gh to write a blog.So let's start from the beginning....
I met my fellow volunteers on Wednesday evening in Miami. We had a pre-departure meeting, hung out a bit, did some silly ice-breakers and went to sleep early.
Our journey started at 4:45 am on Thursday as we headed to the airport. For the next 24 hours we got to know each other through three flights, 2 layovers, and a few drinks. All of the people seems really great. There are 20 volunteers, about 6 from California and the rest are scattered. The age range is 20-28 and I'm the only New Yorker!
Our arrival in Chile....
We got to Santiago at 2:30 am on Friday and got through customs very quickly but in typical Chilano fashion, the transportation was a little delayed. We got to the hostel and in our rooms by 5 am!
The weekend...
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday we had informal orientation sessions in the hostel. We were getting to know each other, learning about the Chilano customs and the culture. Basic information like the Chilano version of 911... that kind of stuff.
Little tidbits about Chile...
Our journey started at 4:45 am on Thursday as we headed to the airport. For the next 24 hours we got to know each other through three flights, 2 layovers, and a few drinks. All of the people seems really great. There are 20 volunteers, about 6 from California and the rest are scattered. The age range is 20-28 and I'm the only New Yorker!
Our arrival in Chile....
We got to Santiago at 2:30 am on Friday and got through customs very quickly but in typical Chilano fashion, the transportation was a little delayed. We got to the hostel and in our rooms by 5 am!
The weekend...
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday we had informal orientation sessions in the hostel. We were getting to know each other, learning about the Chilano customs and the culture. Basic information like the Chilano version of 911... that kind of stuff.
Little tidbits about Chile...
One of the most fascinating things I heard on our journey was the rumor that the mullet was in full effect in Chile. I thought that with the outlaw of the mullet in the 80s in the states that countries to follow the trend would have been over it by the 90s. I was wrong. Mullets are plentiful here and as we explored the city over the weekend we saw them everywhere on people of all ages. Even people in advertisements have mullets! Please, do not worry, I will not come back with one. I am just shocked that an entire society thinks it's fashionable. Ok.... I think that we have covered mullets and I hope never to discuss it this much again.
They love mayonnaise! They put globs of it on everything! I think it's more like a 5th food group for them. Sadly for me, I think mayo is repulsive and want to vomit just talking about it. Walking around with friends who want to try the street meat can be painful for me. But, I'm trying to control myself. Another little fact about mayo: if you do not want it, you say "sin mayo" with a soft "a". If you pronounce with a hard "a" you are literally saying, "without I pee". Good thing to remember if you come here, but don't worry, I'll remind you.
Wines!
We tried several on our first night and found one that was a bit more expensive (it was $5 instead of $4) and it was incredible. Terrapura... "pure earth" it's a cab. if you can find it, try it. It's my first of what I hope will be many recommendations.
What I've seen so far.
We are staying in a hostel in the central part of the city which is a great location. We are near the capital (la moneda), la plaza de armas, some cool markets, and el Mus
eo all of which I went to see this past weekend (except for el museo which is free on Sundays so I'm going this weekend). I walked over to the Cerro (hill) Santa Lucia. This is where Santiago was established. It has some amazing views of the Andes and you can see the whole city from there (picture with Cara and James).
I've also been to the Cerro San Cristobal which is where there is a giant statue of the virgin Mary and has even better views of the Andes (picture up top). I walked around Providencia which is a beautiful neighborhood within Santiago and took a ride on the metro and buses.
eo all of which I went to see this past weekend (except for el museo which is free on Sundays so I'm going this weekend). I walked over to the Cerro (hill) Santa Lucia. This is where Santiago was established. It has some amazing views of the Andes and you can see the whole city from there (picture with Cara and James).I've also been to the Cerro San Cristobal which is where there is a giant statue of the virgin Mary and has even better views of the Andes (picture up top). I walked around Providencia which is a beautiful neighborhood within Santiago and took a ride on the metro and buses.
So far this week....
We have now officially started orientation. We went to el universidad where we have our orientation for the next 4 weeks. This happens to be the location where I will be working from so that works out great for me! Today, we watched a film called "Machuca" which is a really incredible film about Chile in '73 prior to the coup and then spoke withe the Harvard University Director of Latin American Studies who further explained the last 30 years of history.
We have now officially started orientation. We went to el universidad where we have our orientation for the next 4 weeks. This happens to be the location where I will be working from so that works out great for me! Today, we watched a film called "Machuca" which is a really incredible film about Chile in '73 prior to the coup and then spoke withe the Harvard University Director of Latin American Studies who further explained the last 30 years of history.
That's it for now.... hope everyone is well.
Chao!
Lauren
P.S. Leb - Thanks for the blog title.
P.S. Leb - Thanks for the blog title.
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