Una foto vale mil palabras

There are so many things to share about being in Chile that I am actually semi-overwhelmed about this whole blog thing.  It has only been two weeks, and I want to tell you guys everything about everything, but for now, less words, mas fotos.
  I keep having to tell myself that we have time to see it all, and not to rush it, but it is difficult to hold back with so many beautiful buildings, views, etc.  Last week I started my intensive Spanish class (more on that later) which meets from 9-1:30.  We used the afternoons to do a LOT of walking and see some pretty neat things.  The architecture alone is so fantastic that it makes you feel as if you have been transported to another time.  Restoring old buildings and appreciating one's heritage instead of knocking them down to build high rises and parking lots--- gotta love it.

The Teatro Municipal hosts all kinds of performances.  I hope to see inside at some point. 

 The beautiful Santa Lucia Hill (park) in the middle of the city creates almost an Oasis in the middle of chaos.  There were people in every nook of this park making out (obviously), and once you climbed the ultra-steep stairs, the views were pretty stunning.  In the park is a monument to Pedro Valdivia (who conquered the hill and "discovered" Santiago) and a defense fort (Castle).  Mire!

There were a few dogs... Obviously

       

 That hill in the distance is Cerro San Cristobal.  It is on the "to-do" list.

Ahhh.  Santa Lucia.  What a beautiful place.  The next two pictures are with La Moneda, the Presidential Palace.  Mr. Pres doesn't actually live here, although, as you can see, it is very difficult to get very close.  Even from afar though, it is pretty fantastic.  

Last Friday afternoon we reserved for San Cristobal; however, when we arrived the "funicular" that takes you up the mountain was out of service (bummer).  We went to the zoologico in the park, which was built right into the side of the mountain, meaning lots of uphill walking.  Spring was definitely in the air at the zoo, if... you know what I mean.  Lets just say "Como que estan reproduciendo?" from the mouth of a small child is now a Spanish phrase I didn't know I'd know.  

Anyway, after spending so much time at the zoo, our drive to climb that mountain diminished.  We hiked about half way up and decided to come back another day when we had more time.  I am definitely anticipating the view from the top since these pictures were taken less than half way up.  

We also visited the Plaza de Armas, which is the plaza in the middle of the city that holds the post office and the national cathedral.  Both of those things were very beautiful (I know.. a post office you say?  But seriously). There were also tons of guys playing chess in the middle of the day.  What a life.  

 
 



And for your entertainment.....Equal parts funny and delicious :).

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.