Let me preface this post with an ENORMOUS thank you to my parentals, without whom this trip would not have occurred, I love you both infinitely 🙂
I have arrived and been happily living in ValparaĂso, Chile since May 18th! This is the first picture I took in this amazing city and as I was looking through my pictures so far, it got me thinking. I thought about how I felt when I took this picture, having one full day under my belt, how incredibly nervous and doubtful yet utterly excited I was for what the coming two months had to bring.
As I look back now so much has changed, and in only a little over a month. It is absolutely astounding to me how one month can introduce so much. To begin with, friends. I have had the immense pleasure of meeting some 30 new amazing gringos (that is what we are here, I am a gringa in Chile), each with different aspirations, interests and crazy personalities! Last week I had to say a very sad farewell to my friends from the first program here, but I am sure it will not only be a goodbye but also an hasta luego! We hope to reunite during a summer here to partake in the crazy shindigs that happen for New Years and to trek down to Patagonia! This trip would not have been half of what it is if not for these lovely people; I am so thankful for each of these new friendships.
Other than my wonderful fellow ISA students, I have been warmly taken in as a temporary member of a beautiful family here in Valpo! I truly do not think I could have asked for a better host family, from enjoying delicious meals everyday (que rico!) to roaming the city and watching the spectacular sunsets here with my host mom, they have made me feel like a valued member of their family. On the first day here my host mom asked what I like for breakfast and I told her oatmeal. She brought about a lifetime’s supply of “cuaquear” (what does that sound like in English) for me after and that was the first of many delightful interactions with la mejor mama Chilena. My host dad picked me at 3:30 in the morning the first time I went out and inevitably got lost. My host sisters are both so nice and patient when I respond to their questions with a blank stare. My host sister’s boyfriend (pololo) lives with them and is the clown of the family. I taught him how to pronounce ketchup in English and for the next two weeks that’s all he would say when he saw me, he still brings it back when we have it on the table. I am so happy that my host family has been such a good fit, they have made my experience here comfortable and carefree and for that I am eternally grateful.
The next big thing that has changed in this past month has been my Spanish abilities! I didn’t notice until recently how far I’ve come. I was out with Edith, my host mom, and she was telling a saleswoman how I am a gringa studying here and said that I can understand a lot, almost all of what is said to me and I’m still working on my speaking. That was the first thing I realized was going to be a major issue when I got here, being able to comprehend what was being said, so I felt accomplished when she told the saleswoman this. Flashing back to the first day I was here when she commented that my Spanish abilities were “más or menos”, I do feel much more comfortable when listening to people now. Chilean Spanish is very fast and the “s” and “d” from many words are dropped. Por ejemplo, “como estás” is pronounced “come estai”. She is right, I am still working on my speaking but I learn a little more everyday and try to speak as much as possible without being annoying so hopefully I will leave feeling as good about my speaking as I do my comprehension.
A little side lesson on Chilenismos, avocado is “palta” here and if you are thinking, avocado, that’s random, it is not random at all. Paltas are eaten religiously here, they’re cheap, delicious, and put on essentially everything that is not a dessert. Also, it is not common to hear someone say “sĂ” or “no” alone; unless you are talking with a gringo, it is “sĂ po” and “no po”. Chile has their own mini Chilean dictionary, where one could find words such as “cachai” (you understand?) “jote” (a guy looking for a little suttin suttin) “carrete” (a shindig) “bakan” (cool, good, fantastic etc) and “taco” (a lot of traffic). Oh Chile, how you puzzle me.
Speaking of puzzling, the first time I went to the bathroom at the university, I found myself on the toilet in need of some toilet paper, with none in sight, not even a dispenser where some would be. I later found out that you are expected to carry some with you or, if you’re fortunate, they’ll be some before you go into the individual stall that you can take.
Also puzzling is the fact that eggs and milk are not kept refrigerated in all places. Mayonnaise, ketchup and jellies are sold in bags, as is liquid soap and salt. Floss is sold in the same packaging as playstation games are sold in here, obviously Chileans value their floss. Lotion and perfume are behind a counter and you need to ask for assistance to get one. Cookies are sold in rolls or sleeves, not boxes or containers. If you think you’re being jipped in the U.S. by the amount of air and non-chip area in chip bags, don’t expect to be pleased in Chile; chip to air ratio in all bags is about 1:3. The wine and beer aisle is more like 1/6 of the grocery store. One drink in Chile is equivalent to about three strong drinks in America, they go all out here. There is a “previa” or pregame before you go out, which usually begins around 12 and goes for an hour or so and it is not uncommon for nights to end around five or six in the morning. Dogs are everywhere, that is not an exaggeration by any means. They can be found taking a nice siesta on the beach, sun bathing on the sidewalk or joining you for your jog. People care for them though, there are water bowls all over and since it is winter here, many dogs have warm sweaters from nice Valparaison folk around the city. A downside I have noticed though, is that kids don’t have the same appreciation for our canine friends here as they do in the states since they see them everywhere.
While on the topic of the people of Valpo, they’re wonderful! I got lost during the first week here and a couple of nice high schoolers helped me out and got me home safe and sound! One of my friends also got lost and a man went out of his way home to make sure he got on the right micro (bus) and the driver gave him a free ride since he was out of money. PDAs are not stigmatized here, I don’t know why Valpo hasn’t become known as the city of love because it is quite literally all around. We were at a restaurant the other day and I heard slurping noises like mac n cheese being stirred from next to us and I looked over and saw a couple makin out right in the middle of the room like it was just them and their love. And honestly I don’t have a problem with that because it’s true; although I would’ve been okay without the mac n cheese noises, it is true that people should do what makes them happy, they should act on their affection and not be afraid to express themselves, because really, it is just them and their love. That’s one thing I really love about the people here. I also really enjoy that time means something different here. People genuinely enjoy their time, when with friends it’s all laughs, when alone it’s taking time to do what you enjoy, when waiting for someone it’s not a matter of “ugh when are they going to get here, I’m wasting my time” it’s taken as “well I have time to spare so let’s see what’s in this area”, as an opportunity. Because time isn’t a schedule like it is in U.S. If something doesn’t go the way it’s planned it’s okay because there isn’t a protocol. I took a Chilean culture class and on the first day we were telling out professor what differences we had noticed from the US. Someone said that people walk really slow in Chile, in the U.S. people walk faster, to which the professor retorted, why? Where do you have to be so urgently? And honestly, I couldn’t think of an answer other than in the US time is a schedule. People leave one place and rush to another. Things that should be enjoyed become just another item on the to-do list. I think this is the most valuable take away I’ve had here thus far. “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away” You’ve probably heard that quote many times before but I believe it holds very true, it’s crucial that the small things in life are not overlooked, they are the every-so subtle events that are somehow incredibly fulfilling. When presented with more once-in-a-lifetime kind of encounters, it is important that time is taken to admire that beauty, to have an appreciation for the present. Thank you ValparaĂso.
This past month has almost been more than I am capable of absorbing but for that I am so thankful. I am so looking forward to what my next couple of weeks here have in store and plan on making the most of every minute I have left in the magnificent Chile.
Hasta Luego!
learning whilst living 