Reflexión

I am lucky to have been where I have been and lucky to be coming home again. 

I have been thinking for a few weeks as to how I want to sum up this experience in words. I am filled with mixed emotions because while I will be overjoyed to be reunited with my family and friends, this was the best thing I could have done at this point in my life. I want to reflect on how i have changed over these last 168 days. 

Before, I thought I could speak Spanish. Now I think and speak in Spanish (however littered with Chilenismos it may be, po). The Chileans are aware that they speak poorly and being told I speak Spanish well gave me great satisfaction. 

Before I anxiously arrived at least 15 minutes early for everything . This is not going to change completely as I value my punctuality. However, stressing about is no longer a priority. 

Before I would never consider taking a coach bus for more than a 90minute Milwaukee-Chicago commute. I have now clocked innumerable kilometers and about 75 hours on buses. It is not the most time efficient mode of transportation. The difference is all the parts of the country that one sees on the journey rather than two airport terminals as we are accustomed to when traveling in the U. S. Maybe I will take the Amtrak to California in the Spring....

Before I knew little to nothing about this country. I now have participated in the culture, learned about the problems it faces as a developing country and genuinely enjoyed my lifestyle. Juan admitted to trying to accustom to my way of living when I first arrived but realized that I came here for a new experience. For that, I am thankful. 

Before I was much more concerned with material possessions. Living here has showed me how to have nice things but actually use them. Set the table each meal with a tablecloth and placemats. I managed to be creative in order to live off of what I brought for six months. 

I could go on. The time I have spent away has given me time to reflect on what I want in life. It has made me realize I cannot live for anyone else but myself. I learned to enjoy each moment rather than wishing for the past or the future. I learned the impact that one person can have on students when willing to give them attention and affection. 

Everything happens for a reason. I have always tried to believe this and I have a lot of faith. There is a reason I didn't go to grad school right away. There is a reason I was sent to the tiny town of Galvarino. There is a reason the Castillo family to a risk and agreed to host a Gringa. There is a reason I met all of the wonderful people and saw many beautiful places. I tried new things and took risks. I ate things I never thought I would, often times unaware of what I was consuming. 

I mentioned in my first blog post that "I crave adventure, excitement, a challenge and a life changing experience." Mission. Accomplished. Thank you to everyone who got me through the tough days with messages, packages, tweets and prayers. I am especially grateful for the unconditional support of my parents who constantly  encourage  me and make things possible. 

Goodbyes

I am currently sitting in the front row of the bus bound for Santiago exhausted from an emotional week. One of my intentions was to enjoy each moment of the last days in Galvarino and I would say it was accomplished. 

The semester is ending so classes were more relaxed than normal this week (and that's saying something). I see each class just once a week so the goodbyes began on Monday. My co-teacher Milton announced at the end of the classes that it would be my last day and each class president spoke on behalf of the students. I also thanked them for their interest, participation and energy also telling them how much I learned in the high school. 

From the first month of classes the 1B course was my favorite. The freshmen were well-behaved, yet so fun.   Their class on Tuesday morning got me choked up as they were the first class I met and taught in June. Already labeled as the sentimental gringa or llorona (crybaby), I told them how much they meant to me and hugged them all. To my surprise, they organized a goodbye 'cheers' with Fanta on Wednesday afternoon. 

Thursday morning the first two periods of classes were normal. The third period of the morning I do not have class but Milton asked me to stick around.  Not that they need much of an excuse to cancel classes normally, I was honored to find out that it was for my 'despedida' or send-off with the staff. Nelson prepared homemade churrascos and vino at 11:30am was considered appropriate. José Luis was elected to present my gift from all of my colleagues. Romina, the art teacher and somebody I grew very close to, hand crafted beautiful silver earrings in a traditional Mapuche design. With tear filled speech I managed to tell them how much I appreciate them and they told me I was the favorite of the four previous volunteers. 

Friday night, I went to watch the boys play fútbol one last time. It was an intense game with more than a bit of name calling by players and spectators alike. Saturday morning José Luis, Elias, Pipé and I went to Temuco for a birthday party. In the evening we met up with Romina, Paula and Sergio at La Vida for a Terremoto or two. Unintentionally making our way to the karaoke bar, The Boss, where I  celebrated my 22nd birthday, ultimately finding ourselves dancing at XS, the casino discotheque until the early hours of the morning. 

Sunday afternoon all of the family came over for my farewell asado of Cordero. It was an emotional goodbye with Marina, Tatiana's aunt, who I grew very close to. We discussed what a beautiful experience it has been for everyone. That evening was emotional saying my goodbyes to José Luis's siblings. 

Monday morning we shared desayuno of sopapillas one last time and tearfully sent Antonia off to school. She texted me the whole way to school. Finally Juan loaded my enormous suitcase and with Tatiana we went to the bus terminal. José Luis met us there and about 10 minutes later my bus turned the corner. Tìa Vero, JL's mom jumped on the bus to bid me farewell. I got off for one more hug, only once. The young bus attendant tried to comfort me asking me why I don't just stay in Chile. That along with the sappy music did not help matters and I accepted looking like the gringa loca for the first hour of the trip.  I have felt so much love here and have no doubt I will be returning someday. 

Stay tuned for my final reflections....

Nice to MEAT you.

             Let me begin by saying it is a very good thing I am not a vegetarian. During orientation in Santiago, it was said that those of us placed in the South of Chile would never go hungry. They were correct. I have mentioned it before and I will say it again; often by the time one has digested a meal, the next one is being served. The one thing that keeps me constantly surprised is the amount of meat (and bread) that is consumed. The asado, an ever popular barbecue-like event, has taken on a new meaning for me. Arriving in the winter, I was offered a lot of chancho (pork) and vacuno (beef). Occasionally they would throw a chicken from the campo on the parilla for flavor. Now entering Spring/Summer, it seems as though any and every piece of livestock, mammal, or pet is game for eating.

            While chicken has always been my protein of choice, I pride myself on trying new things especially in a foreign country. The season has now brought about chivos (goat) , corderos (lamb), conejos (rabbit) and caballo (horse). Yes, horse. I explained to the friends and family that I will eat almost anything with the exception of rabbit and horse. The fear of rabbit was affirmed when I heard they literally go out in trucks in the middle of the night with a spotlight and shoot rabbits in the street. I have no grand animal rights convictions, moreover it is the fact that one day you see a rabbit on the walk home and the next day it is very likely you could be eating it. Similarly, horses are meant to be ridden and looked at from a distance in my opinion. I was offered and accepted a bite of what looked like a steak sandwich last week. The meat was tender and juicy. TWO DAYS LATER, I was informed of what I had eaten. This was not the first time that this had occurred.

Asado

Disco

Rio Quillem

            This past weekend I had the opportunity to visit the campo on our way to Rio Quillem, the beautiful river for some swimming and fishing. I was immediately obsessed with the adorable baby chickens. When we arrived back at the house after exploring the river, there was an ENTIRE cooked chicken ready for consumption.  Sunday afternoon we had a disco. Not to be confused with the pulsing music and flashing lights, dancing until 4am. A disco is a collection of all different kinds of meats grilled strategically together with wine and spices. Pork, chicken, longaniza and mussles made for a surprisingly delicious afternoon lunch. I am thankful that I am not a picky eater however I will be ready for a vegetable overdose upon my arrival in the USA.  15 days....

Week of Wins

This past week was quite possibly the best yet. For the past two months with the local network of English teachers, we had been planning "English Day" in Galvarino for 12 schools in the town and surrounding rural villages. Each school was to present an act (dialogue, dance, song, etc) in English. I decided to give freedom to my students to choose what song they would like to perform. I presented my eclectic library of music in English and while I was pushing for a Kellie Pickler line dance, was not surprised when they chose "Womanizer" by Ms. Spears.I choreographed a thematic dance with my seventh grade class in which the three boys donned in silver metallic masks essentially chased around the four girls in sequin hats. It was not a masterpiece and they had less energy than I would have liked but I was pleased with the participation.

The other component of the English Day celebration was a Spelling Bee in which one student from each school was coached and participated. I worked with two eighth grade boys during and after school drilling them on the English Alphabet and the one hundred included words. I was extremely impressed in how they participated and were motivated to learn from their mistakes (there may have been a bit of encouragement included in the form of candy and popsicles).I also coached the host Ignacio, and co-host Javiera, from my freshman level class on pronunciation and speaking skills (Foreign Forensics, if you will) and they blew me away with how well they represented our school.

Wednesday, November 7th arrived and Shannan came to assist me in the task of judging the Spelling Bee. It was held at the Rio Quillem Elementary School and many of the young students who I have met excitedly ran up to me with hugs and greetings. The Spelling Bee competition began and the nervous students took their places at the microphones. There were three rounds and all of the students passed the first round which was a relief as I hate to see disappointment in the kids that worked so hard. Cuento corto, my student Brayan fairly won 1st place!

Also, with my sophomores and juniors we have been working on comics, stories, and poems in English. I was reminded of my Spanish Poetry class at Marquette and how difficult poetry is in a foreign language. Once again, my expectations were exceeded. We brought a selection of the twenty best works to a Literature Exposition in Temuco with two students on Thursday. I had the opportunity to see Annie, Neal, Kelly and Kel- other volunteers who came with their schools. Each participant walked around, conversed IN ENGLISH, and voted on the best pieces. Upon the awarding of the prizes, one of my students won 1st place with his very well-written story on the future of the region accompanied by an incredible drawing. Better yet, he was one of the students we elected to represent the school and was able to receive his prize in person.

A few weeks ago, I had the feeling that I was not doing enough to help these students learn English. However, I realized that it is not just what I am doing it is giving them a vision. They announced to the faculty and school of our winnings. This made me most happy because it gives the students perspective that they can go out into the community and the world and participate with others . English is more than sitting in classroom repeating verbs and copying phrases. I hope that with my being here, these students are given hope and perspective in numerous aspects of their lives.

4th Graders dancing to Thriller

My girls!

Winners! My student second from the right next to my head teacher, Milton.

Christian, me, Milton and Jerson at the Exposition

And the final countdown has begun....exactly 3 weeks from today I will be in the Santiago Airport. Preparing myself for a week of bittersweet tears. #sentimental.

Things Went South

            This past weekend in the interest of exploring what I learned is only the beginning of Southern Chile, we ventured to Puerto Varas. I also recently learned that Groupon has expanded internationally. Juan discovered a Groupon for a cabin in Puerto Varas a couple months ago and arranged for the four of us to get away for a few days. 

            Only having one class on Friday mornings, it did not take much convincing to ask for permission to miss class so we could leave promptly at 10:00am. In light of previous posts, one may venture to guess that we did not actually leave until 12:30 pm. The rainy four-hour drive was incredibly picturesque and while I dozed for a bit of it, appreciated the scenery. The town of Puerto Varas is similar to Pucon. It has rustic charm nestled on the coast of Lake Llanquihue. We stopped for Barros Luca and coffees before the secluded 6 km drive to Campo Kutral, our home for the weekend. In my opinion, we had the best cabin with an incredible view of the lake. That afternoon we walked on the beach, collected volcanic rocks, visited the cascades, and waited unsuccessfully for the three volcanoes to poke through the clouds. 

            On Saturday morning we ate breakfast and set off for Petrohue. A forty minute drive around the lake and we found ourselves in a touristy After a 1,500 peso fee, we entered the Parque Nacional Vincente Perez Rosales and explored the Saltos de Rio Petrohue. The saltos are walkways over the rocks and mountains with breathtaking views of the foamy, turquoise river. Despite inappropriate footwear, it was perfect.  We detoured 3 km to Laguna Verde. A seemingly dirty pond of milky sea-green water a result of microalgaes makes la laguna famous. Saturday evening we indulged in wine, conversation and asado while watching the sunset back at the cabin. 

            Sunday morning after packing up our things we traveled the short distance to the famous Puerto Montt. After walking past the typical tourist vendors (which I been finding myself more immune to lately), Naval Station, and ferry; we arrived at the Mercado. The smell brought my mind immediately to Cape Cod or less candidly, the Sendik’s Fish Market. Rows and rows of salmon vendors, various mussels, clams, and other foreign sea creatures filled the space overlooking the ocean. Juan and Tatiana selected some whole salmons and we watched as toothless, rough-handed men expertly sliced and segmented the fish. Also purchased we about 5 kg each of mussels and oysters. Lunch was had at a quaint restaurant with pretty views of the coast while we had seafood consommé and fresh fried fish. A stroll on the boardwalk of the city completed our trip before we headed back for Galvarino. 

Mama Tatiana

Raincoat= best item I brought

Ignore the inappropriate footwear, per usual.

Monday evening for once we spoiled ourselves with the delicious mariscos accompanied by a sangria-type beverage that I would be interested in recreating stateside. I have hit the 6 weeks until departure date which I know will fly by but vow to continue to make the most of each day. I am in the process of preparing students for a Spelling Bee, planning English Day, choreographing a Britney Spears song and writing futuristic alien stories for a literature exposition in Temuco. This week I received the most lovable gifts and notes from my Wisconsin Club friends and my family. I have been feeling very fortunate to have the support and thoughts being sent from home.

Viva la Vida Galvarino

Tanto tiempo since I have written anything. The lack of blogging is a result of my life becoming quite routine. I have not taken any trips lately or done anything unusual, but there is no lack of enjoyment and happiness. A bittersweet moment this week was when my host teacher just reminded me that there are just seven weeks left before I say goodbye. 

Everyday activities that initially confused me or made me uncomfortable (simply by the fact that they were different) are things I now look forward to. 

Lunch: Living within arm’s reach of my school allows us to go home for lunch every day. When I was in school, being taken out of the building for lunch was reserved for birthdays or extended dentist appointments. In the high school here the only students and teachers that stay at school to eat between 1:10 and 2:20 every day are those that live outside the town. This extended and luxurious lunch hour has advantages in that Marina, Tatiana, Juan and I share a hot meal and joking conversation. One disadvantage is that it extends the school day to either 5:00 or 6:00 in the evening. Originally, the longer days were difficult because it would be dark when we arrived home. 

Disconnected lifestyle: While I am by no means in a remote location, coming from an over connected world to a community without WIFI was a change. I initially felt a void where my iPhone used to be. The inability to translate a word with the Google Translate App, search for random facts when asked a question, or text my family and friends on a regular basis has pushed me to do other things.  Conversations are far richer and meaningful without the electronic devices clouding concentration. I read instead of constantly staring at Facebook. There are sometimes entire days I go without checking my pay-as-you-go Chilean Entel cell phone (mostly because all of 5 people have the number). 

Weekends: Last week after spending Friday night going out in Temuco with the other volunteers and comparing stories of our lifestyles in respective towns, I realized how content I am. I knew before I left the United States that this was not going to be a vacation. Going out and partying were not on my to-do list here. While I have had a great time on the occasional night at Boca de Lobos on Avenida Alemania (my favorite bar in Temuco) I would not trade my situation for anyone else’s. It has allowed me to have a “pijamada” or slumber party with my 9 year old host sister per her request. I am perfectly content having a glass of wine with some friends and joking around. I have been attending the soccer games at the stadium on a more regular basis which has allowed me learn some choice Chilean groserias and see how the fanatics play.

Observant to a fault: I have discovered that the Chileans notice and comment on everything. At first, I was a little irritated by the constant questions and comments. “The red dot on my face? Oh, that is a pimple because I do not have beautiful Moreno skin.” This astute behavior also means that they are generous and inquisitive about ones well-being. One day I felt pretty sick with a headache, cold, sinus pressure and apparently my eyes gave me away. They insisted I rest and drink Mate for the afternoon, which worked.  

Punctuality: Anyone that knows me or has ever made plans with me knows that I operate on what my mother calls “Butscher time.” If we plan to get together at 10:00 and I can walk there in 10 minutes, my internal clock forces me to leave at 9:40. I find comfort in having time and being accountable. My class schedule is the same way and I am constantly early and happily wait around for the bell to ring before teaching. The turning point was a few weeks ago. One of the younger teachers called me out. He said to me that I seem hurried and overly concerned with the times. Chilean culture dictates that if a party, dinner or event starts at a certain time; it is best to show up AT LEAST an hour later. I thought that classes would be different but upon the ringing of the bell to start classes, nobody in the teachers room flinches until students may start to come looking for them. I do not see this carrying over completely but I have relaxed and become more patient when being told we will be leaving “al tiro” (right away) and we are in the car 45 minutes later. 

A difficult realization this week was seeing my students improving and showing interest. It should be a happy moment and it truly is exciting to witness. However, knowing that unless they seek out further coaching or self-instruction, my departure may leave them with something more to be discovered. I am not an “English Angel” by any means though I strongly believe that a new perspective for them has mutually taught us what is possible. My relationships have flourished in the school and as a sappy sentimental, I know that my last week will be filled with tears. For now, I am enjoying every day. Even if I am over-tired and want to turn my “Spanish ears” off, I have been pushing myself to continue to take advantage of each opportunity.  

Medoza

Once we are out of the mini-bus on Argentinian soil, our Mendoza vacation could finally begin. After about 30 minutes of wandering and asking for directions (while attempting to mask our acquired Chilean accents), we decided to hop in a taxi. 10 minutes and $26 pesos later, we arrived at Hostel Itaka on the main street of Downtown Mendoza. The street washington littered with boutiques, bars, restaurants and well-dressed Argentinians. We settled into our 4 person room and explored our abode. There was a bar/restaurant attached, a pool and patio outside and spacious common areas. After a not-so quick nap and off-brand DayQuil in attempt to cure the fever-cold-chills I was experiencing, we went out and explored the area.

It was still early on the Argentinian timeline of fiestas and being Wednesday, pretty tame. Thursday morning I was feeling much better and we set off to explore Parque San Martín. It was a 4 block walk from our hostel and absolutely breathtaking. One thing that the Argentinans do more of than Chileans  is exercise. We encountered a rowing team in the river, a soccer team doing sprint practices and various joggers with dogs actually on leashes. The views of the mountains as a seemingly artificial curtain at every view continues to take my breath away. After a stroll thru the park, we located Plaza Independcia where a street fair was taking place. Perhaps because we were still pretty early or the lack of business, only a handful of vendors were open. We shopped around for awhile and enjoyed the sun. A piece of cake and tea from Caffé Jack seemed necessary so we sat on the cobblestone road outside and conversed as we were served.

Back at the hostel we met a couple from Canada and all decided to take part in the offered "pasta and vino" dinner. It was nice to talk with other travelers- although it seems that nearly everyone is "just traveling for 2-4-6 weeks/months/years." The six of us went out for a drink at G2 where I indulged in a Caiparinha.

Friday morning we set off with the intentions to locate a bus to take is an hour away to Maipu for the wineries. After numerous suggestions from friends and generally positive Internet reviews- we found Mr. Hugo and patronized his bike/wine tour establishment. $30 pesos for a bike rental for the day and helpful information on which bodegas to visit and we were off. We started the farthest away at Familia Di Tomasso. It was the most informative, oldest, and very beautiful. Next we stopped at the ultra modern Mevi Bodega with breathtaking views and sampled wines in a gorgeous deck overlooking the grapes and Andes. Thirdly, we stopped at a chocolate factory with various liqueurs to sample. Laura and Lindsay decided that was there they wanted to stop but not completely satisfied, Colleen and I stayed in search of one more. We happened across the beer garden and enjoyed a Rubia in the sun. The whole day was gorgeous and I got some much needed sun on my skin. After regrouping back at Mr. Hugo's, a chat with our new friends, and a gift from Mr. Hugo himself, we left.

That night we went out for Mexican at Taco Tabasco and despite confusing what I thought to be shredded beef with a hot dog-like substance chopped in my quesadilla, enjoyed it. Overall, Argentina  exudes a more European energy, generally less expensive, and very clean. We sadly had a 9am bus on Saturday morning but got to take in the views during daylight once again. The border control took about an hour for our 50 passenger bus. Colleen and I watched What to Expect While You're Expecting on the iPad and a quick six hours later we were back in Santiago to kill time before our respective 10pm buses home.