Buenas tardes everyone!
First off, I will say that when I wrote my last post I was not in the best state of mind. As was to be expected of anyone who has never spent much time out of the country, much less out of the state of North Carolina, I felt out of place and the idea of spending the next sixteen weeks in a different hemisphere was beyond terrifying. But you suck it up and, if you’re me, you start working on Spanish and appreciating the beautiful view of Santiago from your window.
Now, 23 days in, I will say I am well on my way to truly loving this country. Spring is settling in, the colors of Santiago are becoming more evident with each day and I am starting to appreciate everything, from the weird way that jam comes in packets while milk comes in boxes to the sight of graffiti on even the most beautiful, old buildings.
Overview of the last week or so...
La Victoria
 |
| inside the school (is that obvious?) |
We visited the community of La Victoria the Friday before last to observe the local public school, speak with the people who run a public access tv station and hear from one of the directors of the “Junta de Vecinas” (neighborhood organization). La Victoria is one of the only former “tomas” (population that lives on a large piece of land without homes, running water or public services) in all of Latin America that has successfully organized and become a true neighborhood. I have to admit, given the history of La Victoria and the bad reputation it has in other parts of the city, I was amazed at how beautiful the school was that we visited. We toured the school, spoke with the director about how they handle issues of poverty and drugs and met with groups of kids during their classes. We also got to see a student performance during one of their breaks!
 |
| One of the student pairs about to dance the cueca. I'm learning! |
 |
| entrance to Senal 3 |
 |
| one of the many political murals |
Highlights of La Victoria: seeing the students perform the cueca (see video) and walking down streets lined with murals.
September 11th (this part is a bit heavy- sorry)
 |
| Marching through Centro |
For those of you who didn’t recently read a history of Chile (ha), here is a brief rundown of why September 11th is just as important a date to Chileans as it is to Americans. In 1973, September 11th was the day that Pinochet took over the government, President Allende committed suicide and several beloved Chilean leaders (artists, musicians, writers, politicians) were either killed, exiled or detained. What happened leading up to this day (involving the good ole U.S.) and what has happened since then is an endless history, some known and a lot unknown. In the seventeen years of the dictatorship following that day, many people went missing and life for all Chileans drastically changed. For this reason, people from all over Chile come to Santiago to march from one part of the city to the Cemeterio General de Santiago.
 |
| group entering the cemetery -those are graves in that white building |
Many of the students decided to go and be a part of the march because it is a time where political/social/indigenous groups come to passionately represent their views. I was amazed by the amount of people and the variety of causes represented, but I will admit I felt a little uncomfortable. Not only was an American and considered somewhat of an enemy on this day, but a part of me felt that the day was one of mourning and that mourning is not filled with noise or fliers or chants. But you quickly learn in Chile that the fight for justice and the process of remembering the past takes several forms of expression.
 |
| monument in the cemetery for the "desaparecidos" (people who haven't been found/or identified) |
 |
| A band at the Festival de Primavera |
September 18th: Chile’s Bicentenary
 |
| at a Chilean "July 4th" cookout w/ families from the program |
One week after remembering the day that drastically changed the past 40 years, we celebrated the day that Chile declared independence 200 years ago. Long story short: I ATE SO MUCH FOOD, watched the ceremony in the National Cathedral with the bishop and President Pinera, went to a “fonda” (Chilean party with lots of food and dancing), attended two “asados” (BBQs), went to the Festival de Primavera and slept a lot (no school Friday or Monday). Also, if you are ever here, you have to try choripan and a terremoto!
 |
| my dog trying to eat this poor child's food at the BBQ (note his awesome spider man outfit) |
School stuff
For those of you family members who have asked, “What about school?,” this is for you. I have been in class from 9-4 pretty much every day for the past three weeks. Two of those weeks involved Spanish both in the morning and the afternoon. This week we started our “Educational Policy” seminars in the afternoon so we have begun discussing the structure of the Chilean system, politics, etc. For the first time, I actually do not have the desire to skip one class and my Spanish professor is amazing (she is releasing her 3rd book on the 30th)!
Within the next month, I will be headed to Valparaiso, Temuco and Buenos Aires. I have a lot a lot to see and learn in a very small amount of time… Still unsure where I will be living the last month I am here, but I'll keep you updated.
Hope you are well and happy whoever/wherever you are!
Leah
Oh, I almost forgot. This is for one reader in particular: So many people wear fanny packs here!
 |
| Have I mentioned that there are a lot of random tree signs advertising carpet cleaning? |
No comments:
Post a Comment