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Published: January 16th 2007
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Our last day in Santiago was definately memorable. So we were informed by Vicho (Carmen´s son who was kind enough to show us around Santiago the first day) that rather than go to a soccer game (which we will hopefully do sometime before the end of this trip. But apparently Chile is not a good place to go to one, so we´ll try again in Argentina) that we could go to a Rodeo! Longingly remembering my cowboy boots back home, we obviously said 'Yeee haww'and off we went to the rodeo! We left Santiago at about 11 the next afternoon in Carmen's other son (Cote) and his wife's car. So it was Me, Callie, Cote, Pamela and Vicho...off to the rodeo. Now..Let me explain this..this wasn´t just any rodeo, this was a Chilean rodeo..full of Huasos (The word for a Chilean cowboy). We drove for 2 hours into the middle of nowhere .. seriously, we took the highway for awhile, drove through these random streets with fruit stands left and right, and kept on going...we saw pastures and hills and trees..and we kept going...then we asked directions a few times, kept going...turned onto a gravel road..kept going...and then asked for directions
The rodeo...
don´t know really what else to say! How do you think one of our cowboys would fit in here? again, and the guy said we were about 3 minutes away. So we pull up. To the rodeo. It was insane. We were practically the only people there who were not wearing ponchos, boots, and huaso hats. Now huaso hats are very different from what you all imagine a cowboy hat to look like. They look more like the hats ladies wear while out in their gardens. Flat brims, all the way around, and they are BIG and then straight up about 2 inches and then straight across. I drew a picture of it -- because Callie's camera has all the pictures from the rodeo, and unfortunately she forgot to bring the connection cord to this internet place we are in. So my rendition will have to do for now.
Anyway. So we walk in, 2 city chilenos (cote and pamela), 2 complete gringas (me and callie) and Vicho. Who was also decked out in huaso gear, so he fit in. We sure didn't. It was pretty funny, Cote brought his video camera and is sending us a cd with the video, you'll all have to see it, it's soooo funny. Anyway, so these horses go in pairs and
Teams of two
Some had matching ponchos AND horses! they have 3 chances to capture these cows against the side of the rodeo circle thing. They don't have to tie them up or get off the horses, they run the cows into the side and they have to hold them there (the horses hold them with their chests/legs) - it was really something a normal person would ever get a chance to see. It just so happened that a friend of Vicho was IN the rodeo. So anyway, there we were, totally into this rodeo, thinking how much a novelty all these huasos were - in their outfits and all. And on the other hand, they were all so curious as to how we got there and how we had heard about it, and well...maybe the blonde hair too. So we watched a bunch of pairs of horses and huasos have their turn, and then it was lunch! Yum Yum! We met Vicho's cowboy friend, ate and then went back to the 'stadium' once lunch time was done to watch some more rodeo. After finally understanding the rules to this event, we watched a few more, cheered, and had an all around good time. We were about ready to
chasing the poor cow
some of the cows tried to jump over the sides...it was hilarious. And very unsuccessful leave, but i wanted a picture up on one of those horses! Poncho, hat..and all! So we went back to where Vicho´s friend was with all their horses and eventually i got to get up on one. His name was 'Payasito' or...'Little Clown' So the cowboy starts sort of walking me around the little area they have the horses in between rodeo events etc. I thought this was just a photo op! But then Callie got up on another horse..and she asked to go faster. They obviously couldn't go faster in the enclosure they were in...so they saddled up another horse and rounded up another cowboy..and off we went! Me, Callie, and two Huasos...4 beautiful beautiful horses (ok, one was ugly, he was albino..details, details..) walking around the rodeo enclosure. I think the rodeo actually stopped for a few minutes while EVERYONE who was there turned and watched. It was hilarious. We walked around the rodeo to the gate, and then left them all in the dust! We took the horses down the gravel road we had come on - although in the other direction - and kept going and going! It was sooooo random! We would walk for a
Check out dem spurs
Look at the size of those things! It took me a very long time to get over the size of them - and what it must feel like to have those jabbed into your sides. I got over it though - they weren't that sharp :p bit, and then trot..and then gallop, it was amazing. The horses were amazing. The cowboy who was riding beside me kept trying to talk to me, but i really couldnt understand what it was he was trying to say. And then he yelled up to Callie and her cowboy 'I can't understand anything she's saying and she can't understand me!'It was sooo funny. He was a youngin..maybe like...19? He was super nice though, from what i could understand. Haha. So anyways, after more running and a lot of laughing and thoughts like 'how the heck did we end up out here, with these two huasos, on these prize winning rodeo horses??' It was definately a moment that will be hard to forget!! Eventually, the dad of one of the huasos sent an even younger little brother to come find us..because we had been gone longer than they thought we'd be gone..and one of the guys had to compete! It could have been out of a movie..really.
So we get back to the rodeo grounds, and walk back in, and again..all eyes avert to us and our two cowboys. It was so funny. One of the guys took out his
discussing the game plan
those poor little cows didn't stand a chance! cell phone to get the other to take a picture of himself with me and callie on his horses. I hope it ends up as his background or screen saver! Haha. Anyway, we got back to Vicho and Cote and Pamela..hopped back into the car...and drove back into the city...what a day!! Definately had a little nap on the way home..what a rush being on those horses was! Even though i didnt get a poncho or funky hat to wear... the pictures will be up next time we hit up an internet shop with the right connector cords. After the rodeo, we had this big BBQ at Carmen´s house and ate yummy yummy food, met a few more family members and enjoyed our last night in Santiago..the next day we headed by bus to the coastal town of Valparaiso. That's where we are now. A blog entry with our activities here is soon to come! So until then...i hope you are all waiting anxiously for the pictures of the rodeo. Get those hopes up, they are as cool as you think! Byeeee
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Catherine
non-member comment
Ridem' Cowgirl!
That is hilarious! Sounds like you had a blast - can't wait to see the pics.