Last night, we stopped to get bread on our way to the Espirtu de Colchagua, which is where they make various liquors artesania. As we pulled up to the store, we couldn´t help but notice all these people and flashing lights. Ana came back from getting bread and she says...a man died. I looked at her ans asked...well, where, how? You don´t have a crowd of people in a street and an ambulance for a man dying in his house.
Well, by the time we started up the car again, the ambulance had left, but the crowd remained. As we passed, sure enough, there was the dead man, covered with a giant orange paper napkin, and everyone was just standing around staring. The Carabinero was just standing there waiting for the officials to come and say, yes he is dead, you can take him away.
I guess, I am more accostmed to privacy of such a situation...sheets, barriers, etc...this was more of a free show...a bit disturbing.
What happened? I guess, from what I hear, he had a heart attack while walking home.
With that being said...here is a little lesson on funerals in Chile...
First, they waste no time burying the dead around here. I would say the turn around is 24 hours. If your family lives elsewhere, tough, we are burying him in a days time.
Second, families and friends ut flowers on the top of the car carrying the body in a procession. Traditionally, families and friends walk behind the hurse. However, in a ¨colder¨funeral, family and friends follow in a car. By colder I mean, with less love.
Third, well, i don´t really have a third. They are buried in a cemetary in boxes above the ground (I am not able to find the word for this right now). Families will visit the cemetary often to pray and visit the family member or friend. Seriously, I think my host mom has been to the cemetary about 6 times since I have lived here. You can buy flowers at any of the 6 florerias right by the cemetary or at one of the seemingly hundreds of funerarias in this town. I swear, people are always dying around here.
So, that is the scoop on death in Chile.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Tren de Vino...the wine train
I decided to take the wine train yesterday, as I know my weekends are going to start flying with only two months remaining, well a little more than two months. My family has already started planning weekends, so I thought, if I am going to take this train, I might as well do it this weekend since we don´t have any plans.
One of the English teachers works on the wine train over the weekends as an English guide. So, I told him I was coming. I woke up in the morning just a little late. I couldn´t remember what time the trian left, but I figured I still have planty of time to catch the bus to San Fernando. I ended up taking a mini bus, as I had taken one before from San Fernando and it was just as fast as a normal bus....but, evidently, I don´t know enough about mini buses. I got on the world´s longest mini us ride, I think. We went through just about every community along the way to San Fernando. It was pretty though. The country side has changed so much since I first arrived here.
Well, eventually, we arrived to San Fernando. It was a bout 10:15 and I was thinking Cesar told me the train left at 10:00, but I was hoping he said 10:30...and on top of that hope I was hoping we were running on CHilean time. :)
When we arrived at the bus station, it was a different bus station than I had known before. I got off and ran to the first vendor I saw, asking her where the train station was. Luckily, it was only a block away.
I found Cesar and he told me to get on the train. I had to confess to him, I only have 15,000 pesos on me because i am running late and I figured this was a large tourist attraction and that I could use my credit card. (which I couldn´t). He says, we will be ok...just get on the train.
Well, I was on the train, but I wasn´t sitting easy because I didn´t like the idea that I didn´t have the money to be there and that no one was going to ask me about my money until the train started moving. I know Cesar said it would all be ok...but, I was still nervous.
The train was beautiful. It was an old steam engine train. There used to be a train that ran the length of CHile, but between lack of money and earth quakes, it fizzled out. Now, it is a tourist attraction that runs in the valley. After the train, people get off and take a vineyard tour, have lunch, or whatever they have bought in their package.
Well, the Manchester group got on the train and I had to move. These people were on a tour and I was in their seats. I sat in another section and all was well. Cesar finally came up to me and said, you are fine, you pay 15,000 pesos. Ok, I felt better.
I watched the scenary as we pulled out. The guide was giving a little history of the train and the valley while the other guides were handing out wine glasses for tasting. It seemed a little early for tasting wine...but, oh well.
Another man who works on the train, came and presented himself to me. Said thank you for coming on the train, as he knew I was a friend of Cesars. Then, he went about his job. While we were waiting for the tracks to change, he came back and said, very quietly, I have a seat for you up on VIP if you are interested. I felt very guitly, being that I hadn´t even paid full price for my ticket and now I was being moved to VIP? Ok...sure.
The VIP car was your typical dinning car. White table clothed tables, cloth napkins, and wine glasses. On each table there was a tabla of cheese, fruit, nuts, and crackers. I had a table to myself, but some other guides joined me as we started moving along.
We tasted wine from one of the local Vineyards. There was a group of university presidents from the states on board and I chatted with them breifly. They were on their annual meeting and had a free day to tour. I met the guy who changed the name of Mankato State to Minnesota State University. They were all very nice.
Before I knew it, we were back in Santa Cruz being welcomed by a local group of singers and dancers...more cueca!
When I got home, I was in time to learn how to make Cardonada...my favorite dish! yay! It was a nice day.
One of the English teachers works on the wine train over the weekends as an English guide. So, I told him I was coming. I woke up in the morning just a little late. I couldn´t remember what time the trian left, but I figured I still have planty of time to catch the bus to San Fernando. I ended up taking a mini bus, as I had taken one before from San Fernando and it was just as fast as a normal bus....but, evidently, I don´t know enough about mini buses. I got on the world´s longest mini us ride, I think. We went through just about every community along the way to San Fernando. It was pretty though. The country side has changed so much since I first arrived here.
Well, eventually, we arrived to San Fernando. It was a bout 10:15 and I was thinking Cesar told me the train left at 10:00, but I was hoping he said 10:30...and on top of that hope I was hoping we were running on CHilean time. :)
When we arrived at the bus station, it was a different bus station than I had known before. I got off and ran to the first vendor I saw, asking her where the train station was. Luckily, it was only a block away.
I found Cesar and he told me to get on the train. I had to confess to him, I only have 15,000 pesos on me because i am running late and I figured this was a large tourist attraction and that I could use my credit card. (which I couldn´t). He says, we will be ok...just get on the train.
Well, I was on the train, but I wasn´t sitting easy because I didn´t like the idea that I didn´t have the money to be there and that no one was going to ask me about my money until the train started moving. I know Cesar said it would all be ok...but, I was still nervous.
The train was beautiful. It was an old steam engine train. There used to be a train that ran the length of CHile, but between lack of money and earth quakes, it fizzled out. Now, it is a tourist attraction that runs in the valley. After the train, people get off and take a vineyard tour, have lunch, or whatever they have bought in their package.
Well, the Manchester group got on the train and I had to move. These people were on a tour and I was in their seats. I sat in another section and all was well. Cesar finally came up to me and said, you are fine, you pay 15,000 pesos. Ok, I felt better.
I watched the scenary as we pulled out. The guide was giving a little history of the train and the valley while the other guides were handing out wine glasses for tasting. It seemed a little early for tasting wine...but, oh well.
Another man who works on the train, came and presented himself to me. Said thank you for coming on the train, as he knew I was a friend of Cesars. Then, he went about his job. While we were waiting for the tracks to change, he came back and said, very quietly, I have a seat for you up on VIP if you are interested. I felt very guitly, being that I hadn´t even paid full price for my ticket and now I was being moved to VIP? Ok...sure.
The VIP car was your typical dinning car. White table clothed tables, cloth napkins, and wine glasses. On each table there was a tabla of cheese, fruit, nuts, and crackers. I had a table to myself, but some other guides joined me as we started moving along.
We tasted wine from one of the local Vineyards. There was a group of university presidents from the states on board and I chatted with them breifly. They were on their annual meeting and had a free day to tour. I met the guy who changed the name of Mankato State to Minnesota State University. They were all very nice.
Before I knew it, we were back in Santa Cruz being welcomed by a local group of singers and dancers...more cueca!
When I got home, I was in time to learn how to make Cardonada...my favorite dish! yay! It was a nice day.
Table Manners
My Mom always told me to sit up straight, chew with my mouth closed, and use one hand for eating and put the other in my lap. She also insisted that I was to put food on my plate and eat it from my plate, not from the bowl that everyone would serve themselves from. Well, after years of practicing proper etiquette...I find myself having to do the opposite.
First, it is rude, in Chile, to put your hands on your lap at the dinner table. Your hands have to remain in sight where everyone can see them. However, remember, your elbows still need to stay off the table.
Second, it is very common, in the house, to eat directly from the bowl instead of putting everything on your plate.
You will never find a toothpick on a table in Chile because it is rude to use a toothpick at the table or in public.
To belch at the table in some cultures is rude and in others it is a compliment to the chef, but it seems to me that to belch at the table is simply not appreciated in Chile. I haven´t really tried it yet, nor do I want to because it is disgusting in my book, right up there with chewing with your mouth open (my biggest pet peeve).
Like at home, if you are going to leave them table, you excuse yourself. Permiso.
First, it is rude, in Chile, to put your hands on your lap at the dinner table. Your hands have to remain in sight where everyone can see them. However, remember, your elbows still need to stay off the table.
Second, it is very common, in the house, to eat directly from the bowl instead of putting everything on your plate.
You will never find a toothpick on a table in Chile because it is rude to use a toothpick at the table or in public.
To belch at the table in some cultures is rude and in others it is a compliment to the chef, but it seems to me that to belch at the table is simply not appreciated in Chile. I haven´t really tried it yet, nor do I want to because it is disgusting in my book, right up there with chewing with your mouth open (my biggest pet peeve).
Like at home, if you are going to leave them table, you excuse yourself. Permiso.
Share
Do you know the movie Vacation with Griswalds and Cousin Eddie? There is a scene in either Christmas Vacation or the Original Vacation, where cousin Eddie is drinking a beer and turns to Clark and says, looks like you could use a cold one. Then, he hands Clark his half drunken beer while opening a fresh one for himself. ha ha...it makes me laugh. (is drunken a word?)
Chileans may push and shove when they are ready to go...but they share just about everything. When I was at the Cueca competition, this woman, who I had met the day before, handed me a half drunken soda. I took a sip, as this has happened to me before, but when I handed it back, she insisted I keep it. Uh...ok?
If you buy anything, you better be ready to share it because it seems to be the general expectation. Often times, if you are out for dinner, everyone tastes everyone else´s drinks and everyone tastes a little something from every plate. I am sure at a formal event, eating off your neighbors plate isn´t as common, but I still have yet to be at a meal where someone isn´t nibbling off someone´s plate. If you buy a chocolate or a small roll of cookies, you need to ask everyone if they want some.
I don´t mind sharing, but sometimes, when you are hungry and you just want a little something, you just don´t want to share, because it is yours and if you wanted to share you would have bought more.
Chileans may push and shove when they are ready to go...but they share just about everything. When I was at the Cueca competition, this woman, who I had met the day before, handed me a half drunken soda. I took a sip, as this has happened to me before, but when I handed it back, she insisted I keep it. Uh...ok?
If you buy anything, you better be ready to share it because it seems to be the general expectation. Often times, if you are out for dinner, everyone tastes everyone else´s drinks and everyone tastes a little something from every plate. I am sure at a formal event, eating off your neighbors plate isn´t as common, but I still have yet to be at a meal where someone isn´t nibbling off someone´s plate. If you buy a chocolate or a small roll of cookies, you need to ask everyone if they want some.
I don´t mind sharing, but sometimes, when you are hungry and you just want a little something, you just don´t want to share, because it is yours and if you wanted to share you would have bought more.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Copy?
Being a language learner, you learn to pick up words you hear and incorporate them into your language. Working with one of the English teachers, one who has students copy information out of a book often, I picked up the word ¨copy¨, or at least I thought I had.
The first graders of 1st E, (primero E) , have alot of character. They are your typical 15 year olds and there are 45 of them in this class. The original set up was, I will take half the class for the first hour and the second half for the second hour. Class number one was a great success. Class number two, you could tell they were testing how long their leash was. And, class three...well, the electrical students came in to rewire the fixtures in the room...so, the class was a bit crazy. I thought, ok, next class, things will come around. I will teach them some basic dialogues, so I prepared a lesson for ordering food at McDonald´s complete with some key phrases and a little bit of culture.
Well, the first class went well, but by the end of the second class, I had a neck ache that spread into my shoulders and I thought my head was going to explode from all the heat building up inside of it. It all started when I asked them to take out a sheet of paper for copies.
They didn´t have their notebooks, the teacher was grading them. I said, well, take another sheet of paper and you can glue it into your English notebook later. They didn´t seem to get it. So, I said, look, all I want you to do is copy the conversation that is on the board. Well, the giggles and talking continued, so I walked around the room asking students if they had copied the material. If they hadn´t, I pointed to the board and said copy.
The laughing was getting to be too much. I wasn´t paranoid about what they might be saying, or if they were saying something about me...I just wanted them to focus for a moment. Finally, I told them all I didn´t want to hear a word out of anyone´s mouth for the next five minutes and in that five minutes they could sit and copy what is on the board....(and during that five minutes I could think of a new strategy for dealing with these students.)
Our five minutes were up and I said to them look, I like to teach and I think I am giving you the respect you deserve, but I don´t think you are giving me the respect I deserve. I am trying to bring you something fun to do in school instead of copy, copy, copy all day. Well, with that said, a student bursted out laughing. I looked at him and asked what that was about and he just shook his head and said nothing. With that, I just gave them a silent task for the rest of the hour.
Being in this class for only two hours, one day a week, is kind of like being the substitute teacher. Only, now, I have the language barrier. It is an English class and my focus is conversation, so it would be silly to have a silent class, but I didn´t want to battle the students any more. I thought, gee, this is my worst class. I was ready to just bail on them, but that isn´t me. So, I told the English teacher of this particular class my problem and that I would only take a small group of them. He apologized for the students and assured me that they were just young teenagers. I agreed with him that they would be rowdy at times, but I still didn´t want all of them at once. It just wasn´t efficient to spend all my time managing the crowd, especially when I am a volunteer here to specifically help students learn English. With that said, he said, ok, you take the top ten. Well...I didn´t like that either, because I don´t like to favor top students. So, because we were going into a long holiday weekend, I figured I would think about how I wanted to deal with the students...
I came back to school this week and told the teacher, I have decided to break the students into three groups and rotate them. I would have a chance to work with all the students in more manageable groups. He agreed that would be fine, but wanted to have a class talk before hand.
In the meantime, the jefe teacher of that class confronted me on her students. Oh Jami, they are so embarrassed that they behaved the way they did. They want you in their class. They told me all about it. You see Jami, you are using the word ¨copy¨and ¨copy¨to them, in their adolescent ways, means penis.
Penis! I have to admit I laughed and just shook my head....could you imagine sitting in a class and having a foreigner explain something to you in your language only to have them drop the word penis every once in a while??
At our class meeting, I told them that what happened last week was a good example of language and cultural barriers. Geez!
The first graders of 1st E, (primero E) , have alot of character. They are your typical 15 year olds and there are 45 of them in this class. The original set up was, I will take half the class for the first hour and the second half for the second hour. Class number one was a great success. Class number two, you could tell they were testing how long their leash was. And, class three...well, the electrical students came in to rewire the fixtures in the room...so, the class was a bit crazy. I thought, ok, next class, things will come around. I will teach them some basic dialogues, so I prepared a lesson for ordering food at McDonald´s complete with some key phrases and a little bit of culture.
Well, the first class went well, but by the end of the second class, I had a neck ache that spread into my shoulders and I thought my head was going to explode from all the heat building up inside of it. It all started when I asked them to take out a sheet of paper for copies.
They didn´t have their notebooks, the teacher was grading them. I said, well, take another sheet of paper and you can glue it into your English notebook later. They didn´t seem to get it. So, I said, look, all I want you to do is copy the conversation that is on the board. Well, the giggles and talking continued, so I walked around the room asking students if they had copied the material. If they hadn´t, I pointed to the board and said copy.
The laughing was getting to be too much. I wasn´t paranoid about what they might be saying, or if they were saying something about me...I just wanted them to focus for a moment. Finally, I told them all I didn´t want to hear a word out of anyone´s mouth for the next five minutes and in that five minutes they could sit and copy what is on the board....(and during that five minutes I could think of a new strategy for dealing with these students.)
Our five minutes were up and I said to them look, I like to teach and I think I am giving you the respect you deserve, but I don´t think you are giving me the respect I deserve. I am trying to bring you something fun to do in school instead of copy, copy, copy all day. Well, with that said, a student bursted out laughing. I looked at him and asked what that was about and he just shook his head and said nothing. With that, I just gave them a silent task for the rest of the hour.
Being in this class for only two hours, one day a week, is kind of like being the substitute teacher. Only, now, I have the language barrier. It is an English class and my focus is conversation, so it would be silly to have a silent class, but I didn´t want to battle the students any more. I thought, gee, this is my worst class. I was ready to just bail on them, but that isn´t me. So, I told the English teacher of this particular class my problem and that I would only take a small group of them. He apologized for the students and assured me that they were just young teenagers. I agreed with him that they would be rowdy at times, but I still didn´t want all of them at once. It just wasn´t efficient to spend all my time managing the crowd, especially when I am a volunteer here to specifically help students learn English. With that said, he said, ok, you take the top ten. Well...I didn´t like that either, because I don´t like to favor top students. So, because we were going into a long holiday weekend, I figured I would think about how I wanted to deal with the students...
I came back to school this week and told the teacher, I have decided to break the students into three groups and rotate them. I would have a chance to work with all the students in more manageable groups. He agreed that would be fine, but wanted to have a class talk before hand.
In the meantime, the jefe teacher of that class confronted me on her students. Oh Jami, they are so embarrassed that they behaved the way they did. They want you in their class. They told me all about it. You see Jami, you are using the word ¨copy¨and ¨copy¨to them, in their adolescent ways, means penis.
Penis! I have to admit I laughed and just shook my head....could you imagine sitting in a class and having a foreigner explain something to you in your language only to have them drop the word penis every once in a while??
At our class meeting, I told them that what happened last week was a good example of language and cultural barriers. Geez!
Friday, September 26, 2008
When Chileans are ready...they are ready.
Chileans are great at taking their time doing everything...but, by golly, when they are ready to go somewhere, they are ready!
There is no such thing as a line in Chile, or at least they all think they can just walk to the front of any line. It drives me nuts!
Skiing, they see the lift and it is like herding cows.
On the metro at rush hour it is push or be pushed.
I find this interesting because I recall someone, in Vail, getting in an arguement, a huge shouting match, because the Chilean was unnecessarily pushing and shoving as the other person was getting on the lift.
One thing about living abroad for a bit is you really get a sense of how people operate within their culture...then you can apply it at home in the midst of a cultural miscommunication. We will see how my patience is for that when I get home.. ha ha...
jami
There is no such thing as a line in Chile, or at least they all think they can just walk to the front of any line. It drives me nuts!
Skiing, they see the lift and it is like herding cows.
On the metro at rush hour it is push or be pushed.
I find this interesting because I recall someone, in Vail, getting in an arguement, a huge shouting match, because the Chilean was unnecessarily pushing and shoving as the other person was getting on the lift.
One thing about living abroad for a bit is you really get a sense of how people operate within their culture...then you can apply it at home in the midst of a cultural miscommunication. We will see how my patience is for that when I get home.. ha ha...
jami
The Oh Shit Bar!
When I first came to Chile, I remember thinking I really felt safe in the car. The longer I live here, the more and more I hate being in the car!
Months ago, now, Ana told me she wasn´t a very good drive. I refrained from being too critical of her driving because I knew she only learned to drive a few years ago. For me, I have been driving for more than half my life and I like to drive. I just told her, well you get us from A to B, that is what matters, right? Then, I reached up grabbed the handle above the passenger side door and said, do you know what we call this handle? We call this handle the ¨Oh Shit Bar¨. Oh really, she says, why?. Because when you grab in you are usually thinking ¨oh shit¨. She laughed and we continued on.
Now, for someone who knows she isn´t a good driver, she sure doesn´t hold back on speed when she is driving. Some mornings we are running late...when I say late, I am talking about 3 minutes, maybe 5. Chileans are on time when they need to punch their card. Ha! Chileans also have no problem driving 60 kph on city streets. I guess that is only about 35-40 mph, but if it wasn´t for the fact that there are many obstacles along the way like children walking to school, people riding their bikes, other cars and buses, don´t forget about all dogs in the street too....it just doesn´t feel safe.
One morning, I grabbed the ¨oh shit¨ bar and Ana just laughed. Another morning, we picked up a student that was walking to school, just to give him a ride. Ana slammed on the brakes as she nearly missed the corner...I grabbed the oh shit bar and told the student maybe he will wish he had just kept walking instead of getting in the car. Finally, yesterday, as we were running late, I said, you know, we really don´t get there that much faster by speeding through theses cities streets because you speed, then you stop, you speed, then you stop...what is the point? When we arrived, she says, we are here! I say, thank God! I lived again! I really think she thinks I am just joking, but I am just waiting for us to hit a small child or a dog.
When I got in the car with her brother he crossed himself before he started driving. I was worried he might be trying to tell me something about his driving. Now, I am thinking it might be good to cross myself before we start driving any where. Aye!
Months ago, now, Ana told me she wasn´t a very good drive. I refrained from being too critical of her driving because I knew she only learned to drive a few years ago. For me, I have been driving for more than half my life and I like to drive. I just told her, well you get us from A to B, that is what matters, right? Then, I reached up grabbed the handle above the passenger side door and said, do you know what we call this handle? We call this handle the ¨Oh Shit Bar¨. Oh really, she says, why?. Because when you grab in you are usually thinking ¨oh shit¨. She laughed and we continued on.
Now, for someone who knows she isn´t a good driver, she sure doesn´t hold back on speed when she is driving. Some mornings we are running late...when I say late, I am talking about 3 minutes, maybe 5. Chileans are on time when they need to punch their card. Ha! Chileans also have no problem driving 60 kph on city streets. I guess that is only about 35-40 mph, but if it wasn´t for the fact that there are many obstacles along the way like children walking to school, people riding their bikes, other cars and buses, don´t forget about all dogs in the street too....it just doesn´t feel safe.
One morning, I grabbed the ¨oh shit¨ bar and Ana just laughed. Another morning, we picked up a student that was walking to school, just to give him a ride. Ana slammed on the brakes as she nearly missed the corner...I grabbed the oh shit bar and told the student maybe he will wish he had just kept walking instead of getting in the car. Finally, yesterday, as we were running late, I said, you know, we really don´t get there that much faster by speeding through theses cities streets because you speed, then you stop, you speed, then you stop...what is the point? When we arrived, she says, we are here! I say, thank God! I lived again! I really think she thinks I am just joking, but I am just waiting for us to hit a small child or a dog.
When I got in the car with her brother he crossed himself before he started driving. I was worried he might be trying to tell me something about his driving. Now, I am thinking it might be good to cross myself before we start driving any where. Aye!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Minimum Wage
I was curious to know what minimum wage was here in Chile....my host father said 5000 pesos a DAY. That is $10. I easily spend that on a meal when we go out to eat, seeing how nothing on the menu seems to be under 3000 pesos. I will have to ask him what the standard of living is again.
La Comida (The Food)
A little bit about food in Chile...
First, their main ingredients in anything are salt, vegetable oil, vinagre, lemon and cilantro. Things they add to just about everything are ketchup, mayonaise and Ahi. Anyone´s heart burning?
I have told you about the Empanadas and the completos (hot dogs), so I will start with something new...
Often times, we have palta. Palta means avocado. You take an avocado and mash it with a fork, Then you add oil and salt. This tasty little spread can be put on a freshly toasted peice of bread and it is quite tastey.
Another type of mash we put on our toast is mashed eggs. Th eggs are hardboiled. Mash the eggs, add oil, and salt, and you have another tastey spread for your toast.
Pebre....mmm...pebre...is chili (ahi), minced onion, minced cilantro, oil, and salt, sometimes some garlic too....you can spread it on bread and it is good, or add a couple of spoons to your soup for flavor. My family adds it to everything when they have it. Potatos, meat, salad...whatever. They also pu ketchup on their pesto pasta, or cheese pasta, or the creamy sauce pasta that I can´t remember the name of...ketchup on pasta makes my stomach turn.
Lomo a la Pobre...poor man´s steak...aka..heart attack meal...this is either french fries or mashed potatoes with a steak and two fried eggs on top. Anything a la pobre seems to mean with two fried eggs. My host mom one day had white rice with two fried eggs on top...with ketchup of course. Yesterday we had mashed potatoes (puree) with wo hotdogs, and two fried eggs. Interesting to say the least.
There is alot of celery in Chile and compared to the celerey we buy at home...it is about twice as long. It is giant! Celerly is often cut into little sticks, salted, oiled, lemon-ed, and vinager-ed....it tastes delicious. Really. Another combo with the same sort of flavorings are tomatoes with onion. Other salad items with these flavors are corn, beets, carrots, brussel sprouts...and more. Salad here means a vegetable or various vegetables in little piles on your plate. You don´t buy a chef´s salad or Ceasar salad.
Parilladas...I don´t know if I have talked about this one before or not...but, we went out for Parilladas one night a while ago. A parillada is basically a bowl of meat. You know those paintings of bowls of fruit? They look so nice and elegant...well, replace the fruit with various types of meat and you have a parillada. It is family style bowl of meat. It has chicken legs and breasts. It has pork, beef, and some braided intestine looking things which I tried but....oohh...not tasty. There was blood sausage and churipan (a spicey sausage injected with ahi). The meal is definately equals heartburn but it is tastey.
Chileans are die hard meat eaters. They are also heavy bread eaters. At the store they have bread freshly baked about three times a day. The little bun styled peices of bread are sliced in half and put in the toaster. It is usually white bread and tastes alright. But, when you buy them...you either select a paper bag (for hot bread) or a plastic bag (for cold bread). You load a bag full of bread and take it to the person at the bread couter. The person there weighs the bread. Yes, you pay for bread by the Kilo here...although, you can buy loaves of bread for a specific price which is comparable to a loaf of bread at home. We eat bread for breakfast with margerino (marg) and mermalada, then I tried to avoid it the rest of the day...but, at night sometimes we have it with Palta and eggs.
Sopaipillas are tastey too. It is made of squash or potatoes...it is a bread that is fried, at least at our house. I tastes good with a little pebre or other salsas.
Another great salsa is jalapeños, garlic, cilantro, oil, salt, and a squeeze of lemon. Yum! Maybe even a little onion.
Cazuela is another tastey treat. It is very good on a cold day since it is a soup. It is a broth with rice. Then there is a peice of pumpkin or squash, potato, beef or chicken, and a chunk of corn on the cob. You eat the broth first with your spoon, then you eat the peices of meat and vegatables with a knife and fork.
Churrasco is a tasty sandwich! It is beef marinated, cut into thin slices, slices of salted and oiled tomatoes, and green beans (french cut style) on top of the tomato...between two slices of toasted bread. Good!
We have peanut butter. The Europeans have Nutella and the Chileans have Manjar. Manjar is carmelized sweet and condensed milk (at least that is my analysis). It was super tasty in my first Chilenito and it was tasty in this fried bread stick with manjar in the middle, but I have had so much of it that I just don´t like it. They used it for frosting on cakes. They put it on the pancakes. The put it on anything they want sweet. I cannot do it anymore. There aren´t too many things I won´t eat here. But, of the things I can only take in small doses...Manjar is on that list.
The other thing on my small doses list is sopa de Machas...or is it Manchas...no machas...machas are razor clams...manchas are stains. The razor clams are good, but it isn´t my favorite. We have them in soup. And, we have them baked with parmesian cheese. After they are baked, you sqeeze lemon over the top then eat it...OR, you can put a little bit of pebre on top.
So, that is kind of a quick run down on what I have been eating. I did go to McDonalds one day, because you have to go to McDonalds when you are out of the country. I honestly think the best mcD´s burger I have ever had is here in Chile. The meal deals are about $5-$6...burger, fry, and medium drink (with only two pieces of ice). They have a sandwhich they call the McNifica. It is a burger, tomato, lettuce, and some onion....so what is that, a big mac?
There really wasn´t anything that stuck out for me at the Mc D´s besides the Mc Nifica...it seemed to be the same. I thought they served empanadas, but I didn´t see them on the menu.
I will have to cook a Chilean meal when I get home....
jami
First, their main ingredients in anything are salt, vegetable oil, vinagre, lemon and cilantro. Things they add to just about everything are ketchup, mayonaise and Ahi. Anyone´s heart burning?
I have told you about the Empanadas and the completos (hot dogs), so I will start with something new...
Often times, we have palta. Palta means avocado. You take an avocado and mash it with a fork, Then you add oil and salt. This tasty little spread can be put on a freshly toasted peice of bread and it is quite tastey.
Another type of mash we put on our toast is mashed eggs. Th eggs are hardboiled. Mash the eggs, add oil, and salt, and you have another tastey spread for your toast.
Pebre....mmm...pebre...is chili (ahi), minced onion, minced cilantro, oil, and salt, sometimes some garlic too....you can spread it on bread and it is good, or add a couple of spoons to your soup for flavor. My family adds it to everything when they have it. Potatos, meat, salad...whatever. They also pu ketchup on their pesto pasta, or cheese pasta, or the creamy sauce pasta that I can´t remember the name of...ketchup on pasta makes my stomach turn.
Lomo a la Pobre...poor man´s steak...aka..heart attack meal...this is either french fries or mashed potatoes with a steak and two fried eggs on top. Anything a la pobre seems to mean with two fried eggs. My host mom one day had white rice with two fried eggs on top...with ketchup of course. Yesterday we had mashed potatoes (puree) with wo hotdogs, and two fried eggs. Interesting to say the least.
There is alot of celery in Chile and compared to the celerey we buy at home...it is about twice as long. It is giant! Celerly is often cut into little sticks, salted, oiled, lemon-ed, and vinager-ed....it tastes delicious. Really. Another combo with the same sort of flavorings are tomatoes with onion. Other salad items with these flavors are corn, beets, carrots, brussel sprouts...and more. Salad here means a vegetable or various vegetables in little piles on your plate. You don´t buy a chef´s salad or Ceasar salad.
Parilladas...I don´t know if I have talked about this one before or not...but, we went out for Parilladas one night a while ago. A parillada is basically a bowl of meat. You know those paintings of bowls of fruit? They look so nice and elegant...well, replace the fruit with various types of meat and you have a parillada. It is family style bowl of meat. It has chicken legs and breasts. It has pork, beef, and some braided intestine looking things which I tried but....oohh...not tasty. There was blood sausage and churipan (a spicey sausage injected with ahi). The meal is definately equals heartburn but it is tastey.
Chileans are die hard meat eaters. They are also heavy bread eaters. At the store they have bread freshly baked about three times a day. The little bun styled peices of bread are sliced in half and put in the toaster. It is usually white bread and tastes alright. But, when you buy them...you either select a paper bag (for hot bread) or a plastic bag (for cold bread). You load a bag full of bread and take it to the person at the bread couter. The person there weighs the bread. Yes, you pay for bread by the Kilo here...although, you can buy loaves of bread for a specific price which is comparable to a loaf of bread at home. We eat bread for breakfast with margerino (marg) and mermalada, then I tried to avoid it the rest of the day...but, at night sometimes we have it with Palta and eggs.
Sopaipillas are tastey too. It is made of squash or potatoes...it is a bread that is fried, at least at our house. I tastes good with a little pebre or other salsas.
Another great salsa is jalapeños, garlic, cilantro, oil, salt, and a squeeze of lemon. Yum! Maybe even a little onion.
Cazuela is another tastey treat. It is very good on a cold day since it is a soup. It is a broth with rice. Then there is a peice of pumpkin or squash, potato, beef or chicken, and a chunk of corn on the cob. You eat the broth first with your spoon, then you eat the peices of meat and vegatables with a knife and fork.
Churrasco is a tasty sandwich! It is beef marinated, cut into thin slices, slices of salted and oiled tomatoes, and green beans (french cut style) on top of the tomato...between two slices of toasted bread. Good!
We have peanut butter. The Europeans have Nutella and the Chileans have Manjar. Manjar is carmelized sweet and condensed milk (at least that is my analysis). It was super tasty in my first Chilenito and it was tasty in this fried bread stick with manjar in the middle, but I have had so much of it that I just don´t like it. They used it for frosting on cakes. They put it on the pancakes. The put it on anything they want sweet. I cannot do it anymore. There aren´t too many things I won´t eat here. But, of the things I can only take in small doses...Manjar is on that list.
The other thing on my small doses list is sopa de Machas...or is it Manchas...no machas...machas are razor clams...manchas are stains. The razor clams are good, but it isn´t my favorite. We have them in soup. And, we have them baked with parmesian cheese. After they are baked, you sqeeze lemon over the top then eat it...OR, you can put a little bit of pebre on top.
So, that is kind of a quick run down on what I have been eating. I did go to McDonalds one day, because you have to go to McDonalds when you are out of the country. I honestly think the best mcD´s burger I have ever had is here in Chile. The meal deals are about $5-$6...burger, fry, and medium drink (with only two pieces of ice). They have a sandwhich they call the McNifica. It is a burger, tomato, lettuce, and some onion....so what is that, a big mac?
There really wasn´t anything that stuck out for me at the Mc D´s besides the Mc Nifica...it seemed to be the same. I thought they served empanadas, but I didn´t see them on the menu.
I will have to cook a Chilean meal when I get home....
jami
La Salsa!
As I have gotten older, I have grown more cautious about my interactions with new people. You just never know what their intentions are and you just don´t know what their history is. Here in Chile, I have turned up my guard alert even more, because now there is the language barrier.
Well, last night I finally gave in to going out for a coffee with this woman who I met on my walk one day. She is living with her boyfriend and has two kids, so she just wanted to get out of the house for a bit. So, she took me to a place called Manhattan Bar. it was tucked away off the main drag, so I was policing everything I saw. The bar was actually very nice. We ended up having a beer instead of coffee and had some munchies.
We heard this clapping and music and saw that in the other room they were having Salsa lessons! Yes! So, the instructor invited us to join the lesson. (You really have to be alert on ¨te invito¨ and ¨Me invites¨. The first one is, I invite you. The second is, you invite me. If you invite someone, you are paying...you aren´t just simply inviting someone to join you. It can lead to some confusion. So, because the instructor invited us, we didn´t have to pay for this lesson)
Lessons are 2000 pesos, which is $4. Every Monday and Wednesday at 8pm. You know where I will be every Monday and Wednesday night now! He told me he thought I could learn the Salsa in 2 months. I sure hope so! I am the first Gringa to take dance lessons in this location!
ha ha...cheers!
jami
Well, last night I finally gave in to going out for a coffee with this woman who I met on my walk one day. She is living with her boyfriend and has two kids, so she just wanted to get out of the house for a bit. So, she took me to a place called Manhattan Bar. it was tucked away off the main drag, so I was policing everything I saw. The bar was actually very nice. We ended up having a beer instead of coffee and had some munchies.
We heard this clapping and music and saw that in the other room they were having Salsa lessons! Yes! So, the instructor invited us to join the lesson. (You really have to be alert on ¨te invito¨ and ¨Me invites¨. The first one is, I invite you. The second is, you invite me. If you invite someone, you are paying...you aren´t just simply inviting someone to join you. It can lead to some confusion. So, because the instructor invited us, we didn´t have to pay for this lesson)
Lessons are 2000 pesos, which is $4. Every Monday and Wednesday at 8pm. You know where I will be every Monday and Wednesday night now! He told me he thought I could learn the Salsa in 2 months. I sure hope so! I am the first Gringa to take dance lessons in this location!
ha ha...cheers!
jami
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Parade Photos...
I seriously have hundreds of photos from this trip and probably about 40 from the parade...but here are some photos to share....
This is a little Huasa girl in the parade.
This is a little guy and his Papi.
Again, there were at least a hundred huasos in the parade.....
Huaso with the CHilean flag...yes, it does resemble the Texas flag.
And, the little guys drumming. Yep, they start ém young!
This is a little Huasa girl in the parade.This is a little guy and his Papi.
Again, there were at least a hundred huasos in the parade.....
Huaso with the CHilean flag...yes, it does resemble the Texas flag.
And, the little guys drumming. Yep, they start ém young!
Pisco Sour and other beves...
Pisco is the national liquor of Chile, however if you ask a Peruvian they might say otherwise. Chile and Peru have been battling out who is the original producer of Pisco. The debate has made the courts, but as far as I know...neither country has won.
Pisco is a liquor made from fermented Grapes. It is used to make a drink, the national drink, Pisco Sour. As I have said before it is to Chile as the Margarita is to Mexico. The drink consists of Pisco (3 parts), Limon de Pico (1 part, which is like a key lime?), ice, and sugar. Put it in a blender, mix it up, and you have a pisco sour. There are variations of course, but I really can´t tell the difference. I haven´t tasted a bad one yet! ha!
Other Pisco drinks include Mango Sour and Chirimoya Sour. These are known to be aparativos...before dinner drinks. Also, people mix Pisco with Coca-cola.
Another popular drink is Vaina. It is very nice for a cold day because it warms up your insides. This isn´t to say that any alcohol won´t do that...but it is just a warmer beverage, kind of like drinking a dark beer on a winter day...more appropriate than a light Corona.
The Vaina is....
60 ml Sherry
30 ml chocolate liqueur
30 ml cognac
2 -3 tbsp powdered sugar
1 egg yolk
When they told me there was an egg yolk in the drink I was a little taken aback...but, because it is so tastey, you just don´t think about it. You might srinkle a little cinnamin on top for extra flavor.
Punche (punch) is another tasty beverage...champaign, vino blanco, and pineapplie juice for the one I tried....but, they also have peach, mango, strawberry (which is made with vino tinto...red wine)...so, you can play around with that one.
Chicha is another tasty beverage (gosh, I am starting to feel like a lush). This is something Chileans drink during the September 18 holiday. I had a small glass. It is very sweet. I tried to look up the recipe but it doesn´t appear to be what I was told...so...you will have to wait on that one.
Of course, Chileans drink alot of wine. Beer is available of course. The brew Kuntsman is very popular with a nice selection. Their brewery is in Valdivia. Crystal and Escudo are two others I have tried. They are alright. I haven´t seen or noticed Budweiser, Coors, or any of the top brands from the US. But, the guy who works at the casino at school (casino being the place to buy snacks...it was the Canteen in Ireland) wears a Coors Light hat. His Amigo sent it to him.
Some other odd things Chileans do with beverages of the alcoholic sort...Fanshop (sp?). It is orange fanta with beer. I still haven´t tried it, but I will before I leave. I have to. Also, they mix red wine and coca-cola. Again, another something I need to break down and try before I leave...there is just something very unappealing with the two combinations that I can´t get past right now. But, it could be something like the peanut butter cheeseburger at T-bocks in Decorah, Iowa...it doesn´t sound appealing but, by golly, it is delicious!
On a special occassion you might have a shot of amaretto, hazelnut, whiskey, or another liqueur for an after dinner drink...a sipping sort of shot.
So, there you have kind of an idea of the beverages I have been tasting in Chile....beverages of the alcohol sort. Of the non-alcohol sort it is coffee, tea, juice, and flavored milk. Yes, flavored. Papaya, Mango, Chirimoya, Strawberries, vanilla, and more. It is really like watered down yogurt. They have normal milk in the box. It is ok. It isn´t the same as milk at home, but it will do. Just don´t buy the skim milk. It tends to be chunky. I was drinking a class of it one day and felt all these chunks in my mouth and I spit them right back into the glass. My host mom looked at me and said, yep, ok, we won´t buy skim milk anymore. We have juice too, orange, peach, nectorine, apple (the apple is delicious here...like watered down apple sauce), and other flavors. Nothing too out of the ordinary. I buy regular juice for myself, but the family buys light. Everything is light here. People are crazy about light products. I don´t trust light, so I buy the normal one. We drink a flavored tea after dinner...like mint. It is better for digestion they tell me. I don´t always drink it though.
Cappaccino here isn´t cappaccino at Starbucks. It is coffee with a ton of whipped cream on top. There is a tasty Cafe helado...which is coffee and icecream with whipped cream on top. It is super good. I am certain it is instant coffee in chocolate milk, poured over icecream...but I need to try it. Tasty!
Alright, next I will have to give a food rundown...BUT, for now...I am going to bed. Buenas noches....
jami
jami
Pisco is a liquor made from fermented Grapes. It is used to make a drink, the national drink, Pisco Sour. As I have said before it is to Chile as the Margarita is to Mexico. The drink consists of Pisco (3 parts), Limon de Pico (1 part, which is like a key lime?), ice, and sugar. Put it in a blender, mix it up, and you have a pisco sour. There are variations of course, but I really can´t tell the difference. I haven´t tasted a bad one yet! ha!
Other Pisco drinks include Mango Sour and Chirimoya Sour. These are known to be aparativos...before dinner drinks. Also, people mix Pisco with Coca-cola.
Another popular drink is Vaina. It is very nice for a cold day because it warms up your insides. This isn´t to say that any alcohol won´t do that...but it is just a warmer beverage, kind of like drinking a dark beer on a winter day...more appropriate than a light Corona.
The Vaina is....
60 ml Sherry
30 ml chocolate liqueur
30 ml cognac
2 -3 tbsp powdered sugar
1 egg yolk
When they told me there was an egg yolk in the drink I was a little taken aback...but, because it is so tastey, you just don´t think about it. You might srinkle a little cinnamin on top for extra flavor.
Punche (punch) is another tasty beverage...champaign, vino blanco, and pineapplie juice for the one I tried....but, they also have peach, mango, strawberry (which is made with vino tinto...red wine)...so, you can play around with that one.
Chicha is another tasty beverage (gosh, I am starting to feel like a lush). This is something Chileans drink during the September 18 holiday. I had a small glass. It is very sweet. I tried to look up the recipe but it doesn´t appear to be what I was told...so...you will have to wait on that one.
Of course, Chileans drink alot of wine. Beer is available of course. The brew Kuntsman is very popular with a nice selection. Their brewery is in Valdivia. Crystal and Escudo are two others I have tried. They are alright. I haven´t seen or noticed Budweiser, Coors, or any of the top brands from the US. But, the guy who works at the casino at school (casino being the place to buy snacks...it was the Canteen in Ireland) wears a Coors Light hat. His Amigo sent it to him.
Some other odd things Chileans do with beverages of the alcoholic sort...Fanshop (sp?). It is orange fanta with beer. I still haven´t tried it, but I will before I leave. I have to. Also, they mix red wine and coca-cola. Again, another something I need to break down and try before I leave...there is just something very unappealing with the two combinations that I can´t get past right now. But, it could be something like the peanut butter cheeseburger at T-bocks in Decorah, Iowa...it doesn´t sound appealing but, by golly, it is delicious!
On a special occassion you might have a shot of amaretto, hazelnut, whiskey, or another liqueur for an after dinner drink...a sipping sort of shot.
So, there you have kind of an idea of the beverages I have been tasting in Chile....beverages of the alcohol sort. Of the non-alcohol sort it is coffee, tea, juice, and flavored milk. Yes, flavored. Papaya, Mango, Chirimoya, Strawberries, vanilla, and more. It is really like watered down yogurt. They have normal milk in the box. It is ok. It isn´t the same as milk at home, but it will do. Just don´t buy the skim milk. It tends to be chunky. I was drinking a class of it one day and felt all these chunks in my mouth and I spit them right back into the glass. My host mom looked at me and said, yep, ok, we won´t buy skim milk anymore. We have juice too, orange, peach, nectorine, apple (the apple is delicious here...like watered down apple sauce), and other flavors. Nothing too out of the ordinary. I buy regular juice for myself, but the family buys light. Everything is light here. People are crazy about light products. I don´t trust light, so I buy the normal one. We drink a flavored tea after dinner...like mint. It is better for digestion they tell me. I don´t always drink it though.
Cappaccino here isn´t cappaccino at Starbucks. It is coffee with a ton of whipped cream on top. There is a tasty Cafe helado...which is coffee and icecream with whipped cream on top. It is super good. I am certain it is instant coffee in chocolate milk, poured over icecream...but I need to try it. Tasty!
Alright, next I will have to give a food rundown...BUT, for now...I am going to bed. Buenas noches....
jami
jami
Festivities of September 18
This week has been filled with preparations and festivities.
Tuesday night, when I returned home from school, I started helping Angelica. We were making nearly 80 empanadas de piño and this required 2 Kilos of carne de vaca (cow) and 55 onions. Yes, 55. I chopped 15 onions in the same amount of time that Angelica chopped 40. We laughed alot, as at one point I was crying so hard I couldn´t see what I was doing. The trick was standing by the opened door and running water. With this, my vision greatly increased.
All the chopped onion is reduced on the stove and cooked until the onion is transparent. The juice is drained. The meat is finely chopped and seasones with a mixture of garlic, oregano, salt, and cumin (at least that is my guess...I´ll know it when I smell it). The meat is cooked on the stove until it is done, then the onion is added...this mixture sat over night. Wednesday would be dough day.
The surprise when I got home that day was a lamb on the table. Freshly killed, skinned, beheaded, behooved (if I can say that)...right there on the kitchen table. The family walked across the street to get the butcher to cut the legs and other chops of meat. Not everyday the butcher comes to your house with a couple of butcher knives and a hand saw.
Wednesday was a festival day at school. All the students, the classes, cook something to sell. So, there are students selling food, more cueca, and games. It was only a half day of school, so to relax a bit and get some good solo time in before the festivities really began, I went for a walk.
I stopped in to see the couple at the souvenier shop. We always chat longer than I expect, but it is always enjoyable. The husband gave me a bottle of Syrah´s Late Harvest vine as a gift. I thought we could open it this weekend but Ana tells me to save it and take it home...so, ok, I will. From there I went to get a bottle of Pisco...Pisco is to Chile what Tequila is to Mexico. A Pisco Sour is the Margarita of CHile. I thought I would contribute something to the festivities. Then, I stopped to buy some flowers for decoration. When I returned home, Angelica was finishing the empanadas, so I am kicking myself for missing the dough making process. An empanada is basically a small calzone, about the size of small plate. Inside there is Piño (beef and onion), chicken, seafish, or cheese. They are super tastey. Also inside the píño is an olive (with the pit) and a slice of hardboiled egg. I dont´know why. First time I saw it, I thought someone was cleaning out their fridge while they were cooking. :) Empanadas are either baked or fried. At the end of the day, Angelica had made 105 empanadas. Nearly all of them are gone.
Seriously, I have never eaten so much food in my life as I have this weekend. First night was red wine and empanadas. We all went to bed at a reasonable hour, as the next day would be busy.
The next morning was breakfast (toast and coffee). We, the visiting family from Santiago (Jorge, Claudia, Francisca, JAviera, and Maria Paz) went to the Parade at 11:30. We found a spot on the corner and could see alright. THe parade was only about 3 blocks long. Everyone stands and it lasted 3 hours! The first part of the parade is very formal...introductions of the mayor and other important people. I seriously started wondering if we were going to see a parade, it was so long. From there the first marching band comes out. They don´t march and play. They stand, facing the mayor and all the other important people, while playing a marching beat. They switched out the band about four times, so all the schools would be represented. But, first the army marched in with their camo, packs, and guns. They stopped to salute the mayor. Then, all the schools marched. When I say all the schools, I mean all the schools and the students. There were some tractors, motorcycles, and firetrucks. Some Cueca and about 200 huasos on their horses, one was even drunk and made the loop twice, looking like his saddle was about to slide off the side. When the firetrucks pass the mayor, the driver gets out to salute the mayor while they truck continues to move foreward without the driver. Then, he jumps back in. I thought that was interesting. All the students marched in full uniform. The girls, at our school, had to have matching ponytails and hair ties. Chileans are very serious about formalities, appearances, and ¨the show¨.
After the parade we ate empanadas for lunch with soup. This was at about 3:30 pm. We had Pisco sours, Chirimoya sours, beer, and wine. Later a Asado (or BBQ)...by later I mean I was eating dinner at 1am. For the BBQ, it was lamb roasted over a fire, celery, pototatoes, tomatoes, Punché (white wine, champaign, pineapple, and pineapple icecream), and vino! Uff Da! What a feast! Also, while everything was cooking, we danced the Cueca.
We left the party at about 2:30-3:00am and went to pick up the kids (Felipe, Francisca, and Javiera...) from the Ramada in Palmilla. A ramada is not the inn here. It is a gathering where people have food booths where they sell food. There are lots of tables set up for eating, drinking, and conversing. And there is dancing. BAscially it is a huge drunk fest. The kids went there to hang out. When we went to get them is was insanely crowded with drunk people. By the time we got home, I just went to my room and crashed.
The next morning, I made pancakes. Then, the girls wanted me to go for a bike ride with them. I came back and took a quick ten minute snooze in the lawn. That was about all I could get before little Maria Paz wanted to do cartwheels. I don´t know why I subject myself to body aches...a couple of weeks ago I decided to climb the pole at school, nearly making it to the top, but I ached for a good week. Now, I was doing cartwheels, head stands, handstands and whatever else. My body is a little sore.
We ate empanadas shortly after, again. Then, got ready to go to another Asado...Lamb again. This time at the house of another friend. THey had sheep, lambs, horses, the works...out in the country. I rode one of the horses for a bit. Then just enjoyed the scenary. The son of the family had spent 6 months in MN during high school, so we chated about MN. They family was constructing a new house, so we had the tour of the foundation. We had arrived around 3:00-4:00 and didn´t eat until 7pm. I was starving. Once it was too dark to see, we headed back home where we rested for a couple of hours, then went to the new Casino. This was about 10:30pm. It cost about $5 to enter and inside I lost about $20. My hopes of doubling my stipend are over! :)
We came home and I went to bed. Next day would be Asado at our house.
We woke up and Maria Paz wanted to help me with pancakes again, so we made pancakes. Shortly after breakfast, the empanadas came out again, more punché, beer, pisco, and vino. The tables we set and lamb, churipan, beef, salmon, were all cooked on the grill outside. After dinner, another round of Cueca began. I am finally getting it down, or at least I think so.
Around 7pm, things died down and we all took naps. I watched a couple of movies and decided to call it a night. The kids went back to Palmilla to dance and have fun around 11:30-Midnight...I knew I wasn´t going to make it. I am beat! Needless to say, I am enjoying a very lazy Sunday!
Tomorrow, we are back to school!
This was a very good weekend and I am very happy to have had the priviledge to enjoy the celebration of independence here in Chile. These Chileans don´t mess around with food, beverage, or fiestas. Aye!
Cheers!
jami
Tuesday night, when I returned home from school, I started helping Angelica. We were making nearly 80 empanadas de piño and this required 2 Kilos of carne de vaca (cow) and 55 onions. Yes, 55. I chopped 15 onions in the same amount of time that Angelica chopped 40. We laughed alot, as at one point I was crying so hard I couldn´t see what I was doing. The trick was standing by the opened door and running water. With this, my vision greatly increased.
All the chopped onion is reduced on the stove and cooked until the onion is transparent. The juice is drained. The meat is finely chopped and seasones with a mixture of garlic, oregano, salt, and cumin (at least that is my guess...I´ll know it when I smell it). The meat is cooked on the stove until it is done, then the onion is added...this mixture sat over night. Wednesday would be dough day.
The surprise when I got home that day was a lamb on the table. Freshly killed, skinned, beheaded, behooved (if I can say that)...right there on the kitchen table. The family walked across the street to get the butcher to cut the legs and other chops of meat. Not everyday the butcher comes to your house with a couple of butcher knives and a hand saw.
Wednesday was a festival day at school. All the students, the classes, cook something to sell. So, there are students selling food, more cueca, and games. It was only a half day of school, so to relax a bit and get some good solo time in before the festivities really began, I went for a walk.
I stopped in to see the couple at the souvenier shop. We always chat longer than I expect, but it is always enjoyable. The husband gave me a bottle of Syrah´s Late Harvest vine as a gift. I thought we could open it this weekend but Ana tells me to save it and take it home...so, ok, I will. From there I went to get a bottle of Pisco...Pisco is to Chile what Tequila is to Mexico. A Pisco Sour is the Margarita of CHile. I thought I would contribute something to the festivities. Then, I stopped to buy some flowers for decoration. When I returned home, Angelica was finishing the empanadas, so I am kicking myself for missing the dough making process. An empanada is basically a small calzone, about the size of small plate. Inside there is Piño (beef and onion), chicken, seafish, or cheese. They are super tastey. Also inside the píño is an olive (with the pit) and a slice of hardboiled egg. I dont´know why. First time I saw it, I thought someone was cleaning out their fridge while they were cooking. :) Empanadas are either baked or fried. At the end of the day, Angelica had made 105 empanadas. Nearly all of them are gone.
Seriously, I have never eaten so much food in my life as I have this weekend. First night was red wine and empanadas. We all went to bed at a reasonable hour, as the next day would be busy.
The next morning was breakfast (toast and coffee). We, the visiting family from Santiago (Jorge, Claudia, Francisca, JAviera, and Maria Paz) went to the Parade at 11:30. We found a spot on the corner and could see alright. THe parade was only about 3 blocks long. Everyone stands and it lasted 3 hours! The first part of the parade is very formal...introductions of the mayor and other important people. I seriously started wondering if we were going to see a parade, it was so long. From there the first marching band comes out. They don´t march and play. They stand, facing the mayor and all the other important people, while playing a marching beat. They switched out the band about four times, so all the schools would be represented. But, first the army marched in with their camo, packs, and guns. They stopped to salute the mayor. Then, all the schools marched. When I say all the schools, I mean all the schools and the students. There were some tractors, motorcycles, and firetrucks. Some Cueca and about 200 huasos on their horses, one was even drunk and made the loop twice, looking like his saddle was about to slide off the side. When the firetrucks pass the mayor, the driver gets out to salute the mayor while they truck continues to move foreward without the driver. Then, he jumps back in. I thought that was interesting. All the students marched in full uniform. The girls, at our school, had to have matching ponytails and hair ties. Chileans are very serious about formalities, appearances, and ¨the show¨.
After the parade we ate empanadas for lunch with soup. This was at about 3:30 pm. We had Pisco sours, Chirimoya sours, beer, and wine. Later a Asado (or BBQ)...by later I mean I was eating dinner at 1am. For the BBQ, it was lamb roasted over a fire, celery, pototatoes, tomatoes, Punché (white wine, champaign, pineapple, and pineapple icecream), and vino! Uff Da! What a feast! Also, while everything was cooking, we danced the Cueca.
We left the party at about 2:30-3:00am and went to pick up the kids (Felipe, Francisca, and Javiera...) from the Ramada in Palmilla. A ramada is not the inn here. It is a gathering where people have food booths where they sell food. There are lots of tables set up for eating, drinking, and conversing. And there is dancing. BAscially it is a huge drunk fest. The kids went there to hang out. When we went to get them is was insanely crowded with drunk people. By the time we got home, I just went to my room and crashed.
The next morning, I made pancakes. Then, the girls wanted me to go for a bike ride with them. I came back and took a quick ten minute snooze in the lawn. That was about all I could get before little Maria Paz wanted to do cartwheels. I don´t know why I subject myself to body aches...a couple of weeks ago I decided to climb the pole at school, nearly making it to the top, but I ached for a good week. Now, I was doing cartwheels, head stands, handstands and whatever else. My body is a little sore.
We ate empanadas shortly after, again. Then, got ready to go to another Asado...Lamb again. This time at the house of another friend. THey had sheep, lambs, horses, the works...out in the country. I rode one of the horses for a bit. Then just enjoyed the scenary. The son of the family had spent 6 months in MN during high school, so we chated about MN. They family was constructing a new house, so we had the tour of the foundation. We had arrived around 3:00-4:00 and didn´t eat until 7pm. I was starving. Once it was too dark to see, we headed back home where we rested for a couple of hours, then went to the new Casino. This was about 10:30pm. It cost about $5 to enter and inside I lost about $20. My hopes of doubling my stipend are over! :)
We came home and I went to bed. Next day would be Asado at our house.
We woke up and Maria Paz wanted to help me with pancakes again, so we made pancakes. Shortly after breakfast, the empanadas came out again, more punché, beer, pisco, and vino. The tables we set and lamb, churipan, beef, salmon, were all cooked on the grill outside. After dinner, another round of Cueca began. I am finally getting it down, or at least I think so.
Around 7pm, things died down and we all took naps. I watched a couple of movies and decided to call it a night. The kids went back to Palmilla to dance and have fun around 11:30-Midnight...I knew I wasn´t going to make it. I am beat! Needless to say, I am enjoying a very lazy Sunday!
Tomorrow, we are back to school!
This was a very good weekend and I am very happy to have had the priviledge to enjoy the celebration of independence here in Chile. These Chileans don´t mess around with food, beverage, or fiestas. Aye!
Cheers!
jami
Sunday, September 14, 2008
And the Package...
Customs is holding my package hostage for $400. Don´t send packages to South America! Funny thing is, first time I talked to them they wanted $200. I told them for $400 they could keep it. My mother so kindly called up DHL shipping to yell at them from state side, we will see if that results in anything. If not, hopefully whatever Aduana (customs) agent wins the rock paper scissors game for my translator actually uses it or at least gets top dollar for it! :)
Efficiency...
Ah...in the car ride Juan quizzed me on the things I don´t like about CHile. He says, I don´t want to know what is good, I want to know the things that bother you. Ha ha....open the floodgates buddy and sound the alarms! Alright, there aren´t that many things that bother me, but it was an open door I chose to take.
So, on the topic of school, I told him I don´t understand why you all spend so much time at school and I don´t understand why students need to copy pages and pages of information. He looked at me and laughed...and agreed it didn´t make sense. Then, he says, people from the US Jami don´t waste time....Chileans waste alot of time. They may work for 8 hours, but the result is only about 5 hours of work. Ahh...it isn´t just me that recognizes this! yay!
Then, he corrected me on the pass or fail you still move ahead that I had written about before. If a student fails a class, they have to repeat that year (?). Shoot, now I cannot remember...
Alright...now voy a acostarme.
Buenas,
jami
So, on the topic of school, I told him I don´t understand why you all spend so much time at school and I don´t understand why students need to copy pages and pages of information. He looked at me and laughed...and agreed it didn´t make sense. Then, he says, people from the US Jami don´t waste time....Chileans waste alot of time. They may work for 8 hours, but the result is only about 5 hours of work. Ahh...it isn´t just me that recognizes this! yay!
Then, he corrected me on the pass or fail you still move ahead that I had written about before. If a student fails a class, they have to repeat that year (?). Shoot, now I cannot remember...
Alright...now voy a acostarme.
Buenas,
jami
Valle de los Artistas
This weekend has been a weekend to relax, as I think I have mentioned before. The September 18 festivities are only days away. Francisco had the front gate sanded and revarnished and it looks nice.
I spent the day relaxing, listening to the music some students had burned onto a CD for me. I looked at my schedule for tomorrow for a rato (quick moment) and then decided to start doodling. I had bought a little drawing book and some colored pencils in Santiago when I first arrived and sometimes I pull it out. I was told of a great way to make some glasses out of wine bottles. My orginal thought had something to do with the bases of the bottles for a glass project but I wasn´t sure how to cut out th base. Our Nany told me all I needed was some string, kerosene, and a match. I think I will try this when I get home. I started sketching out my thoughts, but those thoughts started to turn into some creatures that could be equally as fun to make. We will see.
The rest of the afternoon was a trip to the Valle de las Artistas. If I hadn´t seen a student project with pictures of the sculptures, I wouldn´t have known it had existed. Ana and I went with another teacher, Juan (who the students call Mr. Bean because he looks like Mr. Bean and he is funny). We drove and drove and drove. Black topped roads turned to gravel roads and soon we were driving through vineyards. We laughed as we thought we would never get to this Valley that none of us had seen. Ana turned the wheel over to me toward the end of the trip, since she wasn´t so sure on some of the roads. We nearly got stuck at one turn around, as the road we had been on had a huge trench that we weren´t going to be able to cross.
We took some pictures and admired the views....thought about the sculptures, as some of them were quite interesting, or strange. We laughed some more and then I drove us home. This was the first time I really drove in Chile. I usually don´t, only because I don´t want any accidents to happen on my uninsured ass. I have to admit, though, that the one thing I realized I really miss is the freedom an automobile brings. I might have to rent a car one day and go for a drive...we will see. ;)
Well, that is the news for today. Tomorrow is Monday y voy a acostarme (I am going to sleep).
Buenas Noches,
jami
I spent the day relaxing, listening to the music some students had burned onto a CD for me. I looked at my schedule for tomorrow for a rato (quick moment) and then decided to start doodling. I had bought a little drawing book and some colored pencils in Santiago when I first arrived and sometimes I pull it out. I was told of a great way to make some glasses out of wine bottles. My orginal thought had something to do with the bases of the bottles for a glass project but I wasn´t sure how to cut out th base. Our Nany told me all I needed was some string, kerosene, and a match. I think I will try this when I get home. I started sketching out my thoughts, but those thoughts started to turn into some creatures that could be equally as fun to make. We will see.
The rest of the afternoon was a trip to the Valle de las Artistas. If I hadn´t seen a student project with pictures of the sculptures, I wouldn´t have known it had existed. Ana and I went with another teacher, Juan (who the students call Mr. Bean because he looks like Mr. Bean and he is funny). We drove and drove and drove. Black topped roads turned to gravel roads and soon we were driving through vineyards. We laughed as we thought we would never get to this Valley that none of us had seen. Ana turned the wheel over to me toward the end of the trip, since she wasn´t so sure on some of the roads. We nearly got stuck at one turn around, as the road we had been on had a huge trench that we weren´t going to be able to cross.
We took some pictures and admired the views....thought about the sculptures, as some of them were quite interesting, or strange. We laughed some more and then I drove us home. This was the first time I really drove in Chile. I usually don´t, only because I don´t want any accidents to happen on my uninsured ass. I have to admit, though, that the one thing I realized I really miss is the freedom an automobile brings. I might have to rent a car one day and go for a drive...we will see. ;)
Well, that is the news for today. Tomorrow is Monday y voy a acostarme (I am going to sleep).
Buenas Noches,
jami
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Mi Horario (my schedule)
Schools days are very long in CHile. In fact, I wonder why they have to be so long all the time...since they seem ridiculously long. I was pleased to hear a teacher comment on the efficiencey of the Chilean system, according to a recent report. It isn´t efficient. Chileans spend alot of time in school, but the results are poor. I don´t have any numbers for you.
First of all, they day starts at 8:15am and goes until 5:30 pm. Students have an hour for lunch. STudents are assigned to a course. 1st and 2nd graders (freshmen Sophomores) are in the same class, meaning with the same group of people, for two years. Then for 3rd and 4th, they elect their specialty and they are with that class for the next 2 years. When I say with that class, I mean they are in the same classroom all day with the same people. Teachers move, students don´t. I like the unity it brings between students, but after that, I am not sure how productive it is.
The grading scale is 1-7. A blue mark goes in the book for 4-7 and a red mark goes into the book for 1-3. There is one book for every course. It is the bible for that classroom. In the book, handwritten, are contact information for every student, the level of education the parents have, behavior issues, etc. They even have a section for photos. In the book, every teacher has a section for general lessons, or activities, they did with the class and a section for marks. Because the marks are hand written...blue pen is used for blue marks and red for red marks. I think this is where the terms blue and red marks came from...pass or fail. It is also a visual for a teacher...to see where the red marks are and where a students may be stuggling.
The book does have a backup. Teachers put the grades into the computer, as there have been days the book has gone missing. Every couple of weeks, the inspector checks the book, putting a special stamp with his initials.
Students continue on whether they pass or fail a class. When they are assigned to a course, they are taking all the courses assigned to that course. So, the whole class will be taking Algebra 1...whether everyone is ready for it or not. This is where my questions of efficiency come in with the one classroom. For example, I have students in a class that can speak wonderful English and I have others that can hardly put together a simple sentence. If we had levels, I could make a better lesson for both parties. But, I guess we have that in the states too...it is always a struggle to bring diverse levels of learners to one point. This is when I realize I am still learning how to be a good teacher.
So, everyday is a different day for me. (every class period is 45 minutes. Two classes make up a block. After every block, there is a 15 minute break)
Lunes (monday)
We start out the day with a teachers meeting. This is done during school hours, so students have a free hour in the morning.
Then, I have class with 4th tourism. We go to a separate room where I work with half the class...so around 15 students.
Then I have two hours of Animation...which is the class taht is a cross between PE and summer camp.
Then, I have class with the other half of 4th tourism.
Then, I go to my own class, language for 45 minutes.
Then, I go home for Lunch at 1:15-1:30
I return to school at 5:30 for a small class with 1st graders.
Then,I come home and teach a private lesson.
Martes (Tuesday): My big day!
A block with 4th tourism
A block with 3rd secretary
A free block
Lunch with students
A block with 2nd E
45 minute break
History class for me 45 min.
then my after school hour with 3rd tourism
Miercoles (wednesday)
First block with 4th tourism
Second block with 3rd tourism
Then I walk home and help Angelica cook...or I just watch....then, eat.
Back to school for last block with 1st E (who are hellions)
The my after school hour with 3rd tourism....yes, they stay at school until 6:30 those days...
Jueves (Thursday)
Super easy day!
I have my history lesson
Lunch with students...then last block with 2nd A---and then another after school class with 1st graders
Viernes (Friday): half day for everyone...
A block with 3rd tourism.
Then my afterschool hour with 3rd and 4th tourism. However, this has turned into a take Jami on a field trip day.
Many days, especially now with the change of seasons, the number of students who stay after school are slim. I can completely understand, seeing how they have been at school for the entire day. Some students have long bus rides home...nearly an hour. Some practice sports, or just go hang out...sometimes they ahve homework to do or projects that demand more time. The other day, students skipped my class to copy 80 pages of a book. At first I thought they meant take notes on what they read....but then I saw their copies and sure enough, word for word! Why is what I continue to ask? What is the point? I am still waiting for a good answer. To me it is a waste of time...and FOME! (boring).
Ok...I am going to go study my spanish! Ciao!
jami
First of all, they day starts at 8:15am and goes until 5:30 pm. Students have an hour for lunch. STudents are assigned to a course. 1st and 2nd graders (freshmen Sophomores) are in the same class, meaning with the same group of people, for two years. Then for 3rd and 4th, they elect their specialty and they are with that class for the next 2 years. When I say with that class, I mean they are in the same classroom all day with the same people. Teachers move, students don´t. I like the unity it brings between students, but after that, I am not sure how productive it is.
The grading scale is 1-7. A blue mark goes in the book for 4-7 and a red mark goes into the book for 1-3. There is one book for every course. It is the bible for that classroom. In the book, handwritten, are contact information for every student, the level of education the parents have, behavior issues, etc. They even have a section for photos. In the book, every teacher has a section for general lessons, or activities, they did with the class and a section for marks. Because the marks are hand written...blue pen is used for blue marks and red for red marks. I think this is where the terms blue and red marks came from...pass or fail. It is also a visual for a teacher...to see where the red marks are and where a students may be stuggling.
The book does have a backup. Teachers put the grades into the computer, as there have been days the book has gone missing. Every couple of weeks, the inspector checks the book, putting a special stamp with his initials.
Students continue on whether they pass or fail a class. When they are assigned to a course, they are taking all the courses assigned to that course. So, the whole class will be taking Algebra 1...whether everyone is ready for it or not. This is where my questions of efficiency come in with the one classroom. For example, I have students in a class that can speak wonderful English and I have others that can hardly put together a simple sentence. If we had levels, I could make a better lesson for both parties. But, I guess we have that in the states too...it is always a struggle to bring diverse levels of learners to one point. This is when I realize I am still learning how to be a good teacher.
So, everyday is a different day for me. (every class period is 45 minutes. Two classes make up a block. After every block, there is a 15 minute break)
Lunes (monday)
We start out the day with a teachers meeting. This is done during school hours, so students have a free hour in the morning.
Then, I have class with 4th tourism. We go to a separate room where I work with half the class...so around 15 students.
Then I have two hours of Animation...which is the class taht is a cross between PE and summer camp.
Then, I have class with the other half of 4th tourism.
Then, I go to my own class, language for 45 minutes.
Then, I go home for Lunch at 1:15-1:30
I return to school at 5:30 for a small class with 1st graders.
Then,I come home and teach a private lesson.
Martes (Tuesday): My big day!
A block with 4th tourism
A block with 3rd secretary
A free block
Lunch with students
A block with 2nd E
45 minute break
History class for me 45 min.
then my after school hour with 3rd tourism
Miercoles (wednesday)
First block with 4th tourism
Second block with 3rd tourism
Then I walk home and help Angelica cook...or I just watch....then, eat.
Back to school for last block with 1st E (who are hellions)
The my after school hour with 3rd tourism....yes, they stay at school until 6:30 those days...
Jueves (Thursday)
Super easy day!
I have my history lesson
Lunch with students...then last block with 2nd A---and then another after school class with 1st graders
Viernes (Friday): half day for everyone...
A block with 3rd tourism.
Then my afterschool hour with 3rd and 4th tourism. However, this has turned into a take Jami on a field trip day.
Many days, especially now with the change of seasons, the number of students who stay after school are slim. I can completely understand, seeing how they have been at school for the entire day. Some students have long bus rides home...nearly an hour. Some practice sports, or just go hang out...sometimes they ahve homework to do or projects that demand more time. The other day, students skipped my class to copy 80 pages of a book. At first I thought they meant take notes on what they read....but then I saw their copies and sure enough, word for word! Why is what I continue to ask? What is the point? I am still waiting for a good answer. To me it is a waste of time...and FOME! (boring).
Ok...I am going to go study my spanish! Ciao!
jami
Friday, September 12, 2008
Primavera...ahh...yes!
Spring time is in the air! Today was a beautiful day! I even put on my shorts and took a nap in the grass. Very nice!
I went with Ana to el campo (the country side) to buy eggs, because eggs are best from the countryside...free range...real yellow yolks.
Things are really starting to change around here. The vistas are looking more green, the leaves on the trees are starting to open up and there are SO MANY flowering trees in bloom right now. It is so pretty. Soon, I am sure, things will be fully opened! I cannot wait. So far, I am enjoying the transition and the excitement of seeing things open up!
This time of year is the time for people to clean up their yards and paint their house, just before the 18 Sept independence day celebration! Ana asked out Nany to make 100 empanadas for the festivities! 100! Wow! This is like hotdogs on the fourth of july! I am excited for the day to come! Sounds like just about everyone in town will be wearing the Huaso attire!
Last night we went to the Cirque de Soli...Alegria! Wow! Fantastik! Afterwards, some friends of the family, the same ones we skied with last weekend, drove us to the bus terminal. Evidently, sept 11 in Chile is the day that Pinochet, after Pinochet took over the country, he had put almost everyone from Allende´s government into the futbol stadium and they were killed. So, every September 11th, there are riots in the city. So, to avoid having to risk the metro, these family friends took us directly to the bus station.
As we were pulling out of the bus station, we were told to close the drapes because of the Sept 11th dangers. Rather interesting I thought...I tried peaking out the windows, but couldn´t see anything.
I really don´t understand the Pinochet years, nor the Allende years, nor a whole lot about Latin American History for that matter...all I know is Pinochet was a dictator and his military regime killed alot of people. Ana said that Pinochet´s daughter had asked him after his reign was over, at one time, to tell the families of the dead where the bodies are....but he refused. They just kind of disappeared. Ana said there was some speculation that they were taken out to sea and dumped there...from the boat Muerto (meaning dead).
There is a movie out now and it is in English, so I am sure it is available in the States, about the Pinochet take over. We started watching it at the apartment when I was staying in Santiago last weekend, but we only started watching it when Once was called. I would like to find the movie and watch it though. Ana said that it was wierd watching the beginning of it, because it was just like it was....tear gas, people burning papers..evidence of something....I wish I could remember the name of the movie. It is interesting history and recent history.
You can still see the influence of the millitary regime at school, in the way the classes are lined up in straight lines for their Monday assembly...the way students need to rise at their desks when the teacher walks into the room and they cannot sit down until you tell them to sit.
There is so much to observe....
On that note, i am going to go...I think we might go out for pizza tonight...
Ciao
jami
I went with Ana to el campo (the country side) to buy eggs, because eggs are best from the countryside...free range...real yellow yolks.
Things are really starting to change around here. The vistas are looking more green, the leaves on the trees are starting to open up and there are SO MANY flowering trees in bloom right now. It is so pretty. Soon, I am sure, things will be fully opened! I cannot wait. So far, I am enjoying the transition and the excitement of seeing things open up!
This time of year is the time for people to clean up their yards and paint their house, just before the 18 Sept independence day celebration! Ana asked out Nany to make 100 empanadas for the festivities! 100! Wow! This is like hotdogs on the fourth of july! I am excited for the day to come! Sounds like just about everyone in town will be wearing the Huaso attire!
Last night we went to the Cirque de Soli...Alegria! Wow! Fantastik! Afterwards, some friends of the family, the same ones we skied with last weekend, drove us to the bus terminal. Evidently, sept 11 in Chile is the day that Pinochet, after Pinochet took over the country, he had put almost everyone from Allende´s government into the futbol stadium and they were killed. So, every September 11th, there are riots in the city. So, to avoid having to risk the metro, these family friends took us directly to the bus station.
As we were pulling out of the bus station, we were told to close the drapes because of the Sept 11th dangers. Rather interesting I thought...I tried peaking out the windows, but couldn´t see anything.
I really don´t understand the Pinochet years, nor the Allende years, nor a whole lot about Latin American History for that matter...all I know is Pinochet was a dictator and his military regime killed alot of people. Ana said that Pinochet´s daughter had asked him after his reign was over, at one time, to tell the families of the dead where the bodies are....but he refused. They just kind of disappeared. Ana said there was some speculation that they were taken out to sea and dumped there...from the boat Muerto (meaning dead).
There is a movie out now and it is in English, so I am sure it is available in the States, about the Pinochet take over. We started watching it at the apartment when I was staying in Santiago last weekend, but we only started watching it when Once was called. I would like to find the movie and watch it though. Ana said that it was wierd watching the beginning of it, because it was just like it was....tear gas, people burning papers..evidence of something....I wish I could remember the name of the movie. It is interesting history and recent history.
You can still see the influence of the millitary regime at school, in the way the classes are lined up in straight lines for their Monday assembly...the way students need to rise at their desks when the teacher walks into the room and they cannot sit down until you tell them to sit.
There is so much to observe....
On that note, i am going to go...I think we might go out for pizza tonight...
Ciao
jami
Some Photos...
The parking lot of where we skied...Farellones, next door to Colorado, another ski area. I felt on top of the world.
Ooh ya...look at the mountains....
The bicycle you see on the left is very typical here in Chile. People use them to transport all kinds of things. As you can see here, this person is delivering propane tanks. It is basically a backwards tricycle.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
A trip to Santiago....and the Andes Mountains!
Last Friday, at breakfast, I was informed that my host father wanted to head to Santiago on Saturday morning, early, to visit the snow. We were already planning on going to Santiago on Sunday, because my host family had bought tickets for the Alegria, Cirque de Sol (or whatever it is called). The show was to start at 5pm. They had only three tickets, since they didn´t know I they were going to have a volunteer living with them back in march when they bought the tickets.Their plan was to leave me with another family for the afternoon. Sometimes, I feel like a kid, which is hard when you are 31. They never want to leave me home alone. Luckily, the family I was being left with is a nice family and I really like them, so it really wasn´t like I was dragging my heels.
ANYWAY...the story...so, I went along with leaving here on Saturday morning. My host father made a big deal about leaving AT 7am...not a Chilean 7am! So, I made it a point to be up and ready to go, even though in the back of my mind I had a feeling that 7am really meant 7:30-8am.
Well, Saturday morning, the three alarms I had set to MAKE SURE I would be up, didn´t seem to go off. I woke up in a haste at 6:30...my scheduled shower time was 6:00am. Frantically, I jumped in the shower, as it seemed as though no one was showering downstairs...which kind of had me wondering about this 7am departure.
I showered in record time and have myself downstairs and ready to go, with dry hair and all, by 6:50. Everyone else was getting ready and the table was being set for a quick breakfast. We were out the door by 7:15....not bad!
We made one stop along the way to SAntiago...SAntiago is only about 2 and a half hours away. One observation I made at the gas station/ truckstop was the not only the cleanliness, but also the cigartette rack above the counter. In nearly every gas station in the US there is that over hanging cigarette rack with the big marlboro or camel mark on it...this one had a huge pictures of nasty ass teeth. Yuck! We bought a coffee and some pastries and hit the road.
We arrived in Santiago. The family we were meeting is a family of 5, all girls..oldest 16 youngest 8. I had heard some talk about skiing, however, I didn´t get too excited, since last time I thought I was going, we didn´t. But, I was hopeful when I saw skis going on the rack on top of the car and all the girls in their snow gear.
We stopped at the grocery store, the gas station, and the shopping all before we hit the road to go skiing. The road to the ski area was incredible! Lots of turns and switchbacks...narrow, a few guard rails, and lots of pot holes. It only makes me think of hoosier pass on the Breckenridge side....except not nearly as well maintained. I was starting to worry about my safety when my host father started passing cars...I swear everytime he drives it is like we are in the Indianapolis 500 with obstacles. Yikes! Gracias a Dios I am alive! :)
One thing about the Andes is there aren´t any trees, at least in this region. It was a naked mountain. You could see the definate line between a desert like climate and snow. The hill was smaller than I had imagined, but it was a blue bird day!
I rented some skis and boots at the little shack. It is wierd to rent skis when you know you have a pair at home that you have been skiing on for the past 7 years! Luckily, I could see it was going to be a lax day and wouldn´t need to worry too much about proper equipment. The ski area had to T-bar lifts and that was it. There was another ski area connected to it with more runs, but it was about 3 times as much. Plus, I was skiing with the family and they were skiing the smaller section. We had a great time! I got sunburned....
I gave my host bro a lesson. Ha...my host mom said, you are too patient with Felipe, since I was helping him up and getting his skis, making sure he made it down ok....I said, I may not be patient when it comes to BBS (bureacratic bullshit) but I do have patience for people learning how to do something....everyone starts learning from somewhere...
At the end of the day, we went back to the apartment of the family we would be staying with and cooked up a big meal....ate, talked, had some wine...the next day we got up and went to the mall. WOW! It was a pretty mall. I saw a different part of Santiago this weekend...the higher end...we went back to the house for lunch adn then my host family left for the show. They got to the show and realized the show started at 15:00 meaning 3pm, not 5pm. So, they managed to get three more tickets for Thursday...and because my host father has to be out of town...I get to go in his place! So...Thursday I am skipping school to see Alegria! yay!
The family came back and because my host father wanted to watch the CHile vs Brazil football game at 9m with the father of the family we were visiting...we went to a fair in the area and then went bowling! It was a busy, busy, day!We drove home after the football game around 11pm. CHile lost, so it was a quiet ride home.
Now, we are back in Santa Cruz. It was a sluggish start to the week...but it is rolling now....
I am making a chocolate walnut tart, so better go!
ciao!
jami
ANYWAY...the story...so, I went along with leaving here on Saturday morning. My host father made a big deal about leaving AT 7am...not a Chilean 7am! So, I made it a point to be up and ready to go, even though in the back of my mind I had a feeling that 7am really meant 7:30-8am.
Well, Saturday morning, the three alarms I had set to MAKE SURE I would be up, didn´t seem to go off. I woke up in a haste at 6:30...my scheduled shower time was 6:00am. Frantically, I jumped in the shower, as it seemed as though no one was showering downstairs...which kind of had me wondering about this 7am departure.
I showered in record time and have myself downstairs and ready to go, with dry hair and all, by 6:50. Everyone else was getting ready and the table was being set for a quick breakfast. We were out the door by 7:15....not bad!
We made one stop along the way to SAntiago...SAntiago is only about 2 and a half hours away. One observation I made at the gas station/ truckstop was the not only the cleanliness, but also the cigartette rack above the counter. In nearly every gas station in the US there is that over hanging cigarette rack with the big marlboro or camel mark on it...this one had a huge pictures of nasty ass teeth. Yuck! We bought a coffee and some pastries and hit the road.
We arrived in Santiago. The family we were meeting is a family of 5, all girls..oldest 16 youngest 8. I had heard some talk about skiing, however, I didn´t get too excited, since last time I thought I was going, we didn´t. But, I was hopeful when I saw skis going on the rack on top of the car and all the girls in their snow gear.
We stopped at the grocery store, the gas station, and the shopping all before we hit the road to go skiing. The road to the ski area was incredible! Lots of turns and switchbacks...narrow, a few guard rails, and lots of pot holes. It only makes me think of hoosier pass on the Breckenridge side....except not nearly as well maintained. I was starting to worry about my safety when my host father started passing cars...I swear everytime he drives it is like we are in the Indianapolis 500 with obstacles. Yikes! Gracias a Dios I am alive! :)
One thing about the Andes is there aren´t any trees, at least in this region. It was a naked mountain. You could see the definate line between a desert like climate and snow. The hill was smaller than I had imagined, but it was a blue bird day!
I rented some skis and boots at the little shack. It is wierd to rent skis when you know you have a pair at home that you have been skiing on for the past 7 years! Luckily, I could see it was going to be a lax day and wouldn´t need to worry too much about proper equipment. The ski area had to T-bar lifts and that was it. There was another ski area connected to it with more runs, but it was about 3 times as much. Plus, I was skiing with the family and they were skiing the smaller section. We had a great time! I got sunburned....
I gave my host bro a lesson. Ha...my host mom said, you are too patient with Felipe, since I was helping him up and getting his skis, making sure he made it down ok....I said, I may not be patient when it comes to BBS (bureacratic bullshit) but I do have patience for people learning how to do something....everyone starts learning from somewhere...
At the end of the day, we went back to the apartment of the family we would be staying with and cooked up a big meal....ate, talked, had some wine...the next day we got up and went to the mall. WOW! It was a pretty mall. I saw a different part of Santiago this weekend...the higher end...we went back to the house for lunch adn then my host family left for the show. They got to the show and realized the show started at 15:00 meaning 3pm, not 5pm. So, they managed to get three more tickets for Thursday...and because my host father has to be out of town...I get to go in his place! So...Thursday I am skipping school to see Alegria! yay!
The family came back and because my host father wanted to watch the CHile vs Brazil football game at 9m with the father of the family we were visiting...we went to a fair in the area and then went bowling! It was a busy, busy, day!We drove home after the football game around 11pm. CHile lost, so it was a quiet ride home.
Now, we are back in Santa Cruz. It was a sluggish start to the week...but it is rolling now....
I am making a chocolate walnut tart, so better go!
ciao!
jami
Thursday, September 4, 2008
The package??
In case you are all wondering about the package....I still haven´t gotten it. ha ha....oh well....
Vineyards
I am not sure what people think about when they think about Chile. I can honestly say I was thinking about good food and working on my Spanish. I knew of Patagonia, skiing, fishing, and the beach, but I really didn´t know too much. Well, I knew of Pinochet too because my friend Karin, in college, was writing her senior paper on Pinochet, so during our study breaks we would recap everything about our papers. It seemed to us if we could just talk about our papers it would be better. BUT, I really didn´t know a whole lot about Chile except that it was one of the more developed countries in South America an it was relatively safe.
Since I have been here, I have learned alot...including the distance one needs to travel to head north or south. Chile is as long as the US is wide. Traveling to the north or south from where I am is at least a day bus ride if not more, or a $200 (or more) plane ticket. On a volunteers wage, it gets spendy. I was starting to get frustrated with this. How was I going to see all of Chile? Then, I realized, I really don´t need to see all of Chile, because there is so much to learn right here. Maybe this time around I am not supposed to indulge myself in outdoor activities as much as getting to know something I have never known before....like the Vineyards. :)I have been to several Vineyards now. First was the Santa Cruz Vineyard. Last weekend was the Montgras Vineyard. Yesterday the Apaltagua Vineyard. I never thought the day would come that I would prefer wine over beer, nor take the time to learn about it....
Santa Cruz is in the Colchagua Valley, a valley known for fruit and wine. It is located on the Ruta de Vino. There is a little train you can take through the valley to see the vineyards and taste some wine. I still have yet to take the train, since it runs during tourist season, which is only starting.
The grapes here are, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet, and Carmenere. Carmenere is a grape that was mistaken for Merlot for many years here in Chile. They couldn´t figure out why their MErlot has a different flavor than other Merlots until they realized they were picking the Carmenere grape before it was even ready to be picked. Typically, the wines in this valley are red. It is possible to make a white wine with red grapes, however it is labor intensive.
There are three levels of wine in Chile. Varedades (I think is what he was saying...I have to double check), Reserva, and Premium. The Premium wines, as I learned at the Montgras vineyard, is made from the grapes growing in the most difficult terrain because they need to work harder to obtain the nutrients from the ground. I just thought this was a neat analogy for life. This particular vineyard makes a premium wine called Neyguen (I might have it spelled wrong, I wrote it down, but my notes are at home and I am not). But, this wine, they hand pick -select all the grapes for the wine. The mountain, or hillside, these grapes grow on is called Neyguen and is the terrain of the poorer quality, but best grapes.
Only 15% of the wine from this vineyard go to US and Canada. 40 % of the wine exported from this vineyard goes to Denmark. It seems to me that alot of the wine from Chile goes to Denmark. Lushes! ;)
The vineyard I visited yesterday, Apaltaqua, is owned by a man, or family, who owns taxicabs in NY and some other big city. They have a huge operation as it seemed. I got to watch the bottles go through the bottling machine! whoa! So cool! The engineer at the plant spoke english and told me about the operation. He started out his engineering career as a GE employee in the states, making lights, then was moved to Seattle to make GE motors (or motor parts) for Boeing, and now he is making wine. Interesting route to becoming a winemaker. He stressed to the students the need to learn English, which was good...makes my job easier. Then, he made a big deal about presenting me with a bottle of wine, which was a bit uncomfortable, but appreciated. I really don´t like being in the spotlight. PLUS, I was there with other teachers who deserved just as much attention as me....thankfully, they all got bottles of wine too.
Alright, that might have to be it for the today, as I need to walk home. I am going to a colleague's house with my host mom for a pizza and beer night. Yep, beer. It is odd fo me now. :) I told my host mom...damnit, you are turning me into a wine drinker! :)
Cheers! hope you are all well!!
Since I have been here, I have learned alot...including the distance one needs to travel to head north or south. Chile is as long as the US is wide. Traveling to the north or south from where I am is at least a day bus ride if not more, or a $200 (or more) plane ticket. On a volunteers wage, it gets spendy. I was starting to get frustrated with this. How was I going to see all of Chile? Then, I realized, I really don´t need to see all of Chile, because there is so much to learn right here. Maybe this time around I am not supposed to indulge myself in outdoor activities as much as getting to know something I have never known before....like the Vineyards. :)I have been to several Vineyards now. First was the Santa Cruz Vineyard. Last weekend was the Montgras Vineyard. Yesterday the Apaltagua Vineyard. I never thought the day would come that I would prefer wine over beer, nor take the time to learn about it....
Santa Cruz is in the Colchagua Valley, a valley known for fruit and wine. It is located on the Ruta de Vino. There is a little train you can take through the valley to see the vineyards and taste some wine. I still have yet to take the train, since it runs during tourist season, which is only starting.
The grapes here are, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet, and Carmenere. Carmenere is a grape that was mistaken for Merlot for many years here in Chile. They couldn´t figure out why their MErlot has a different flavor than other Merlots until they realized they were picking the Carmenere grape before it was even ready to be picked. Typically, the wines in this valley are red. It is possible to make a white wine with red grapes, however it is labor intensive.
There are three levels of wine in Chile. Varedades (I think is what he was saying...I have to double check), Reserva, and Premium. The Premium wines, as I learned at the Montgras vineyard, is made from the grapes growing in the most difficult terrain because they need to work harder to obtain the nutrients from the ground. I just thought this was a neat analogy for life. This particular vineyard makes a premium wine called Neyguen (I might have it spelled wrong, I wrote it down, but my notes are at home and I am not). But, this wine, they hand pick -select all the grapes for the wine. The mountain, or hillside, these grapes grow on is called Neyguen and is the terrain of the poorer quality, but best grapes.
Only 15% of the wine from this vineyard go to US and Canada. 40 % of the wine exported from this vineyard goes to Denmark. It seems to me that alot of the wine from Chile goes to Denmark. Lushes! ;)
The vineyard I visited yesterday, Apaltaqua, is owned by a man, or family, who owns taxicabs in NY and some other big city. They have a huge operation as it seemed. I got to watch the bottles go through the bottling machine! whoa! So cool! The engineer at the plant spoke english and told me about the operation. He started out his engineering career as a GE employee in the states, making lights, then was moved to Seattle to make GE motors (or motor parts) for Boeing, and now he is making wine. Interesting route to becoming a winemaker. He stressed to the students the need to learn English, which was good...makes my job easier. Then, he made a big deal about presenting me with a bottle of wine, which was a bit uncomfortable, but appreciated. I really don´t like being in the spotlight. PLUS, I was there with other teachers who deserved just as much attention as me....thankfully, they all got bottles of wine too.
Alright, that might have to be it for the today, as I need to walk home. I am going to a colleague's house with my host mom for a pizza and beer night. Yep, beer. It is odd fo me now. :) I told my host mom...damnit, you are turning me into a wine drinker! :)
Cheers! hope you are all well!!
Cueca, Cueca, Cueca!
Well, it is Cueca mania here in Chile and in the Santa Cruz area. I just got done watching the Cueca comuna (city level) competition. I will tell you, the way the fans were shouting out chants, throwing confetti, and cheering with pom poms, I would have thought I was at a basketball game! Wow! The crowd, in their eagerness to get into the gymnasium, pushed so hard to get in that people were thrown into the glass doors causing them to break (the glass doors, not the people!). Insane!
When I had arrived to the event, a little late (thankfully, didn´t need to deal with the stampede), I stood by the door. It was so crowded and I didn´t want to make a big deal trying to find a seat. As I was watching, I felt someone grab my arm. It was the woman I had met and sat next to at the Cueca yesterday. She pulled me all the way up to the front row where their weren´t any seats, told me to wait one moment while she went and got me a chair. Wow! Front row! I felt like Jack Nicholson at a Lakers Game!
Ok...a bit about the Cueca!
First, here is a link for you tube so you can see what the Cueca looks like, cuz, I am sure you are wondering by now...maybe you have already looked into it. :)
http://es.youtube.com/watch?v=R0PYgX6CmWA&feature=related (I hope it works, if not, just go to you tube and search Cueca).
There are three traditional dresses of the Cueca, depending on the region you are located in. In the north, it is a ver glittery, luminoso, sort of costume. The woman where a dress, of course, and the man, a outfit with a hat. I am not as familiar with the north costume, because I haven´t seen it first hand yet. But, the second region is the central region, which is where I am. The woman wears what is called the China dress (prounounced Chee-na). It is a dress with colors and ruffles. The man wears the traditional huaso outfit: a sombrero, a manta, pants, boots, and spurs. In the South, they have, I believe, longer skirts for the women, and a bit more rustic outfit for the men....now that I am thinking about it, I really only know the central region outfits...so you will have to explore on your own for the others ;)
At school, last week, students wore the traditional hauso costume. Yesterday, I was invited to the Cueca competition in Apalta, which is a small town nearby out in the country, to see the difference between the cueca I saw last week and that of the campo (countryside). The difference is pleasant. People of the country are more simple. The men where trousers rolled up to mid calf. Then, the wear a gingham or plaid button down shirt with the sleeves rolled up. They have a straw hat, which still resembles the huaso hat, and a dish towel around thier waist. The best part of the costume, I think, are their sandals. People in the country, because they work out in the fields, wear sandals in the summertime, because the fields are hot and muddy. Well, I asked one of the students if I could see his sandals, because it looked rather unique and handmade, so he handed it to me. It was very heavy and as I turned it over, I saw the tread of a tire. The sandals were made out of tires! Interesting eh? Recycled sandals! So, the boys, for the most part, looked like a bunch of huckfins walking around and dancing about. When the dance in the campo, they dance with a little more hop in their step and a bit more crouched over. The woman wears a skirt, braids or pigtails, a blouse, and flat shoes. I was happy to be able to see the competition.
Yesterday´s activities were like a party. First we took a tour of a vineyard, where I and the other teachers, received a bottle of wine as a gift. Very kind. Then, we went and ate at the school, where they served wine with our meal. Then it was Cueca time. The Mayor was there and other important community members. During the introduction of the cueca, they made mention of my presence, but I was kind of wrapped up in looking around and taking it all in that I didn´t realize I was being recognized, because I wasn´t paying attention to the speech. Aye! I didn´t realize I would have to play Miss America while I was there. This resulted in a cultural mistake on my part. I guess I was supposed to get up and saludar (do the whole hugs kiss thing) only by the time it came to my attention I was supposed to do all this, I had missed it. Oops. The woman wasn´t happy, I could tell. I tried to make up for it after the cueca when we were all called in for wine and empanadas, but that didn´t roll over well. Oh well, I tried. I am not ambassador material.
I felt like a celebrity though. The P.E. teacher, Christian, who invited me to go, kept reminding everyone that he brought me. ha ha...The Apalta Cueca competition turned international that day. The radio guy was there with his little tape recorder and he pulled me aside to interview me. I was so nervous and praying that I answered the question I thought he was asking. I think I did. He said I could listen at 7pm on the radio, but I really didn´t want to hear myself.
I have to laugh, because I watched Miss Congeniality in Spanish the other night...which just might be me in this situation...maybe by the end of my trip I will have all the salutations down. :)
When I had arrived to the event, a little late (thankfully, didn´t need to deal with the stampede), I stood by the door. It was so crowded and I didn´t want to make a big deal trying to find a seat. As I was watching, I felt someone grab my arm. It was the woman I had met and sat next to at the Cueca yesterday. She pulled me all the way up to the front row where their weren´t any seats, told me to wait one moment while she went and got me a chair. Wow! Front row! I felt like Jack Nicholson at a Lakers Game!
Ok...a bit about the Cueca!
First, here is a link for you tube so you can see what the Cueca looks like, cuz, I am sure you are wondering by now...maybe you have already looked into it. :)
http://es.youtube.com/watch?v=R0PYgX6CmWA&feature=related (I hope it works, if not, just go to you tube and search Cueca).
There are three traditional dresses of the Cueca, depending on the region you are located in. In the north, it is a ver glittery, luminoso, sort of costume. The woman where a dress, of course, and the man, a outfit with a hat. I am not as familiar with the north costume, because I haven´t seen it first hand yet. But, the second region is the central region, which is where I am. The woman wears what is called the China dress (prounounced Chee-na). It is a dress with colors and ruffles. The man wears the traditional huaso outfit: a sombrero, a manta, pants, boots, and spurs. In the South, they have, I believe, longer skirts for the women, and a bit more rustic outfit for the men....now that I am thinking about it, I really only know the central region outfits...so you will have to explore on your own for the others ;)
At school, last week, students wore the traditional hauso costume. Yesterday, I was invited to the Cueca competition in Apalta, which is a small town nearby out in the country, to see the difference between the cueca I saw last week and that of the campo (countryside). The difference is pleasant. People of the country are more simple. The men where trousers rolled up to mid calf. Then, the wear a gingham or plaid button down shirt with the sleeves rolled up. They have a straw hat, which still resembles the huaso hat, and a dish towel around thier waist. The best part of the costume, I think, are their sandals. People in the country, because they work out in the fields, wear sandals in the summertime, because the fields are hot and muddy. Well, I asked one of the students if I could see his sandals, because it looked rather unique and handmade, so he handed it to me. It was very heavy and as I turned it over, I saw the tread of a tire. The sandals were made out of tires! Interesting eh? Recycled sandals! So, the boys, for the most part, looked like a bunch of huckfins walking around and dancing about. When the dance in the campo, they dance with a little more hop in their step and a bit more crouched over. The woman wears a skirt, braids or pigtails, a blouse, and flat shoes. I was happy to be able to see the competition.
Yesterday´s activities were like a party. First we took a tour of a vineyard, where I and the other teachers, received a bottle of wine as a gift. Very kind. Then, we went and ate at the school, where they served wine with our meal. Then it was Cueca time. The Mayor was there and other important community members. During the introduction of the cueca, they made mention of my presence, but I was kind of wrapped up in looking around and taking it all in that I didn´t realize I was being recognized, because I wasn´t paying attention to the speech. Aye! I didn´t realize I would have to play Miss America while I was there. This resulted in a cultural mistake on my part. I guess I was supposed to get up and saludar (do the whole hugs kiss thing) only by the time it came to my attention I was supposed to do all this, I had missed it. Oops. The woman wasn´t happy, I could tell. I tried to make up for it after the cueca when we were all called in for wine and empanadas, but that didn´t roll over well. Oh well, I tried. I am not ambassador material.
I felt like a celebrity though. The P.E. teacher, Christian, who invited me to go, kept reminding everyone that he brought me. ha ha...The Apalta Cueca competition turned international that day. The radio guy was there with his little tape recorder and he pulled me aside to interview me. I was so nervous and praying that I answered the question I thought he was asking. I think I did. He said I could listen at 7pm on the radio, but I really didn´t want to hear myself.
I have to laugh, because I watched Miss Congeniality in Spanish the other night...which just might be me in this situation...maybe by the end of my trip I will have all the salutations down. :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
