laudry list2

what i've learned so far.

family- it's been hard at times to face to face with the reality of family interconnectedness down here. people are far more willing to accept one another for who they really are just because they are family... nada ma'... many gringos have noticed this and commented on it. someone put it pretty aptly... (summarizing) families here just accept individuals for who they really are rather than trying to judge, criticize and control individual members on (what i believe to be) a rather subconscious level.

language- it's been interesting to see that, the more i am invested and aware of the culture and language, the more i can understand my student's comprehension errors. why they say "especial" instead of "special" or when they use "inclusive" when it entirely doesn't make any sense.

sexism- over 60% of women in chile report abuse. there are also skyrocketing numbers of women with std infections/aids due to husbands having sex with other men (msm).

great deals- the pricing/ sale system works according to the chilean system down here. things are priced the best during the season in which the item is popular as contrasted with the system in the US where things are more inexpensive outside of the season. chilean mentality correlates best to in-the-moment thinking and gringos are notorious for planning ahead.

gringo style space- really enjoying the gringo-style space i am able to obtain at starbucks. i know it sounds bad but at least at starbucks you can be guaranteed someone isn't going to find a reason to bump up against you. the furniture is big enough to keep strangers at bay.

walking with chileans- still a problem, i'm not going to lie. i can't stand it. but at least i've found a method for combating the problem. step one, show no fear. at a distance of about 15 feet away, the chilean will look up at you to see if you are going to waiver in your stance. you merely look around, relaxed and composed. step two, DO NOT look to move anywhere but straight ahead. though this is not necessary the chilean will languish with you until the last moment, where you will brush up against one another, in a very unnecessary fashion (yes i know) but at least this will keep you from doing a ridiculous back and forth dance two feet from each other that will make you want to scream. scott's heard they know we're foreign by the way we walk.

more similarities between chile and the us- despite capitalism, there are many similarities between chile and the us. both are isolated countries, limited in their second language abilities. both are rather (on the whole) ignorant of international news/major events/issues. many people in both countries have little desire to leave, on any kind of permanent basis, their home country.

generally speaking chileans are great people. they're honest, helpful, and though not outgoing, they are very friendly. i've really enjoyed my time here, enjoyed the people i've met and the experiences i've had. duoc definitely wasn't my gig but i enjoyed the ability to hold a student visa and not to have to leave the country for a year. i can't wait to travel and i apologize for my lack of blogging as of late. it's been hard to pull together.

hopefully next time you hear from us we'll be in the south of chile, still having access to all these delicious avocados.