Advertisement
Published: November 4th 2006
Edit Blog Post
It normally requires a lot to make me blush in the U.S. It may be the passionate expression used by Chileans that has influenced me to easily let that pink tint steadily climb up my face. Needless to say, I have blushed more in my 2.5 months in Chile, than I have over the past five years at home. It began with my endless battle with the word "alcachofa". Artichoke. Since day one of using that word I have only been able to produce "alfachoka", a variation of the original. It all came to a head on one of our visits to a favorite pizzeria here in Santiago, Cuidadano. I was ready. I practiced. The waiter approached, I made my attempt to order pizza with artichoke hearts, and failed. I could only say "alfachoka". I then proceeded to turn a dark shade of red AND grab the waiter's arm laughing. That certainly DID NOT add to the scene I was making. I think I made a friend for life in the waiter though. I receive a look of recognition when I go and was even asked after one week when I wasn't there.
I have also had a few pink-faced
occurrences while walking around in Santiago or other cities. I will have quite the transition back to the US when I wander the streets waiting for applause simply for looking as I do. I have been applauded here! On more than one occasion. I have nearly caused traffic accidents as drivers spin to watch me on the sidewalk while proceeding forward at the same time. A few weeks ago I was in tears over the feeling of constantly being observed and harassed. But then I decided to embrace the words, the calls, the hissing, and the very odd whistle sounds that come from the horn/alarm system of cars. Would I be crazy to return to the US where I have gone months not being noticed? I am not a fool; I realize that my beauty has not grown exponentially since I arrived in Chile. I understand that it is the color of my hair that brings such accolades. Regardless of the reason for the compliments, I accept.
My work situation was becoming a bit stark as you can tell by some of the attached pictures. I gave yard work a try for a day. Edgardo bought some shears and
I took to mowing the grass by hand. I was coached by the neighbor girl, in Spanish, of course. She suggested that I also do something about the overgrown shrubbery separating our yard from the neighbor's yard. Fortunately I received a break a few days later when I was offered some teaching work. It began with two classes per week and now has grown to one to two classes per day, Monday through Thursday. My students range from age nine to adult. One of my most interesting days with my young students was when Vicente, who tends to be hyperactive and disengaged in class, brought the soundtrack from the movie, "High School Musical". He put the CD in and started to sing song after song. It was so entertaining for me to see and hear. It turns out that Chilean kids are nuts about that movie and learning song and dance routines that they practice at school and in their free time. I give my adult classes at the Library of Congress to two professional women. We read technical articles, in English, in the areas of education, health, and finance and then discuss vocabulary and meaning. It has been a
great exercise for my brain to think of synonyms, scenarios, and alternate explanations for words. In addition, as my students discuss some of the topics in Spanish I learn some new words and usage. There was additional excitement last week when I arrived at the building and got to see the police breaking up a protest. I would never have such access to current political events and government buildings in the U.S., so I feel quite privileged to be so close to the action a few days a week.
I have not yet settled into one permanent residence so my current routine involves a weekly journey back and forth from the coast. Monday mornings I leave Santiago for Valparaiso and my work week. I check into my "home", Casa Aventura and then am off to teach. After my last class on Thursdays I leave for Santiago, doing the journey in reverse. With my current work schedule I am nearly able to break even with my lodging payments. Food and entertainment expenses are currently coming from savings that were remaining from the US. I am optimistic though about my future with this institute and receiving more work hours. When the
school season kicks off again in March I will be offered more classes and will finally be breaking even with expenditures. Yesterday I signed a contract and had it notarized (a common bureaucratic process here in Chile) and will now be able to take steps to apply for my working visa! That is huge!
I have a lot of free time compared to what I would have in the US. In order to gain the free time I live a frugal lifestyle with some treats now and then. Even with more free time, there is never a dull moment. During the week while I am in the hostel I have the opportunity to meet and talk with many travellers. Hours fly by as we talk about places we have seen, unlikely events, and hilarious things that have happened. Most come and go, but sometimes there is more time to build a friendship. Recently I met Eric, from Oregon, who has moved to Chile for an indefinite amount of time. It is a relief at times to share the Chilean experience with someone who comes from a similar place. The other day we saw a man with a box of
pinwheels strapped to his back. He set the box on a portable easel directly in front of a dog and began to turn the crankshaft to emit circus-type music to which the dog responded with piercing barking. When you see occurrences like these on a daily basis it is nice to have someone with whom to do a lunacy check on occasion. "Did you see that too? Have you noticed the...?" And in Santiago on the weekends I use my free time to Skype (computer talk) with many friends and family back in the US and like to spend time at the park or with friends. Some of the attached pictures are taken at my local park, Parque Ines de Suarez, where you can find me on a bench with a view of the Andes Mountains. I study Spanish, read, watch small children run around while their parents drag huge toys behind them, and talk to anyone who might give me the time of day. It has only happened on a few occasions. Last weekend, when Edgardo was able to walk the distance to the park (only days before I arrived in Chile he tore his Achilles tendon while playing
soccer), we went for the afternoon. I was very amused to watch three men attempt to throw an American football. I refrained from going over to give an impromptu lesson, keeping in mind that most Chileans can pick up a soccer ball and juggle endlessly without effort.
I am getting comfortable in my life here. However, each time I start to feel a little relaxed a wrench is thrown into the gears so I like to stay humble. I spend a lot of time studying the Chilean ways and trying to understand a different culture. I also reflect on the changes that I have experienced over the past months. I have already forgotten some of the uncertainty and fear I felt when I first arrived. I am not feeling the constant exhaustion and frustration that I felt for so many weeks just trying to live. I wish I could see the look I had on my face when it was all beginning.
Advertisement
Tot: 0.218s; Tpl: 0.014s; cc: 11; qc: 69; dbt: 0.0448s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1;
; mem: 1.2mb
David
non-member comment
Artichokes
Wow Sara! sounds like great travels. My heart is so jealous when I look at all your pictures. [not to mention the mercury dropped to minus 10 today] Sorry I haven't written much -- or at all--. I hope you keep up the postings because I love to read them. I miss you. Stick with it, I'm know you'll pick up the kind of work that you want.