this morning. I will be in Santa Cruz which is in the Liberator Bernardo O'Higgins region. I will be a couple of hours south of Santiago, in the middle of Wine country. From what I have been told, Santa Cruz is somewhat touristy. I will be living with a couple and their son who is in high school. From the details I have, I will be living in a house with water I can drink, a phone, internet, and whatever else. Some people have received placements that don't have phones.
Santa Cruz, also from what I have been told, is close by Pilemechu, which I know I have spelled wrong but I don't have a mapy with me at the moment. Pilemechu is a surfing town. Just wouth of there is a reserve with all kinds of water adventures, from what I have been told. I will let you know how it all pans out in the end.
We learned yesterday that during our two week winter break we would be required to spend one week working winter camp. They have only just begun this program. Like everything is done in Chile, according to this coordinator, it random and unplanned and you just have to wing it. The nice thing is, if they want to do a camp in another region that doesn't have volunteers you could potentially score a free vacation, as they would ask for volunteers to go to these regions...I have a feeling, though, that because there are only four volunteers in our region, we will be required to assist in the winter camps here. We will see.
Today was our first day to really walk around during the day time, so we had an opportunity to shop for some items, like an adaptor. Shopping here is odd. You walk into a shop and they have a bunch of people behind the counter. You tell them what you want. They give you a ticket, which looks like a receipt, along with the item. Then, you take the item to the cashier where you pay. I guess this is to prevent shoplifting.
We stopped for some food of the fast food sort, and the process, again, was different. You order your food and pay for it. You take your ticket, or receipt. You give your ticket/receipt to the person at another counter and they prepare your meal and hand it to you.
Another odd thing, unrelated to shopping, is in the bathroom. In every bathroom, public and private, there is a bin. Normally, this bin would be for femine products, right? Well, here, you go to the bathroom, use your toilet paper, then throw the toilet paper in the bin. You don't flush anything, except what comes out of your body, down the toilet. It can be rather disgusting when you think about it...more so when people you don't know are using the toilets as well...but you just try not to think about it.
On our walk home from the center of town there was something going on. We heard sirens and these cop sort of cars came along. No biggie. Well, then came this army green truck with metal grids over all the windows, followed by a large bus of the same likeness. The bus got stuck behind some cars that weren't moving, so the one guy gets out to stop traffic and get through. Seriously, this guy looked like a green storm trooper from Star Wars, only their helmets didn't cover their faces. They jumped back into the bus and went along their way. I wonder what it was about...but, I don't know I will know. There have been some demonstrations regarding the education system that I don't understand. Something with paying for school/college...it is all students demonstrating. At any rate these green storm troopers have been lined up around these groups of demonstrators, mostly just watching, but sometimes moving them along...nothing violent that I have seen or heard.
Ok...there is a line for the computer and I need to take a shower. There is an opening at the museum of modern art that a group of us is going to, then we are going out for dinner.
Hasta Luego! Uff DA! jami
Last night was had a BBQ and were given our placements. The BBQ was very fun! They gave us drink tickets and a food ticket. After dinner, we had a short dance session where I learned some new moves! Fun! We went out later for a couple of beers, since some of us are leaving today.
Most people got their placements last night at the dinner, but they forgot the packet for the region me and three others are in, so I received my placement this morning. I will be in Santa Cruz which is in the Liberator Bernardo O'Higgins region. I will be a couple of hours south of Santiago, in the middle of Wine country. From what I have been told, Santa Cruz is somewhat touristy. I will be living with a couple and their son who is in high school. From the details I have, I will be living in a house with water I can drink, a phone, internet, and whatever else. Some people have received placements that don't have phones.
Santa Cruz, also from what I have been told, is close by Pilemechu, which I know I have spelled wrong but I don't have a mapy with me at the moment. Pilemechu is a surfing town. Just wouth of there is a reserve with all kinds of water adventures, from what I have been told. I will let you know how it all pans out in the end.
We learned yesterday that during our two week winter break we would be required to spend one week working winter camp. They have only just begun this program. Like everything is done in Chile, according to this coordinator, it random and unplanned and you just have to wing it. The nice thing is, if they want to do a camp in another region that doesn't have volunteers you could potentially score a free vacation, as they would ask for volunteers to go to these regions...I have a feeling, though, that because there are only four volunteers in our region, we will be required to assist in the winter camps here. We will see.
Today was our first day to really walk around during the day time, so we had an opportunity to shop for some items, like an adaptor. Shopping here is odd. You walk into a shop and they have a bunch of people behind the counter. You tell them what you want. They give you a ticket, which looks like a receipt, along with the item. Then, you take the item to the cashier where you pay. I guess this is to prevent shoplifting.
We stopped for some food of the fast food sort, and the process, again, was different. You order your food and pay for it. You take your ticket, or receipt. You give your ticket/receipt to the person at another counter and they prepare your meal and hand it to you.
Another odd thing, unrelated to shopping, is in the bathroom. In every bathroom, public and private, there is a bin. Normally, this bin would be for femine products, right? Well, here, you go to the bathroom, use your toilet paper, then throw the toilet paper in the bin. You don't flush anything, except what comes out of your body, down the toilet. It can be rather disgusting when you think about it...more so when people you don't know are using the toilets as well...but you just try not to think about it.
On our walk home from the center of town there was something going on. We heard sirens and these cop sort of cars came along. No biggie. Well, then came this army green truck with metal grids over all the windows, followed by a large bus of the same likeness. The bus got stuck behind some cars that weren't moving, so the one guy gets out to stop traffic and get through. Seriously, this guy looked like a green storm trooper from Star Wars, only their helmets didn't cover their faces. They jumped back into the bus and went along their way. I wonder what it was about...but, I don't know I will know. There have been some demonstrations regarding the education system that I don't understand. Something with paying for school/college...it is all students demonstrating. At any rate these green storm troopers have been lined up around these groups of demonstrators, mostly just watching, but sometimes moving them along...nothing violent that I have seen or heard.
Ok...there is a line for the computer and I need to take a shower. There is an opening at the museum of modern art that a group of us is going to, then we are going out for dinner.
Hasta Luego! Uff DA! jami
Monday, June 16, 2008
Chicago to Miami to Santiago
Uffda! I am T-I-R-E-D!
Arrived to Chicago around 7pm and hit up Navy peer to meet up with people who were going to be taking part in this experience with me. It was nice to see some real faces to go with this emails and pics I have been receiving. AND, it is nice to know this program exists for real!
We had some orientation stuff in Chicago. Then Sunday morning we got shuttled to the airport, all 18 of us. We too American Airlines to Miami (bienvenidos a miami) then LAN airlines (Chilean) to Santiago. That was a nice airline. They had touch screens on the back of every chair with games, movies, tv shows, music, and more! I started out with Tetris and found myself nearly leaping out my seat and cussing at the odd finger mechanics necessary to turn and move pieces, so I decided to switch to a movie before my heart rate got too high.
We arrived to Santiago this morning with hardly any sleep at around 5:30am and arrived at the hostel around 8:00 am. I desparately needed a shower! When I returned, my roommates who were still sleeping when I arrived, had started waking up. They started telling me about this and that, finally I had to cut them off and tell them not to tell me anymore because my brain wasn´t going to handle it. With that, I dressed and went down for coffee.
In Chile, they drink instant coffee. I will be without real coffee for 6 months! aye! Also, this isn´t beer drinking country, so I will have to switch to wine...that I can do.
I still haven´t had a nap today and it is 8:30pm now. From breakfast we went on a walking tour with, a stroll through the artisan market (very cool stuff! copper is big here, along with silver, leather, and more...). Then lunch, orientation stuff, dinner and a walk to purchase some things I didn´t pack...including a hot water bottle. Yeah, they don´t have central heat in Chile. It doesn´t get cold, but the buildings aren´t heated...so, I am preparing for the cold. I guess it won´t be un heard of for me to have to wear hat and gloves while teaching...oh well..you only live once...
Well, I was going to keep writing and then head to bed, but now I have been invited out for a quick drink....SO, since we are only together for a few days...I am off! Will update more!
Jami
Arrived to Chicago around 7pm and hit up Navy peer to meet up with people who were going to be taking part in this experience with me. It was nice to see some real faces to go with this emails and pics I have been receiving. AND, it is nice to know this program exists for real!
We had some orientation stuff in Chicago. Then Sunday morning we got shuttled to the airport, all 18 of us. We too American Airlines to Miami (bienvenidos a miami) then LAN airlines (Chilean) to Santiago. That was a nice airline. They had touch screens on the back of every chair with games, movies, tv shows, music, and more! I started out with Tetris and found myself nearly leaping out my seat and cussing at the odd finger mechanics necessary to turn and move pieces, so I decided to switch to a movie before my heart rate got too high.
We arrived to Santiago this morning with hardly any sleep at around 5:30am and arrived at the hostel around 8:00 am. I desparately needed a shower! When I returned, my roommates who were still sleeping when I arrived, had started waking up. They started telling me about this and that, finally I had to cut them off and tell them not to tell me anymore because my brain wasn´t going to handle it. With that, I dressed and went down for coffee.
In Chile, they drink instant coffee. I will be without real coffee for 6 months! aye! Also, this isn´t beer drinking country, so I will have to switch to wine...that I can do.
I still haven´t had a nap today and it is 8:30pm now. From breakfast we went on a walking tour with, a stroll through the artisan market (very cool stuff! copper is big here, along with silver, leather, and more...). Then lunch, orientation stuff, dinner and a walk to purchase some things I didn´t pack...including a hot water bottle. Yeah, they don´t have central heat in Chile. It doesn´t get cold, but the buildings aren´t heated...so, I am preparing for the cold. I guess it won´t be un heard of for me to have to wear hat and gloves while teaching...oh well..you only live once...
Well, I was going to keep writing and then head to bed, but now I have been invited out for a quick drink....SO, since we are only together for a few days...I am off! Will update more!
Jami
Friday, June 13, 2008
Friday the 13th!
Today is the day! My bags are packed and I am ready to go...well, almost. I have just a few things to wrap up this morning, but I got up at 4:30 a.m. so I would have time to get it all done. (hopefully)
Last night when I weighed my backpack it was 40 lbs, which is just 4 lbs under weight. (yes!) However, I added a few things this morning, so I will have to weigh it again. I am keeping my fingers crossed!
My train leaves at 10 something this morning. I want to say 10:12, but I am not certain. All I know is I want to be at the train station around 9 a.m. The great news I received yesterday was that because of the floods, I won't actually be taking the train. I will be taking the bus. Why is this good news? Well, it is good news because they are refunding me for that private room ticket I had to buy last minute! Then, they will charge me $44.00 for my bus seat. So, I kind of feel like I made $200 yesterday. Yes, I have to take the bus, but at this point, I don't care. I just want to get there! (Of course, I do feel terrible for those who live in the flooded areas, may God bless them.)
Ok, I better get going, as it is 5:45 a.m. Next stop, Chicago!
Last night when I weighed my backpack it was 40 lbs, which is just 4 lbs under weight. (yes!) However, I added a few things this morning, so I will have to weigh it again. I am keeping my fingers crossed!
My train leaves at 10 something this morning. I want to say 10:12, but I am not certain. All I know is I want to be at the train station around 9 a.m. The great news I received yesterday was that because of the floods, I won't actually be taking the train. I will be taking the bus. Why is this good news? Well, it is good news because they are refunding me for that private room ticket I had to buy last minute! Then, they will charge me $44.00 for my bus seat. So, I kind of feel like I made $200 yesterday. Yes, I have to take the bus, but at this point, I don't care. I just want to get there! (Of course, I do feel terrible for those who live in the flooded areas, may God bless them.)
Ok, I better get going, as it is 5:45 a.m. Next stop, Chicago!
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Packing
Aye de mi! (Oh my!)
So, I have been thinking about packing for quite some time, now it is time to physically pack. How do you pack for winter when it is hot and muggy outside and you are hanging out in shorts and a t-shirt?
I am leaving June 13th for Chicago and was scheduled to come home on September 15th. BUT, after some communicating with the people in Chile who work for the "Enlgish Opens Doors Program", it appears I have been successful at getting myself into the 4 month program that starts at the end of July and goes until November 28th, which is my birthday. Happy Birthday to me in Chile! Not a bad way to celebrate the big 3-2! Also, this means I will be in Chile for 6 months Aye...and I was thinking packing for 3 months was tough, now I just added another season!
Luckily, some past volunteers put together a little packet of information to help with things such as packing. I guess I will be packing long underwear, hats, gloves, and lots of layers. I still want to carry no more than my backpack and a carry on, so that is the goal. I will probably wear the same thing everyday, but at least I won't have to lug around a bunch of stuff. I will let you know how this works.
I have received some communication that gives me a better idea of where I will be, however they will not be able to give us an exact physical address until we arrive in Santiago. After I have read up on the region, I will give another update. :)
Why did I extend my dates before I even got there? Well, first of all, I wanted to be able to enjoy a little summer time in Chile. Second of all, I sold my Jeep and gave away my furniture! Why not just plan to stay longer!? :) And, who knows, it could get extended again...we will see how it goes. :)
So, I have been thinking about packing for quite some time, now it is time to physically pack. How do you pack for winter when it is hot and muggy outside and you are hanging out in shorts and a t-shirt?
I am leaving June 13th for Chicago and was scheduled to come home on September 15th. BUT, after some communicating with the people in Chile who work for the "Enlgish Opens Doors Program", it appears I have been successful at getting myself into the 4 month program that starts at the end of July and goes until November 28th, which is my birthday. Happy Birthday to me in Chile! Not a bad way to celebrate the big 3-2! Also, this means I will be in Chile for 6 months Aye...and I was thinking packing for 3 months was tough, now I just added another season!
Luckily, some past volunteers put together a little packet of information to help with things such as packing. I guess I will be packing long underwear, hats, gloves, and lots of layers. I still want to carry no more than my backpack and a carry on, so that is the goal. I will probably wear the same thing everyday, but at least I won't have to lug around a bunch of stuff. I will let you know how this works.
I have received some communication that gives me a better idea of where I will be, however they will not be able to give us an exact physical address until we arrive in Santiago. After I have read up on the region, I will give another update. :)
Why did I extend my dates before I even got there? Well, first of all, I wanted to be able to enjoy a little summer time in Chile. Second of all, I sold my Jeep and gave away my furniture! Why not just plan to stay longer!? :) And, who knows, it could get extended again...we will see how it goes. :)
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
Well, this week has been the week to get a move on things. I am not sure what it is, but I don't get a move on things until I am in crunch time. That crunch time starts now.
Taking the train to the city that starts with a "CH", ends in an "O", and goes like "Chicago":
Monday, I went into town to purchase my train ticket to Chicago, leaving next Friday (Just two days shy of being two week in advance). When I went online this past weekend, the price was $54, which is very reasonable for a five hour train ride from Winona, MN to downtown Chicago. I like to mix up my modes of transportation from time to time. AND, not only was it cheaper, but it was also more convenient for my parents.
So, I tell the woman at the ticket booth I would like to buy a one way to Chicago next Friday. She goes to the computer and does a little typing and...they were sold out! Seriously! In no more than two days, all the seats to Chicago were sold out! My only option was to buy a private room for a total of $269.00. Whoa! Who would have thought!? I know I sure wouldn't have. I guess the lesson there is...just because I don't use it, doesn't mean other people don't use it! That and, maybe another lesson in why people plan in advance.
I put the ticket on hold and thought about it on my way home. A plane ticket to Chicago via Rochester, MN or LaCrosse, WI would be between $400-$999. Maybe someone would cancel their regular fare train ticket, I thought. Finally, I just decided I needed to buy the private room ticket. Last time I putzed on it, it cost me just over $200. The private room ticket was still cheaper than the air plane ticket. If I look on the bright side, it includes lunch. :)
Taking the train to the city that starts with a "CH", ends in an "O", and goes like "Chicago":
Monday, I went into town to purchase my train ticket to Chicago, leaving next Friday (Just two days shy of being two week in advance). When I went online this past weekend, the price was $54, which is very reasonable for a five hour train ride from Winona, MN to downtown Chicago. I like to mix up my modes of transportation from time to time. AND, not only was it cheaper, but it was also more convenient for my parents.
So, I tell the woman at the ticket booth I would like to buy a one way to Chicago next Friday. She goes to the computer and does a little typing and...they were sold out! Seriously! In no more than two days, all the seats to Chicago were sold out! My only option was to buy a private room for a total of $269.00. Whoa! Who would have thought!? I know I sure wouldn't have. I guess the lesson there is...just because I don't use it, doesn't mean other people don't use it! That and, maybe another lesson in why people plan in advance.
I put the ticket on hold and thought about it on my way home. A plane ticket to Chicago via Rochester, MN or LaCrosse, WI would be between $400-$999. Maybe someone would cancel their regular fare train ticket, I thought. Finally, I just decided I needed to buy the private room ticket. Last time I putzed on it, it cost me just over $200. The private room ticket was still cheaper than the air plane ticket. If I look on the bright side, it includes lunch. :)
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