Whenever I pass my new friends Verdura and Futa business, he shouts and waves, hello mi Amiga! I smile and wave back, saying, hola Amigo!
Yesterday, we had a short day...Friday´s are always short because students have to travel home, so the school lets out at 12:30. Some students travel hours to get home for the weekend, then travel hours back on Monday. Usually, I have a conversation class on Friday at the school, right after class. I only have about 5 students that stay. Others are anxious to get home or have the afternoon off.
This Friday, the students wanted to take me on a tour of the plaza and downtown area. We walked along the sidewalk I usually walk to go home, then took a turn for downtown. I realized during the walk, just how many people I have become accustomed to saying hello to and that there is a sense of peace that comes with knowing people know and recognize you and you know and recognize them...being part of a community.
The students, walked me to some important buildings and told me a little bit about the history of Santa Cruz. The walked me through a shop area I hadn´t even thought existed. The walked me to a winery that was right here in town. The pointed out some stores, etc. It was fun. We had some laughs.
Then, before I said goodbye to them, they asked me if I wanted to play a game. I thought, alright, why not, I will go to the arcade and play a game. Well, it was a good thing I only had 200 pesos on me because they ended up being gambling games and they were really quite fun. I didn´t win, but I had fun and I could see myself wanting to continue playing. So, after spending my 200 pesos and watching them lose a couple of games, I caught a collectivo and went home for lunch.
Today, I am up early, waiting for 9:30 to come around. I told some students at school that I would be at the field at 10am to play some frisbee...pick up ultimate frisbee game. We will see who shows. There may by no students or there may be more than enough...I really don´t know. I suppose it depends on who stayed out all night at the disco!
Ciao!
jami
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Customer Service
So, Customer serive finally responded to my message from last week, giving me a number to call regarding my package.
I sent back a message saying they could send me the easy button and that would make me feel better, along with a quite comical response-story. After I sent it, I went back to jot down the numbers that the man had given me to call, only to realize the one was the number that I had already been calling, which he had labled, from outside Chile. The within Chile number was a 800 number.
Are you thinking what I am thinking? Some guy from India probably responded to my question...which means I probably wasted my time writing a comical response about sending the easy button when he probably doesn´t even know what the hell an easy button is! How sad is that. :( I was thinking, at least I could give some call center employee something to laugh about (since I know how call center life is)...oh well...I tried...who knows, maybe they can still send me an easy button.
I sent back a message saying they could send me the easy button and that would make me feel better, along with a quite comical response-story. After I sent it, I went back to jot down the numbers that the man had given me to call, only to realize the one was the number that I had already been calling, which he had labled, from outside Chile. The within Chile number was a 800 number.
Are you thinking what I am thinking? Some guy from India probably responded to my question...which means I probably wasted my time writing a comical response about sending the easy button when he probably doesn´t even know what the hell an easy button is! How sad is that. :( I was thinking, at least I could give some call center employee something to laugh about (since I know how call center life is)...oh well...I tried...who knows, maybe they can still send me an easy button.
And then the sun comes out...well, not literally...
It is amazing how when things start to get frustrating for me...something good seems to happen to make me forget what just happened. Yesterday, the fruit vendor that I usually say hi to or give a friendly wave to stopped me and talked to me for a while....then, he gave me two pieces of fruit. On my walk, I ran into a guy who was a student teacher at the school I work at and he got out of his car and chatted me for a bit...
Today, at lunch the students were trying to explain to me some fruit I don´t know and we all laughed so much... at the Cueca competition, the students I work with were just too cute and fun and I enjoyed watching them dance so much, that I just forgot what had ticked me off so much earlier today. After their competition, they taughted me how to Cueca...I need some practice. Then, this evening at school, we had a BBQ for teachers and it was most enjoyable....so, all the rain disappeared with rays of happiness...and even though it is still raining, I am content.
So, not everyday is easy here. It is hard some times to sit and listened to the teachers telling jokes and laughing back and forth...but, I just missed too much to get it. By the time they explain it to me, it just isn´t funny. Or, they look at me and say....oh mi niña...and then laugh as they pat me on the head...they are good people...
If anything, I am learning what it is like to be a foreigner. People forget sometimes that you are still learning, that you don´t know everything, you can´t understand everything. I can speak well and I can understand alot, at times...but sometimes...I just can´t...I don´t have the right vocabulary or my brain is tired of trying...and when I am nervous or put on the spot...well, sometimes it is like my memory has been wiped clean and I struggle to find any words....
So, just new things to consider when you are talking to an English language learner....remember to be happy they are trying and be patient. :)
Today, at lunch the students were trying to explain to me some fruit I don´t know and we all laughed so much... at the Cueca competition, the students I work with were just too cute and fun and I enjoyed watching them dance so much, that I just forgot what had ticked me off so much earlier today. After their competition, they taughted me how to Cueca...I need some practice. Then, this evening at school, we had a BBQ for teachers and it was most enjoyable....so, all the rain disappeared with rays of happiness...and even though it is still raining, I am content.
So, not everyday is easy here. It is hard some times to sit and listened to the teachers telling jokes and laughing back and forth...but, I just missed too much to get it. By the time they explain it to me, it just isn´t funny. Or, they look at me and say....oh mi niña...and then laugh as they pat me on the head...they are good people...
If anything, I am learning what it is like to be a foreigner. People forget sometimes that you are still learning, that you don´t know everything, you can´t understand everything. I can speak well and I can understand alot, at times...but sometimes...I just can´t...I don´t have the right vocabulary or my brain is tired of trying...and when I am nervous or put on the spot...well, sometimes it is like my memory has been wiped clean and I struggle to find any words....
So, just new things to consider when you are talking to an English language learner....remember to be happy they are trying and be patient. :)
Rain, Rain, go away, come again another day...
Oh my! What a day! I got up this morning and had eggs for breakfast, since it is Tuesday and on Tuesdays I eat lunch at schools and Ana thinks that because my day is longer, I need something more to eat. She is always taking care of me.
My agenda started out with me walking to the registro civil. When I looked out the window, I saw the dark clouds creeeping in, but for some reason, I decided to ignor them and walk anyway. By the time I got to city center, I was wet, but because the rain had lifted, I decided to just keep walking. By the time I was out of city center and away from any awnings to walk under, it really started coming down, so I arrived at the registro civil looking like a wet rat.
It was 8:30 and the doors weren´t open. There was a short line of men waiting to get in. They all looked at me like funny, probably wondering how I could be so stupid not to take a collectivo this morning. Alas, the man with the key came along and opened the door. The other employees were already inside, so I really thought it was going to go fast. I took a number, jumping ahead of a gentleman who had been waiting outside when I arrived. He had walked to the wrong side of the room to address his problem and that is how I got ahead of him. At first, I felt kind of cheap, jumping ahead of him when he had clearly been their before me...but, I was a wet gringa, and quite frankly, I was still tired and frustrated with dealing with the system...so, I took my spot! First in line!
However, the woman at the desk wasn´t ready. She was making some neat piles of coins as she slowly counted the money in her drawer. Then, she held her cup of tea in her hands to warm them up a bit. Then, she pulled out a dust rag and dusted off her desk. THEN; she held her cup again. All the while, I was thinking...you couldn´t have done this while we were all standing outside waiting for the jefe to come and open the door?? Oh well, this is Chile.
Finally, the woman calls me over. She takes my photocopies that I had made yesterday, then tells me to wait because evidently she was waiting for the computer. She then got up and went to the phone, where she chatted about something for a good ten minutes. Then, she came back and started filling out my information. She took a picture of me for my ID and it looked like I had two balck eyes! It was terrible! Luckily, she realized the flash hadn´t been used and that I didn´t want to look like a strung out gringa on my Chilean ID. So, she took another picture. Then I paid for the picture and thought I was done....oh, no...now fingerprints. Buy the time I was done it had taken a good half hour to deal with me and the line behind me had grown quite long...all of the sudden I was feeling bad for the guy that I had jumped in front of...I really didn´t intend this to take so long...but, I am over feeling bad.
I jumped in a collectivo to go home and change my clothes, since I was literally dripping wet. At the same time, I decided to call the package people about my package in customs. That wasn´t a good idea because it just made me upset and I yelled at them, in english, which resolved nothing. So, in my furry, I decided I couldn´t go to school upset, so I put on my rain geared and hiked to school (I think I made record time) and burned off my anger by the time I got to school. I was late, but it was ok, as everything that was planned for today was canceled minus the Cueca competition, since that has to happen today. So, I am not teaching today and right now, I am sitting around in my rain gear waiting for lunch. I might have to buy a bit of chocolate today to make myself feel better.
The good thing about today though is...I went to the library to check on the sewing project of one of the librarians. She is sewing with ribbons, something I saw in a Martha STewart magazine one day...and I asked her if I could find lessons around here. She said in the summer, yes, but now, no. But, then she said she would teach me. So, I am going to have some sewing lessons starting in a day or two! yea!
I do look forward to seeing the Cueca competition, too, so that is another good thing to look forward to...
And, I found a book to bring back to the house and read. The Spanish seems to be an easy level, so I can understand it...so, that will be my rainy day activity.
Ok...now for lunch.
Ciao!
jami
My agenda started out with me walking to the registro civil. When I looked out the window, I saw the dark clouds creeeping in, but for some reason, I decided to ignor them and walk anyway. By the time I got to city center, I was wet, but because the rain had lifted, I decided to just keep walking. By the time I was out of city center and away from any awnings to walk under, it really started coming down, so I arrived at the registro civil looking like a wet rat.
It was 8:30 and the doors weren´t open. There was a short line of men waiting to get in. They all looked at me like funny, probably wondering how I could be so stupid not to take a collectivo this morning. Alas, the man with the key came along and opened the door. The other employees were already inside, so I really thought it was going to go fast. I took a number, jumping ahead of a gentleman who had been waiting outside when I arrived. He had walked to the wrong side of the room to address his problem and that is how I got ahead of him. At first, I felt kind of cheap, jumping ahead of him when he had clearly been their before me...but, I was a wet gringa, and quite frankly, I was still tired and frustrated with dealing with the system...so, I took my spot! First in line!
However, the woman at the desk wasn´t ready. She was making some neat piles of coins as she slowly counted the money in her drawer. Then, she held her cup of tea in her hands to warm them up a bit. Then, she pulled out a dust rag and dusted off her desk. THEN; she held her cup again. All the while, I was thinking...you couldn´t have done this while we were all standing outside waiting for the jefe to come and open the door?? Oh well, this is Chile.
Finally, the woman calls me over. She takes my photocopies that I had made yesterday, then tells me to wait because evidently she was waiting for the computer. She then got up and went to the phone, where she chatted about something for a good ten minutes. Then, she came back and started filling out my information. She took a picture of me for my ID and it looked like I had two balck eyes! It was terrible! Luckily, she realized the flash hadn´t been used and that I didn´t want to look like a strung out gringa on my Chilean ID. So, she took another picture. Then I paid for the picture and thought I was done....oh, no...now fingerprints. Buy the time I was done it had taken a good half hour to deal with me and the line behind me had grown quite long...all of the sudden I was feeling bad for the guy that I had jumped in front of...I really didn´t intend this to take so long...but, I am over feeling bad.
I jumped in a collectivo to go home and change my clothes, since I was literally dripping wet. At the same time, I decided to call the package people about my package in customs. That wasn´t a good idea because it just made me upset and I yelled at them, in english, which resolved nothing. So, in my furry, I decided I couldn´t go to school upset, so I put on my rain geared and hiked to school (I think I made record time) and burned off my anger by the time I got to school. I was late, but it was ok, as everything that was planned for today was canceled minus the Cueca competition, since that has to happen today. So, I am not teaching today and right now, I am sitting around in my rain gear waiting for lunch. I might have to buy a bit of chocolate today to make myself feel better.
The good thing about today though is...I went to the library to check on the sewing project of one of the librarians. She is sewing with ribbons, something I saw in a Martha STewart magazine one day...and I asked her if I could find lessons around here. She said in the summer, yes, but now, no. But, then she said she would teach me. So, I am going to have some sewing lessons starting in a day or two! yea!
I do look forward to seeing the Cueca competition, too, so that is another good thing to look forward to...
And, I found a book to bring back to the house and read. The Spanish seems to be an easy level, so I can understand it...so, that will be my rainy day activity.
Ok...now for lunch.
Ciao!
jami
Monday, August 25, 2008
Patience...
Guess who is learning patience? yep, me!
Last week, I traveled to San Fernando to get my Visa. I was told to arrive at 8:30 am...so, naturally, I did, because I am a gringa and I run on real time. Ana´s brother took me to the Extranjeros office, where we waited for a good 30 minutes while the person who runs the office was downstairs drinking her tea and having breakfast. I got my sticker (stamp) in my passport then we walked over to the Investigaciones office (which is like the police office). Basically, after they all talked about the problems with the school system, the finally put my information in the computer, took my picture, and gave me a peice of paper that had all my details, my photo, and my signature. Then, I got on the bus to come back to Santa Cruz. Short bus ride, only 45 minutes.
Today, I had to head to the registro civil to get my Chilean ID card. My class just before lunch was canceled, so I decided to head over there early, since they close at 2pm. The office reminded me of the DMW, only there weren´t many people waiting and it was a bit cleaner than the DMV I know in Colorado Springs. I took a number and waited. Then, when it was my turn, I gave the woman all my papers; my passport, my investigaciones permission slip, and my tourist visa. She says she needs copies and I look at her and say, ok, no problem. Only she continued to look at me. So I said, you can do that here, right? She looks at me and says...no, our photocopier is broken. I looked at her with the...of course it is broken..face. Then, she asked me about where I was living and where I was working. Then, reminded me she could help me when I came back with photocopies of the pages. Urgh...ok.
SO, tomorrow morning, for my morning walk, I am going to walk to the registro civil, which she told me opens at 8:30, even though other people have told me they open at 9:00...and I am going to pray that they open at 8:30 and that everything goes smoothly!
My other situation requiring patience is the situation with the package my parents so lovingly sent to me which has been sitting in customs for the past week, nearly, because me and my parents being the innocent people we are, didn´t see anything wrong with sending goods for baking across borders. My parents were passing along a dictionary I had bought and asked me if I needed anything else. I thought, hey, I would like to make some bars for my family here, can you send me, a,b, and c, since I can´t find it here? They said, sure. Now, the package has been held up in customs for health department investigations. The funny part is, my Mom, thought maybe we wouldn´t have powdered sugar, so put some into a separate ziplock bag (unlabeled). We are laughing now because it was an innocent mistake! Geez! But, I am still trying to get my package. Someday soon, I hope.
I tell you, it is an adventure learning new policies and procedures...most of the time it is fine, but sometimes, you just want things to go how they are supposed to go. As I said good bye to other volunteers that I had come with last weekend, they laughed as they said, the one thing we won´t miss is the bureaucratic procedures. ha ha...I am jealous knowing that right now, they can walk into a store, select what it is that they want, then walk to the register and pay for it!
I need patience everyday. I think when I come home you could run me over with a truck and it won´t bother me. Aye...patience...
Well, I am off to school...
Last week, I traveled to San Fernando to get my Visa. I was told to arrive at 8:30 am...so, naturally, I did, because I am a gringa and I run on real time. Ana´s brother took me to the Extranjeros office, where we waited for a good 30 minutes while the person who runs the office was downstairs drinking her tea and having breakfast. I got my sticker (stamp) in my passport then we walked over to the Investigaciones office (which is like the police office). Basically, after they all talked about the problems with the school system, the finally put my information in the computer, took my picture, and gave me a peice of paper that had all my details, my photo, and my signature. Then, I got on the bus to come back to Santa Cruz. Short bus ride, only 45 minutes.
Today, I had to head to the registro civil to get my Chilean ID card. My class just before lunch was canceled, so I decided to head over there early, since they close at 2pm. The office reminded me of the DMW, only there weren´t many people waiting and it was a bit cleaner than the DMV I know in Colorado Springs. I took a number and waited. Then, when it was my turn, I gave the woman all my papers; my passport, my investigaciones permission slip, and my tourist visa. She says she needs copies and I look at her and say, ok, no problem. Only she continued to look at me. So I said, you can do that here, right? She looks at me and says...no, our photocopier is broken. I looked at her with the...of course it is broken..face. Then, she asked me about where I was living and where I was working. Then, reminded me she could help me when I came back with photocopies of the pages. Urgh...ok.
SO, tomorrow morning, for my morning walk, I am going to walk to the registro civil, which she told me opens at 8:30, even though other people have told me they open at 9:00...and I am going to pray that they open at 8:30 and that everything goes smoothly!
My other situation requiring patience is the situation with the package my parents so lovingly sent to me which has been sitting in customs for the past week, nearly, because me and my parents being the innocent people we are, didn´t see anything wrong with sending goods for baking across borders. My parents were passing along a dictionary I had bought and asked me if I needed anything else. I thought, hey, I would like to make some bars for my family here, can you send me, a,b, and c, since I can´t find it here? They said, sure. Now, the package has been held up in customs for health department investigations. The funny part is, my Mom, thought maybe we wouldn´t have powdered sugar, so put some into a separate ziplock bag (unlabeled). We are laughing now because it was an innocent mistake! Geez! But, I am still trying to get my package. Someday soon, I hope.
I tell you, it is an adventure learning new policies and procedures...most of the time it is fine, but sometimes, you just want things to go how they are supposed to go. As I said good bye to other volunteers that I had come with last weekend, they laughed as they said, the one thing we won´t miss is the bureaucratic procedures. ha ha...I am jealous knowing that right now, they can walk into a store, select what it is that they want, then walk to the register and pay for it!
I need patience everyday. I think when I come home you could run me over with a truck and it won´t bother me. Aye...patience...
Well, I am off to school...
Friday, August 22, 2008
What is this getting old business?
On a clear day, you can see the snowcapped Andes in the distance. They look spectacular! But, today, because I had to hurry home, I didn´t take as much time to enjoy them.
School was a short and easy day today. Most of my classes are held after school. So, today, we had discussion hour. We started out talking about whether or not a person should be able to vote at 16 years old and moved into discussion about next weeks events.
Next week, students have an exhibition. The students ¨show off¨their specialty. So the tourism students are making maps, models, tour books, etc, to promote their specialty. It will be fun to see how this goes...it is on Tuesday next week.
The exhibition is in the morning and then there is a Cueca contest in the afternoon. Cueca is the national dance. So students will compete to see who will go to the city competition, then the regional, and then the national contest. Ultimately, September 18th is independence day (from Spain) and this will be a day of dancing cueca, eating empanadas, drinking wine, and whatever else. September is the only month Chileans fly the CHilean flag, because it is the month of independence (just thought that was interesting).
Anyway, this conversation led into questions about the national dance of the USA, of which, as far as I know, we don´t have one. But, I decided to explain to them the different kinds of dances. Well, I threw in a couple of not so fabulous examples..then I got to thinking about breakdancing and rememebered I had one move I could do. SO, of course I wanted to show them. WELL, as I squatted down my knees cracked and the students made the...ooh...comment. Then, as I extended my one leg out, I realized my left knee is weaker than I like to think...but I continued with my move only to appear to look like a duck with one leg, maybe. It was ridiculus! What is this getting old crap?! The students laughed, thankfully. Then, I realized I was going to be late for lunch...so I hurried home on my stiff knee. :)
Gotta go!
jami
School was a short and easy day today. Most of my classes are held after school. So, today, we had discussion hour. We started out talking about whether or not a person should be able to vote at 16 years old and moved into discussion about next weeks events.
Next week, students have an exhibition. The students ¨show off¨their specialty. So the tourism students are making maps, models, tour books, etc, to promote their specialty. It will be fun to see how this goes...it is on Tuesday next week.
The exhibition is in the morning and then there is a Cueca contest in the afternoon. Cueca is the national dance. So students will compete to see who will go to the city competition, then the regional, and then the national contest. Ultimately, September 18th is independence day (from Spain) and this will be a day of dancing cueca, eating empanadas, drinking wine, and whatever else. September is the only month Chileans fly the CHilean flag, because it is the month of independence (just thought that was interesting).
Anyway, this conversation led into questions about the national dance of the USA, of which, as far as I know, we don´t have one. But, I decided to explain to them the different kinds of dances. Well, I threw in a couple of not so fabulous examples..then I got to thinking about breakdancing and rememebered I had one move I could do. SO, of course I wanted to show them. WELL, as I squatted down my knees cracked and the students made the...ooh...comment. Then, as I extended my one leg out, I realized my left knee is weaker than I like to think...but I continued with my move only to appear to look like a duck with one leg, maybe. It was ridiculus! What is this getting old crap?! The students laughed, thankfully. Then, I realized I was going to be late for lunch...so I hurried home on my stiff knee. :)
Gotta go!
jami
Monday, August 11, 2008
Pig Head
So, last night we, Ana and I, went to the grocery store. I really didn´t need anything, I just like to go once in a while. It is fun to see what I might find. I still laugh to myself about the horse shoes whenever I see them at the end of the freezer aisle, or wherever they are conveniently located. This is a cowboy town...lots of Panchos, boots, and hats, of course Huaso style.
Last week I was walking home from school and I saw this man standing on top of a big wagon, holding the reins of the horse that was pulling it. No, this isn´t a normal everyday occurance. My first thought was, hey, are you going to Oregon? But, as I watched him ride on by, he looked more like he was racing an oversized chariot. Ha.
Anwyay, while we were in the store, Ana asked me if I needed anything. One thing about Chileans...they don´t stop asking you if you need something. Like a cup of coffee. I swear I am asked if I would like a cup of coffee or tea every five minutes some days. So, as we were in the store, I decided I might like some juice. So, I find some juice and have it in my hands. Ana looks at me and points to the cart, as to let me know I need to put it in the cart. I looked at her and said, oh no, I can buy this. She says, Jami, I will pay for it. Then she reaches for the juices and we start a friendly tug of war. I jokingly say, now don´t be starting a scene in the middle of the grocery store, as we continue to pull it back and forth. I look at her and say, how do you stay stubborn again? She answers quickly, You! Ha ha...Porfiada, I believe is the term, if I am hearing it correctly. She likes to continually remind me how stubborn I am.
So, we are walking around talking about buying some cheese and right as we are talking about it I catch a glimpse of three pig´s heads in the meat counter! When I say heads, I mean heads! The whole head, complete with eye balls and teeth, even a few whiskers! Aye! I asked Ana, do people really buy those? Can I help you mam? Yes, I would like one pig head, about a 10 lbér if you have it. She wasn´t sure what people would by them for, so she asked the guy behind the counter. I guess they use them for Cheese....which made me wonder if I really wanted to have some cheese for a sandwich.
Gosh, just a reminder to eat and not ask what things are. I had to do that when we had sea food at Pichilemu. I ate a sea urchin...it wasn´t bad...but, it was hard to get passed the appearance.
Alright...I need to head on out! I have an after school class today. It is with 1st graders, which is what they call 9th graders here. 1-8 is basico and secondary, colegio, medio, is 1-4. So, you would say first medio (9th), second medio (10h), third medio (11th), forth medio (12th). I work with Medio. Everyday is a different schedule and, for the most part, a different class. I will give a better school run down when I get the chance, as I know I have been giving a little here and a little there.
Alright...ciao!
jami
Last week I was walking home from school and I saw this man standing on top of a big wagon, holding the reins of the horse that was pulling it. No, this isn´t a normal everyday occurance. My first thought was, hey, are you going to Oregon? But, as I watched him ride on by, he looked more like he was racing an oversized chariot. Ha.
Anwyay, while we were in the store, Ana asked me if I needed anything. One thing about Chileans...they don´t stop asking you if you need something. Like a cup of coffee. I swear I am asked if I would like a cup of coffee or tea every five minutes some days. So, as we were in the store, I decided I might like some juice. So, I find some juice and have it in my hands. Ana looks at me and points to the cart, as to let me know I need to put it in the cart. I looked at her and said, oh no, I can buy this. She says, Jami, I will pay for it. Then she reaches for the juices and we start a friendly tug of war. I jokingly say, now don´t be starting a scene in the middle of the grocery store, as we continue to pull it back and forth. I look at her and say, how do you stay stubborn again? She answers quickly, You! Ha ha...Porfiada, I believe is the term, if I am hearing it correctly. She likes to continually remind me how stubborn I am.
So, we are walking around talking about buying some cheese and right as we are talking about it I catch a glimpse of three pig´s heads in the meat counter! When I say heads, I mean heads! The whole head, complete with eye balls and teeth, even a few whiskers! Aye! I asked Ana, do people really buy those? Can I help you mam? Yes, I would like one pig head, about a 10 lbér if you have it. She wasn´t sure what people would by them for, so she asked the guy behind the counter. I guess they use them for Cheese....which made me wonder if I really wanted to have some cheese for a sandwich.
Gosh, just a reminder to eat and not ask what things are. I had to do that when we had sea food at Pichilemu. I ate a sea urchin...it wasn´t bad...but, it was hard to get passed the appearance.
Alright...I need to head on out! I have an after school class today. It is with 1st graders, which is what they call 9th graders here. 1-8 is basico and secondary, colegio, medio, is 1-4. So, you would say first medio (9th), second medio (10h), third medio (11th), forth medio (12th). I work with Medio. Everyday is a different schedule and, for the most part, a different class. I will give a better school run down when I get the chance, as I know I have been giving a little here and a little there.
Alright...ciao!
jami
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Pichilemu!
Pichilemu! Ahh...what a nice beach! My host family took me for a car ride last weekend so I could see the beach and familiarize myself for when I want to go back. It is pretty beach with some recorde setting waves, or at least that is what I am told. Last Wednesday they were supposed to have 4-5 meter waves, some of the largest in the world, I guess. I really don´t know that much about surfing.
Looking at the camara you can see Felipe on the left and Ana is the one taking a picture of me taking a picture. 
At Pichilemu, you see a bit of everything, as you can
see in this photo...there are horseback riders, dogs, and surfers. 
This is the best time to see Pichilemu, in my opinion, because there aren´t any people there. Once summer hits, it is insanely busy from what I am told. I think I will hit it up at least one more time before summer hits, since I really despise crowds of people, or crowds of anything for that matter.
Here is a photo of me and family.
And one of me and the tractor that was parked in the middle of the main drag. Gotta love it! :)
And, this was my attempt of getting a shot of some pelicans sitting on a rock. As I was climbing the rocks trying to get closer and closer, I started wondering what I was doing...seeing how I kind of have a fear of birds. I was alot closer than the photo would tell you. (yes, now I see why I may want a newer camara) Man! Were they ever huge!! I like pelicans.
Anyway...I am just realizing I can add photos...so, I thought I would share. I will try to share some more later. They take a bit longer to upload than I would have thought, but I did want to share some!
Cheers! -jami
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
IPS
The school I work at has a blog page and...I made the blog page...so, here you can see me sitting around working. :) And, they have some school photos posted as well, so you can see the school I am working at....
http://www.ipsconud.blogspot.com/
Also, here is the webpage for the program I am working with, in case you are interested. A person can apply directly to the program...AND, you don´t have to be a teacher. (There are some 19 year olds here for there summer break.)
http://www.centrodevoluntarios.cl/
Spanish is coming along well, all of the sudden. I couldn´t help but glow with a big ass smile on my face last weekend as I communicated! Ha! A weekend to remember for the days my spanish isn´t on. Felt good. It helps to have a dictionary at your finger tips, even if it only has half the words you want to know...better to know half than nothing, eh?
This weekend, my mind is tired, so my level of communication is kind of so so. Somedays it is just hard to put all your attention into having a conversation. So, I am taking it easy this weekend and working on a presentation for the tourism class I am part of. I am doing a presentation on the United States...places to see! Culture! We will see how it goes!
I made the paper this weekend, with the same photo from the blog page. (yes, Mom, I have a copy of the paper.). :) Ana told me next week will be TV weeek. I am more comfortable about it now, seeing how I have found my groove.
We played some ultimate frisbee this week. The students LOVED it. That want to know when we will play next. I enjoy it too, so hopefully soon. It certainly gives me my exercise! Too, I have been able to play full force, since they have picked up the game well. They are starting to dish some shit too. Lines like...oh, ¨Manos de Mantequilla¨? (literally that means hands of butter) ha ha...they are ready for a rematch. :)
This next week I am going to Chillan to go skiing with a group of students. :) :) :) One of the teachers invited me. We have a three day weekend this weekend. There is a new girl in town, or maybe I should say woman. She is the same age as me and from New Zealand. I have a hard time calling myself a woman, maybe because I am a child at heart, I dont´know. But, she is here for the month so we might go tour the vineyards this next weekend. It will be nice to have someone to hang out with. I do appreciate having my family to hang out with all the time, but it will be nice to hang out with someone who isn´t a native.
I just made round two of pancakes today. My family LOVES the pancakes. I talked about making thin pancakes next and my host father is already asking me to set a date as to exactly when it will be. I then told them about the international house of pancakes and their eyes got real big and lit up! Ha ha...who knew something so simple could bring so much joy!
Alright...time to get some work done on my presentation. Hope everyone is well!
Love and hugs!
jami
http://www.ipsconud.blogspot.com/
Also, here is the webpage for the program I am working with, in case you are interested. A person can apply directly to the program...AND, you don´t have to be a teacher. (There are some 19 year olds here for there summer break.)
http://www.centrodevoluntarios.cl/
Spanish is coming along well, all of the sudden. I couldn´t help but glow with a big ass smile on my face last weekend as I communicated! Ha! A weekend to remember for the days my spanish isn´t on. Felt good. It helps to have a dictionary at your finger tips, even if it only has half the words you want to know...better to know half than nothing, eh?
This weekend, my mind is tired, so my level of communication is kind of so so. Somedays it is just hard to put all your attention into having a conversation. So, I am taking it easy this weekend and working on a presentation for the tourism class I am part of. I am doing a presentation on the United States...places to see! Culture! We will see how it goes!
I made the paper this weekend, with the same photo from the blog page. (yes, Mom, I have a copy of the paper.). :) Ana told me next week will be TV weeek. I am more comfortable about it now, seeing how I have found my groove.
We played some ultimate frisbee this week. The students LOVED it. That want to know when we will play next. I enjoy it too, so hopefully soon. It certainly gives me my exercise! Too, I have been able to play full force, since they have picked up the game well. They are starting to dish some shit too. Lines like...oh, ¨Manos de Mantequilla¨? (literally that means hands of butter) ha ha...they are ready for a rematch. :)
This next week I am going to Chillan to go skiing with a group of students. :) :) :) One of the teachers invited me. We have a three day weekend this weekend. There is a new girl in town, or maybe I should say woman. She is the same age as me and from New Zealand. I have a hard time calling myself a woman, maybe because I am a child at heart, I dont´know. But, she is here for the month so we might go tour the vineyards this next weekend. It will be nice to have someone to hang out with. I do appreciate having my family to hang out with all the time, but it will be nice to hang out with someone who isn´t a native.
I just made round two of pancakes today. My family LOVES the pancakes. I talked about making thin pancakes next and my host father is already asking me to set a date as to exactly when it will be. I then told them about the international house of pancakes and their eyes got real big and lit up! Ha ha...who knew something so simple could bring so much joy!
Alright...time to get some work done on my presentation. Hope everyone is well!
Love and hugs!
jami
Friday, August 1, 2008
Mission incomplete
Well, I just got home from Santiago. I have my electronic dictionary and my stipend payment, but no Visa stamp. argh.
This morning I woke up and went to a training class with the new volunteers because they were talking about how to get your Chilean ID card...something I thought might be imortant to know. From there, we got on a bus to go to the United Nations Program Development Offices for our stipends. The English Opens Doors Program is a UN sponsored program and our money, stipends, come from the UN. However, we cannot say we work for the UN.
This has been the first stipend I have received since I have been here and we all needed our passports to get our first check, which we then turned around and cashed in the same building. This was the first time they took a bus of Volunteers to pick up checks because they changed the rules on the procedure. Volunteers used to only need a passport to pick up stipends at the local bank, but now we need to have these ID cards. So, this is why stipend payment number one was a bus trip. The process was ridiculously slow. But, afterwards we handed in our passports to have them taken in for their stamps. The program rep took my number so she could just call me when my was done and so I could be on my way.
Well, after lunch, she comes back and nobody was able to receive stamps...the office closed at 2pm. She had told me this was a special case and it was still possible....but, evidently not.
So, I came back without a stamp and now I will wait for further direction on when and where to go in the near future. Bummer.
I did meet some nice people, so I cannot say that all was lost. And, because this group was getting a textbook and I didn´t get one with my group, I asked if I could have one, so I got a textbook out of the deal too. I am still bummed I had to take two days off at school to travel to Santiago, especially since I had planned lessons and was ready to get back to worok...but, this is Chile and this is how they roll!
I watched Gladiator on the bus ride home, too. Man, that was a good movie....very violent and graphic, but good.
Well, if I don´t write for a few days or a week, don´t worry about me. I am trying to get my Spanish brain back on track. Being on vacation and working the English camp with other volunteers really got me accustomed to talking in English and, although I still use my Spanish, I can tell it has taken a beating...so I am turning my Spanish brain back on! Wish me luck!
Jami
PS...so my spanish electronic dictionary..:I was trying it out on the bus ride because I was watching the movie in spanish and it had spanish subtitles too...so, I can look up the word sword and to annul...but I cannot look up to knit. Hmm...oh well, it has solved some mysteries for me, so maybe that is $40. :)
Cheers!
This morning I woke up and went to a training class with the new volunteers because they were talking about how to get your Chilean ID card...something I thought might be imortant to know. From there, we got on a bus to go to the United Nations Program Development Offices for our stipends. The English Opens Doors Program is a UN sponsored program and our money, stipends, come from the UN. However, we cannot say we work for the UN.
This has been the first stipend I have received since I have been here and we all needed our passports to get our first check, which we then turned around and cashed in the same building. This was the first time they took a bus of Volunteers to pick up checks because they changed the rules on the procedure. Volunteers used to only need a passport to pick up stipends at the local bank, but now we need to have these ID cards. So, this is why stipend payment number one was a bus trip. The process was ridiculously slow. But, afterwards we handed in our passports to have them taken in for their stamps. The program rep took my number so she could just call me when my was done and so I could be on my way.
Well, after lunch, she comes back and nobody was able to receive stamps...the office closed at 2pm. She had told me this was a special case and it was still possible....but, evidently not.
So, I came back without a stamp and now I will wait for further direction on when and where to go in the near future. Bummer.
I did meet some nice people, so I cannot say that all was lost. And, because this group was getting a textbook and I didn´t get one with my group, I asked if I could have one, so I got a textbook out of the deal too. I am still bummed I had to take two days off at school to travel to Santiago, especially since I had planned lessons and was ready to get back to worok...but, this is Chile and this is how they roll!
I watched Gladiator on the bus ride home, too. Man, that was a good movie....very violent and graphic, but good.
Well, if I don´t write for a few days or a week, don´t worry about me. I am trying to get my Spanish brain back on track. Being on vacation and working the English camp with other volunteers really got me accustomed to talking in English and, although I still use my Spanish, I can tell it has taken a beating...so I am turning my Spanish brain back on! Wish me luck!
Jami
PS...so my spanish electronic dictionary..:I was trying it out on the bus ride because I was watching the movie in spanish and it had spanish subtitles too...so, I can look up the word sword and to annul...but I cannot look up to knit. Hmm...oh well, it has solved some mysteries for me, so maybe that is $40. :)
Cheers!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
