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.