Beautiful Saturday

Yesterday, we spent our Saturday hanging out with family and doing "normal Chilean" things.  It was such an enjoyable day.

We started the morning off at primo Franciso's school program.  At many (or most) of the schools here around this time (approaching independence day), the students put on a showcase of traditional Chilean dances. Everyone participates from pre-K to 18 year-olds.  Francisco's group performed the Cueca which is the national dance of Chile.  Every Chilean child is taught this dance at some point in their schooling.  They have a great amount of pride surrounding their traditions--- and the kids all seemed really excited to participate (even the teenagers.  Seriously... tell a 13 year old boy in the states to put on a costume and dance... they argue about tucking in their shirts).  Different grade levels performed dances that are traditional to all of the regions of Chile.  Here's Francisco... he's precious.

He was such a good sport to pose for pictures and everything.

I'm not sure what these other dances are called, or what region they were representing (I'm hoping to get a lesson at some point later), but the little ones were adorable.

The whole event was also at least a little bit of a fundraiser for the school.  Some grade levels sold excellent traditional food, while at others you could play little carnival games.  It was impressive to see so many parents, kids and staff working together to make sure it all worked.  We didn't stay for the whole thing, but apparently, the oldest kids dance with their parents (sons with Moms, daughters with Dads).  I just find the pride in tradition to be incredibly heartwarming.

Later in the afternoon, we took a trip to the Feria up the street.  These street markets appear all over the city depending on the day.  Vendors sell everything from used clothes, to toiletry items, to handmade socks, to (of course) beautiful fresh produce.  If you've ever been to a farmer's market and liked it, then you would be blown away by the Feria.  The smell alone was wonderful.   Everything is locally grown and delicious.  You can also get super high quality fruits and veggies for incredibly cheap.  

And obviously, you can buy fresh fish as well.

I bought a kilo of tomatoes to enjoy at my leisure.  I also had the best orange of my life (not to sound dramatic, but it just tastes different than the oranges from HEB).  Across from this fish stand was a particularly loud woman-vendor who began calling me "Rubia" (spanish for blonde, because apparently in Chile, I'm blonde).  She also hollered that her fruit was as sweet as I was, basically calling everyone's attention to the fact that I'm a gringa.  I am pretty sweet though, so that is probably an accurate statement. :)

After lunch, we spent the day laughing, looking at pictures, playing ping pong, dancing the cumbia, speaking terrible Spanish (that one was just me), and before we knew it, it was the middle of the night.  What a beautiful Saturday.

Those are wedding sunglasses.

We also spent about 5 minutes trying to decide if the word for "rake" in Spanish was also the verb for "to rake".  I don't think we came to a conclusion, but we did cause Michael's grandfather to come back with a rake. 

Chile Don't Play...

Here are a few reasons that "Chile Don't Play"

Everyone has a locking gate to keep the riff-raff out.

Annndd... also spikes on top of every fence.  Like super "I dare you to try to jump over my fence" shards of metal and/or glass.

These are the images on cigarettes (Eww gross... and dramatic much?) But... everyone smokes anyway, so it appears the message is falling on deaf ears.

This Asado (barbeque) was for 6.5 people.  That is A LOT of meat.  It was delicious.

I have no idea what is going on here, but it is without a doubt terrifying.  You can actually purchase this guy to sit on your mantle... Again, Chile don't play.

Nuff said... (seriously, just get used to seeing Tomas... he's adorable... adorably manly).

Botelleria on every corner.

People "lock their love" to a bridge.  They also make-out everywhere.  There is wallering going on in every park, metro corner, or lets be real... restaurant.

Street Art.. homeboy has three faces-- he obviously doesn't play.

And.. while that river is disgusting, that building that is shaped like a cell phone is one of the main cell phone companies (clever!).  And that Chilean guy beside it... totally tough. :)

1.

First Impressions

We made it!!

It seems like the decision to come to Santiago was made SO long ago.  There was so much build up that it is almost hard to believe we are actually here.   After about 14 total hours of traveling, a family friend of the Zenteno's picked us (and our mound of luggage) up from the airport Wednesday morning and drove us to Michael's grandparents' house.  The drive across Santiago took about 45 minutes and we were greeted super enthusiastically by Michael's grandparents and two of his aunts.  You can definitely "feel the love" even with the language barrier.  You don't have to understand a word of what they are saying to feel welcome. (which was good -- I admit, after spending the night trying to sleep on an airplane, my already limited Spanish comprehension was pretty much non-existent on the first day). 

We basically dropped our things, changed clothes and immediately headed out on our first metro adventure to run some errands.  We certainly have been productive the first few days we have been here.  I have actually gotten to see quite a bit in a short amount of time-- albeit basically in a blur and we practically ran from place to place.  I am officially signed up for a Spanish class; My Visa is certified (yeah there was another step... I'm sure you're surprised); I have applied for my Cedula (ID Card), which included running up to the door as it closed at 2pm on Thursday resulting in a second trip to the same place on Friday.  Then of course we needed photocopies of all my documents, so the third time was a charm about 20 minutes later.    We visited the Institute where we were hoping to teach English, and were basically welcomed with open arms immediately-- thanks at least partially to Blas, who is basically a celebrity around that place--- we have jobs when we want them... so yay!

There are many things that stand out initially, but here are few of my Santiago first impressions:

1.  There are dogs EVERYWHERE. People have dogs as pets, but the dogs I'm referring to are the homeless, stray dogs just walking around the street everywhere.  Some are really mangy, and some look like they could be sitting in a pet store, but the really interesting thing is the way they exist as if in their own little world.  Honestly, people ignore them, they ignore people, and they walk the streets just like they are people.  Here is a picture of a little guy having a grand ole time in the mini-park thing by our house.

2.  Public Transportation here is super efficient.  There are TONS of buses called micros going all directions at all times.  We missed the bus we needed at one stop and waited less than five minutes for another of the same kind go come along.  The metro stations are mini-malls with food courts, nail places, cell phone stores.. basically everything you might decide you need on your daily commute.  I'll have a lot of experience with this over our time here, so I'm sure I'll have some good stories, but for now, here is a picture of the bus-barn by our house... I can only assume there are many more of these throughout the city

3.  It doesn't matter how much bread you eat here (and they eat a lot), because you walk so much... which is awesome.  :)  The people here eat so much bread that they remove the middle (called miga) to save calories.  Apparently, the joke is, if you eat it you'll be fat.  I personally think the fluffy middle part is the best part of the bread and so far I'm eating it anyway.

The water is heated here by using propane tanks, and the first night, after a long flight followed by a long day, I was definitely looking forward to a shower.  I learned how to light the heater thing, and at first it was wonderful... then the gas ran out and the water was COLD... I'm talking snow-capped Andes cold.  Michael worked (with the help of his aunt) to change the gas and all was right... but apparently this rarely happens.. so I was just lucky.  :)  Welcome to Chile!! 

Here are a few more pictures for your viewing pleasure.  

Our first meal in Chile was Pizza and beer :)

The front of Michael's grandparents' house

Yes... Tomas is the man. Here he is obviously using manly Gillette products while doing rings.

Towards the city

Towards the Andes.

Adios Escort

There is a How I Met Your Mother episode entitled "Arrivederci Fiero", where Marshall's long time car finally bites the dust, and the characters spend the 23 minutes or so reliving their favorite "Fiero moments."  Today I sold my car and watched it drive away in the capable hands of a college kid, and immediately, my head started churning with all of the great times I've had with my little *hoopdie* over the last 11 years.  And so, a nostalgic ode to the Escort.

11 years ago (almost to the day), I had a 16th birthday dinner with my family.  I had spent the greater part of the year leading up to my 16th birthday checking the classifieds daily and circling anything that looked like it might run, basically resigning myself to the fact that I would not be driving immediately.  After dinner, my grandpa "Dot" told me to go outside for some reason that escapes me, only to reveal a teal something in the neighbors' drive way.  There are only a handful of times I can remember crying out of happiness in my life, and even fewer times when I was completely surprised, and this was both.  I was so completely overcome by the gesture and absolutely ecstatic.  Then.... that car wouldn't reverse out of the driveway.  Oops!  Talk about highs and lows.  To make a long story short, my rugged old grandpa got on the phone with the dealership and within minutes we somehow had the broken car gone and a more expensive, newer (and cuter) car.  Voila!

OK, I realize I am telling the story of "How I Met My Car" like someone would tell the "How I Met My Spouse" story, but that thing has been quite a companion, and the source of countless stories. The "Escort Era" from 2001-2012 has seen me through High School, College, my first job, and getting married.  I feel like everyone who has known me for anytime at all probably has at least one fond (or not so fond) memory of my car.  Let me present the top ten "That time when" moments of the Escort Era.

10.  That time when I windshield-wiped a cop.
  On my way to Monahans, America one night a few years ago, I got pulled over for doing 70 in a 65 because it is night zone.  My passenger was amazed by my ability to turn on the charm as I began playing the game we all do to get out of tickets.  (I apparently turn into quite the Southern Belle.)  Everything was going according to plan when the officer leaned on my windshield and shined his light onto my license, BUT THEN I moved a little too abruptly causing my windshield wipers to launch into full speed with a horrendous rubber on glass screech to accompany the washer fluid being sprayed into the air.  The dummy in my passenger seat started basically guffawing and I struggled to maintain my composure.  Luckily, that guy had a sense of humor and sent me on my way.  Phew!

9.  That time I deserved the ticket.
   Packed to the brim with three grown boys and myself, we headed to Schlitterbaun the summer after my Freshman year of college.  I was speeding, got pulled over, and to my dismay the officer was a woman who meant business.  I gave some lame excuse -- I mean REALLY lame and stupid-- about how I was almost out of gas and needed to get to a gas station quicker.  It was over before it started, honestly.  I got my first ticket and an entire weekend of berating from my "friends."  Was it really my fault that my car really liked going 89 instead of 65?

8. That time there was a great horn debacle.
  A couple of years ago, my car wouldn't pass inspection because the horn went out.  Long story short, my Dad rewired the horn to a "button horn" that was then screwed on top of the steering wheel.  (It was a $4 vs. a $500 fix-- no brainer).  From then on, we got a laugh out of every time that thing was needed.  It had to charge up and then sounded like a toy.  The most entertaining thing was watching the guys doing the subsequent inspections basically performing CPR on my steering wheel before I let them in on the secret.  My horn was funnier than your horn.

7. That time a lady hit it when it was parked "because she was avoiding a cat."
  In college, a note that read: Dear owner, I hit your car when I was avoiding a cat.  Sorry.  Here is my phone number.
 Not only was she an animal lover, but she was also a liar.  That scratch is still there.

6. That time my car stopped the van from it's destructive tear.
  Notice I say the van, not someone driving the van.  Summer of 2004 my Mom ran over herself with the van.  You read that right.  Basically, she got out of the car thinking it was in park when actually it was in reverse.  The van then ran into her, knocking her down, and then OVER her, and then into my car that was parked in the street.  Basically, my car kept the demolition to a minimum by stopping the madness.  My mother ended up being fine (considering), and we began giving her a hard time about it after only a couple weeks.

5. That time I locked my keys in my car--- that happened more times than I like to admit.  My favorite was probably the end of this school year when I searched the band hall tirelessly for a good 45 minutes at 8 o'clock at night, only to find them in the ignition.  Good one.

4.  That time I found out about the two towers.
  I heard the news about 9/11 in my car driving to school.  This is more significant than entertaining.  Basically, I found out in my car that our world would never be the same.

3. That time I learned the word *hoopdie*
  Cue student that looks remarkably like Urkel.
Kid: Miss, is that your little white hoopdie out there?
Me: I'm sorry... What?
Kid: Hoopdie-- it is ghetto slang for piece of trash.
Me: My car?
Kid: Yeah.. you need to UP DATE.  Get you a Focus or somethin.
Me: Your face is a hoopdie.

2.  That time there was a first kiss.
  Yeah, I kissed the man who would turn out to be my husband for the first time sitting in front of another friend's house in my car.  We had been friends and he went for it.  I like to think my car gave him a little nudge to make the move.  After all, my car and I had been through a few rough breakup drives and probably a few out loud conversations about "why isn't this working out how I think it should?"  This is really number one, because that first (and second) kiss were the beginning of something totally awesome.

1. That time when you should always listen to your mother
  Jacqui (my college roommate) and I were going on a trip.  This was once we were grown up, with real jobs, all that jazz.  My mom said, "Why don't you rent a car instead of putting the miles on yours?"  I said, "That is silly, We'll be fine".  My car said "DLJFUE{TWE" as it died on the highway between Midland and San Angelo.  I have since translated that to , "Your mom says I told you so."
Jacqui and I threw the car in neutral and pushed it off the side of the highway while wearing sundresses and flip flops.  We were stuck on the side of the highway for a good 4 hours, which was long enough to get an epic sunburn (Texas in July y'all).  Many strangers stopped to help us to no avail.  Eventually, my uncle was able to come tow us back to Midland (thank god for cell phones).  Turned out to be something fixable, just not something fixable by any of the 10 passersby.  I did get to ride in the back of a cop car-- so there's that.

The end of the Escort Era for me brings a whole new era of exciting new things.  During the Era of "I don't own a car", I fully expect to have a whole new top ten list.  For example, "That time I got lost in Santiago before I was very good at Spanish", "That time I couldn't get off the metro because it was too packed", "That time I realized I needed more comfortable shoes because I'm doing WAY more walking".  I'll have new experiences along side that dude I mentioned in number 2 and on my own.  My car will have all the experiences that go with belonging to a college-aged boy (yikes).  We definitely had a good run, and it seems almost poetic that I said goodbye to that car my wonderful grandfather gave me on what would have been his birthday.  Adios Escort!

Olympic-Sized excitement

The official countdown until our departure has begun--- it really began months ago, but now everything is actually in place (as in plane tickets purchased, visa acquired, jobs have be quit), and there is no turning back.  Can you feel the excitement?

Our second and final trip to the Chilean Consulate in Houston followed up my last post.  I hesitantly handed over an envelope full of my documents to a Fed Ex worked that was, to put it nicely, not probably the best Fed Ex has to offer, but they made it to Houston (phew), so I'll go ahead and award Fed Ex and that young man a gold medal for a job well done.

Obviously, our experience in Houston wasn't easy, because honestly, I don't think easy makes a very good story.
Day One:  I'll summarize (in English, even though I spent the morning listening intently and struggling to respond).  "Chile is broken.  All of the ministry websites are down. Something about the cybernetic-highway.   It isn't your fault.  We will call you tomorrow if everything is back up.  Oh, by the way, when you thought you registered your marriage, you in fact did not.. so there's that.  You brought your marriage certificate?  Good... yeah, you aren't getting that back."  All in all, I think Chile wins no medals for this day, and we win a gold medal in patience and going with the flow.  Although, we did get invited to a Chilean independence day party that will be taking place in Houston in September, and our now BFF from the consulate just hung out and talked to us (slowly for me) and then invited us to friend him on "faybook".

Day Two: Again, I'll summarize.  "Chile is working again, you can come whenever."  Joy!  This day was much simpler, but did include a trip to the bank across the street, and the signing of a whole grip of documents.  The result:  a small piece of paper glue-sticked into my passport that says "temporary resident." I think I probably expected something that looked a little more "official", but it is DONE, so I have no complaints.  Gold medals for everyone involved!!

I have thoroughly enjoyed watching the London Olympics!! I'm not a huge "crier", but there is something about Olympic athletes tearing up on a podium that makes me say, "Don't worry sweetie, you aren't crying alone."  Obviously, the United States has had an impressive showing so far.  The "Fab Five" and the other gymnasts have been so impressive, and have inspired me to do handstands and turns in the living room.  I have found my favorite Olympian of these games in a gymnast from Chile.  (No, I don't hate America, but this kid (and by kid I mean guy my age) is precious)  Meet Tomas Gonzalez:

In case you can't tell, Tomas has an epic mustache and an eyebrow ring.  More importantly, he is Chile's first EVER artistic gymnast at the Olympics.  He is all alone in London representing his country.  He looks so excited to be there at every moment.  On top of that, he competed in two different event finals, Vault and Floor. (To put that in perspective,  none of the American fellows got to compete in more than one event final.) AND he was so stinking close to getting Chile's first medal of the London games.  He came in fourth, TWICE.  In case I haven't convinced you, check out this Buzzfeed article: 

27 Things to Love About Tomas Gonzalez  

I'm going to make it a personal goal to meet this guy and give him a high five for a job well done.

As I said before, the excitement and anticipation are mounting.  August is a month that I have never really experienced due to the craziness of Summer Band, and I have to admit that not stressing about starting school is a pleasant and new feeling.  Soon, I will have plenty of things to occupy my mind (including but not limited to forming Spanish sentences so slowly that people wonder what is wrong with me), but I plan on earning a Gold Medal for effort, or at least come close like my good friend Tomas. 

"No se puede pagar aqui"

When we decided awhile back that we might pick up everything, abandon steady employment, and make the move to Chile, we knew there would be a number of preparations to be made.  Many of these preparations were dependent entirely upon Michael and I--- as in packing our house, putting it in storage, saving money, etc.  Honestly, even though we are only about 6 weeks out, some of these things are still kind of a work in progress--- no two people should have so much stuff (that's a story for another time).


Needless to say, the preparations that involve us being dependent on other people all surround the procurement of my "Temporary Residency Visa", which will allow me to live in Chile legally for, oh you know.. about a year.  The process has been comical to say the least.
The nearest Chilean Consulate is in Houston (not exactly a day trip), which was a point that seemed lost on the workers on our first visit, after all, our permanent address is in the same state.  Even with my limited Spanish comprehension at the time, I understood the look of disbelief when Michael said "Ocho horas".  Our first step towards anything was registering our marriage in Chile, which we were told "could take awhile", so we made an appointment and then the trip during Spring Break-- thus embarking on my first run in with Chile and her ways.
We arrived at the Consulate a little early only to find that the woman that Michael made the appointment with was on vacation, and the nice guy working the window has been on the job for all of two-ish weeks and had the stare of bewilderment to prove it.  He was very relieved to begin conversing in Spanish, and that was my cue to sit and be stared at by the portrait of  Piñera  hanging on the wall.  He's a very handsome leader-- and honestly, he is what I pictured President Snow from the Hunger Games to look like before Hollywood decided that he was actually Donald Sutherland.  Hello Mr. President, what lovely mountains you are standing in front of.  :)

During my time with the President, Michael managed to get our marriage certified and an updated Chilean passport, and then it was time to pay.  Yay!  Only, you can't pay there.  In order to pay, you had to go downstairs, which actually meant, downstairs (where there was a bank, but not the right bank), outside, across the street, past the McDonalds, to another bank. (Stay with me here) Then you pay, get receipts and walk back past the McDonalds, across the street, past the original bank, back up the elevator and hand Chile your proof of payment.  THEN, you fill out a FedEx envelope, so they can mail all of your documents back to you, because again, "this could take awhile."

When we received our marriage certificate back, it basically has an index card glued to it with a stamp from Chile, which I assume to mean "You are now married in two countries."

Everything else you need for a visa has to be done within 30 days of your application and within 90 days of entering the country, forcing you to do things on a time crunch.  FYI, as a US Citizen, I could enter Chile as a tourist with nothing but my passport, carrying whatever disease or crime history I wanted, and stay for 3 months, BUT to become a temporary resident I have to provide the following:

A copy of my passport (seems necessary).

Copies of Bank Statements proving financial security 

An FBI Background check-- As a teacher, I've be fingerprinted and extensively checked to just be certified to even enter a school.  Those fingerprints aren't good enough, so this request from the US government took every bit of 6 weeks to process and receive.

A letter from a Doctor that says I'm not carrying any communicable diseases.

A specific test that says I'm not carrying HIV.

A letter stating why I plan on coming to Chile.

A passport sized picture.

Two different applications that have 85% of the same information-- that by the way ARE NOT the application you get when you follow the website link that says "Application for Visas."

Marriage Certificate (with Chilean approval index card).

A letter from Michael that says he really does want to bring me with him.  

Documents Galore!!

Finally finished gathering everything and put it in the mail today.  Now we wait for them to call and make another appointment, travel to Houston, where I will be interviewed, and hopefully told "Have fun in our country!!", but of course it won't be complete until we walk downstairs, across the street, past the McDonalds, to the random bank and back with proof of payment.  This time instead of "Chao" to Mr. Piñera, I'll get to say "Nos vemos!!", and in my mind he'll say back, "May the odds be ever in your favor."