Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Sorry
My to-do list is out of control (with silly, little things of course) and I keep putting everything off because all sorts of fun options come up. Ice cream with a Chilean friend? Or staying home to update my blog, email people back, and organize my room. Easy choice. However, updates are coming soon, I promise!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
PERU- BOUND!
So it may seem strange because school is just starting in the US and there are still lots of warm summer days, but TOMORROW is Spring Break in Chile!! I am heading north to the mountains of PERU for 10 days. I will be exploring the Inca ruins in Cusco, hiking up Machu Picchu to watch the sunrise, spending a night in a Quechua village on an island in Lake Titicaca, and visiting the Sacred Valley.
Today has been a full day- I had to run all around Santiago looking for bug spray, pick-up a student discount card for Machu Picchu, print tickets and itineraries, meet with my partners for my internship, pack my backpack, and confirm our ride to the airport at 6am tomorrow morning!
There will be lots of pictures when I get back. Spring Break number 2 for 2009!!!
Today has been a full day- I had to run all around Santiago looking for bug spray, pick-up a student discount card for Machu Picchu, print tickets and itineraries, meet with my partners for my internship, pack my backpack, and confirm our ride to the airport at 6am tomorrow morning!
There will be lots of pictures when I get back. Spring Break number 2 for 2009!!!
Monday, September 7, 2009
Isla Negra
Saturday we toured el Litoral de los Poetas (Poet's Coast) and visited Cartagena and Isla Negra. Cartagena is a small and dreary beach destination that has seen its prime. Part of my opinion probably stems from lack of sleep and rainy weather but it was deserted and bleak. In the 30s and 40s Cartagena was a destination for the wealthy Santiaguinos who had beach houses. With the onset of public transportation came a socio-economic transformation and Cartagenta became a popular destination for working class day trippers.
After Cartagena we went to Isla Negra, one of Pablo Neruda's houses. Pablo Neruda was a Chilean poet, politician, and icon. I have studied Neruda's love poems, odes, and political work in many of my Spanish classes at SGS and Tufts. I particularly like his Odes to socks, bikes, artichokes, and eels. Neruda won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1971; an event that sparked controversy because of his overtly communist writings. He was a senator for the Chilean community party and supported Socialist President Allende. As a consequence he spent time in exile in Argentina.
Neruda's house is now a museum and is full of the poet's eclectic collections. The living room was full of life-size wooden mast figures, his study has wooden stirrups, butterflies and beetles, miniature boats, and masks from around the world, and the sitting room had a life-size horse with 3 tails. As strange as the house was I felt somewhat at home, as several of his chosen collections also belong in my house.
After Cartagena we went to Isla Negra, one of Pablo Neruda's houses. Pablo Neruda was a Chilean poet, politician, and icon. I have studied Neruda's love poems, odes, and political work in many of my Spanish classes at SGS and Tufts. I particularly like his Odes to socks, bikes, artichokes, and eels. Neruda won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1971; an event that sparked controversy because of his overtly communist writings. He was a senator for the Chilean community party and supported Socialist President Allende. As a consequence he spent time in exile in Argentina.
Neruda's house is now a museum and is full of the poet's eclectic collections. The living room was full of life-size wooden mast figures, his study has wooden stirrups, butterflies and beetles, miniature boats, and masks from around the world, and the sitting room had a life-size horse with 3 tails. As strange as the house was I felt somewhat at home, as several of his chosen collections also belong in my house.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Valparaíso
I went on a Tufts sponsored day trip a week ago to the port city of Valparaíso (Valpo). Valpo is a working class city about 1.5 hours from Santiago and its economy has been linked to the port and sea trade since its inception. The city rises precariously from the central port because it was built without a city plan on a series of steep hills. I enjoyed walking around the narrow streets and alleys because many of the houses are brightly colored and the walls are covered in street art.
After a full day tour several of my friends and I ditched the bus ride back to Santiago and stayed for the weekend. We went to the restaurant that invented the Chilean culinary treasure called La Chorrillana (see the 1st blog post on food). The restaurant only serves chorrillana and beer and the walls are covered in signatures, notes, photos, and strange collections. We left our own note on a greasy napkin and signed it “Club de Comilones.”
We napped at our amazing hostel until 10pm then ate empanadas, drank pisco, and went out to El Huevo (the egg) club. Thanks to the advice of a friend we almost asked for directions to “El Huevón” which would not have gone over well. Huevón, depending on how you use it, means asshole. So, we were about to ask, “¿Dónde está el huevón?” Or, “Where’s the asshole?” The club had 5 floors and had the mandatory reggaeton floor, along with an American music floor, salsa floor, and rooftop dance and chill floor. It was an awesome club apart from the fact that 90% of the guys were short.
Sunday we took a bus to Reñaca, a seaside town north of Valpo. We found a section of coastline that is dominated by sand dunes and spent the afternoon picnicking, running around, and taking silly pictures.
It would have been too perfect of a weekend if Becca, Katy, and Anna hadn’t all been robbed on the way back to Santiago.
After a full day tour several of my friends and I ditched the bus ride back to Santiago and stayed for the weekend. We went to the restaurant that invented the Chilean culinary treasure called La Chorrillana (see the 1st blog post on food). The restaurant only serves chorrillana and beer and the walls are covered in signatures, notes, photos, and strange collections. We left our own note on a greasy napkin and signed it “Club de Comilones.”
We napped at our amazing hostel until 10pm then ate empanadas, drank pisco, and went out to El Huevo (the egg) club. Thanks to the advice of a friend we almost asked for directions to “El Huevón” which would not have gone over well. Huevón, depending on how you use it, means asshole. So, we were about to ask, “¿Dónde está el huevón?” Or, “Where’s the asshole?” The club had 5 floors and had the mandatory reggaeton floor, along with an American music floor, salsa floor, and rooftop dance and chill floor. It was an awesome club apart from the fact that 90% of the guys were short.
Sunday we took a bus to Reñaca, a seaside town north of Valpo. We found a section of coastline that is dominated by sand dunes and spent the afternoon picnicking, running around, and taking silly pictures.
It would have been too perfect of a weekend if Becca, Katy, and Anna hadn’t all been robbed on the way back to Santiago.
I Do Take Classes
So I realize that all I write about is food, day trips, and going out. It's not that my classes are not fun; it's just that I already have to journal about them for my Tufts requirements. After several queries about whether or not I am enrolled in any classes I have decided to write about my STUDY abroad experience so far.
I am enrolled in La Universidad de Chile (UChile) as a full-time student and La Universidad Pontificia Católica (UCatólica) as a part-time student. Being enrolled in both schools has allowed me to view two very distinct faces of the Chilean education system. UChile is a public research university and is tightly connected to the politics and culture of the country. Many of the leading politicians and professionals in Chile were educated at UChile and the most prominent academics are professors at the university. While you still have to have money to attend the university, it is often viewed as the more accessible and egalitarian choice among Chilean universities. On the other hand, UCatólica is an elite institution with a long history of educating the wealthy and powerful members of society. UCatólica has a strong study abroad program and welcomes many international students, mainly from the US and Europe, each semester. It is commonly referred to as “gringolandia.” I have the distinct advantage of taking classes and meeting students at UChile while also enjoying the amenities that are available to exchange students at UCatólica.
My biggest academic necessity this semester is an art credit. I need two credits to graduate and I have taken two ½ credit dance classes so far at Tufts. I chose a class called Baile Folklórico Nacional that covers La Cueca (Chile’s nacional dance) as well as regional dances from the northern desert, el campo (countryside), and the mythical island of Chilóe. One of the Chilean girls in my class is currently trying to convince our teacher to add a dance from Easter Island. There is a good mix of Chilean and exchange students in the class and I have learned the basics of La Cueca. I am still waiting for my opportunity to whip out my panuela (scarf) and show off my (awful) Chilean dance skills at a party.
I am also taking an advanced Spanish composition and conversation class at UCatólica. Our profesora is very nice and always incorporates Chilean culture into our class activities. We have been doing a grammar review, vocabulary work, and speaking skills. Each week we are responsible for writing at least 3 journal entries about our experiences in Santiago as well as homework that ranges from reading local newspapers to grammar exercises.
For my International Relations Internship credit I am working on an outreach project at a health organization called Foro de Salud. Foro is a collaboration between non-profit, governmental, and academic health organizations that work to improve health disparities in Chile. I am working with a project that empowers women by teaching health workshops to adolescent girls in low-income areas. I will be combining this experience with a volunteer position in a government high school but more on this to come…
So there! I am studying abroad. This may be my easiest academic semester in terms of homework and studying but I am confident that I will learn a lot from my experience here.
I am enrolled in La Universidad de Chile (UChile) as a full-time student and La Universidad Pontificia Católica (UCatólica) as a part-time student. Being enrolled in both schools has allowed me to view two very distinct faces of the Chilean education system. UChile is a public research university and is tightly connected to the politics and culture of the country. Many of the leading politicians and professionals in Chile were educated at UChile and the most prominent academics are professors at the university. While you still have to have money to attend the university, it is often viewed as the more accessible and egalitarian choice among Chilean universities. On the other hand, UCatólica is an elite institution with a long history of educating the wealthy and powerful members of society. UCatólica has a strong study abroad program and welcomes many international students, mainly from the US and Europe, each semester. It is commonly referred to as “gringolandia.” I have the distinct advantage of taking classes and meeting students at UChile while also enjoying the amenities that are available to exchange students at UCatólica.
My biggest academic necessity this semester is an art credit. I need two credits to graduate and I have taken two ½ credit dance classes so far at Tufts. I chose a class called Baile Folklórico Nacional that covers La Cueca (Chile’s nacional dance) as well as regional dances from the northern desert, el campo (countryside), and the mythical island of Chilóe. One of the Chilean girls in my class is currently trying to convince our teacher to add a dance from Easter Island. There is a good mix of Chilean and exchange students in the class and I have learned the basics of La Cueca. I am still waiting for my opportunity to whip out my panuela (scarf) and show off my (awful) Chilean dance skills at a party.
I am also taking an advanced Spanish composition and conversation class at UCatólica. Our profesora is very nice and always incorporates Chilean culture into our class activities. We have been doing a grammar review, vocabulary work, and speaking skills. Each week we are responsible for writing at least 3 journal entries about our experiences in Santiago as well as homework that ranges from reading local newspapers to grammar exercises.
For my International Relations Internship credit I am working on an outreach project at a health organization called Foro de Salud. Foro is a collaboration between non-profit, governmental, and academic health organizations that work to improve health disparities in Chile. I am working with a project that empowers women by teaching health workshops to adolescent girls in low-income areas. I will be combining this experience with a volunteer position in a government high school but more on this to come…
So there! I am studying abroad. This may be my easiest academic semester in terms of homework and studying but I am confident that I will learn a lot from my experience here.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Food Update
Since food is so very important, let me update you on the latest Club de Comilónes meetings:
Last Thursday we tried out a Revolver Magazine recommended Indian Restaurant near our apartments. All of the girls got Bhindis and the food, especially the garlic naan, was incredible. It was almost overwhelming to have so much flavor after 6 weeks in Chile. Our Chilean friends loved it and we all agreed that we would go back.
Last Thursday we tried out a Revolver Magazine recommended Indian Restaurant near our apartments. All of the girls got Bhindis and the food, especially the garlic naan, was incredible. It was almost overwhelming to have so much flavor after 6 weeks in Chile. Our Chilean friends loved it and we all agreed that we would go back.
Last night was "La Noche Italiana." Becca and I made pasta with tomato sauce, peppers, onions, garlic, and mushrooms, Caesar salad, and garlic bread. For dessert we had Tiramisu ice cream. Carlos (Becca's host mom's friend) must have really liked it because I saw him take at least 3 helpings.
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