Dear wonderful readers. It's been a great journey to and from Chile and I am officially back in the States (as of last week Thursday). It's been an interesting time this past week in terms of gettin used to my family, its habits, English, and a boat load of other things, but today's blog will give you a hint into the reverse culture shock that I've been experiencing (and make me miss Chile).
Maturing?
So, if you know me, you might say I'm a pretty mature person and couldn't possibly think of any more ways for me to mature. But ladies and gents. It's true: Ife is still maturing! In Chile, I only lived with 3 other people and they are all adults so the place was quite clean all the time, however, when I got back to my house...there was a pile of dishes, my room had been invaded my all the members in the family and the whole place seemed to be choking me. That's when I realized a change had occurred. I wanted to clean so badly and put the house back into order. It was the part of me that had changed while I was there and gotten used to cleaniness, neatness and the sorts. But it wasn't just that, it was the fact that I wanted to do it. I don't really like chores, but this hadn't bothered me much. In the mornings, if I see dishes in the sink, I stack them and clear out the dishwasher. If I see schnibbles of paper on the floor, I don't walk over them; I pick them up and whatever else in the vacinity that seems out of place. Ife.Has.Arrived.
Onces?
If you read previous blogs, I've mentioned onces a few times. It's the tea time in Chile that comes after lunch. Instead of dinner, they have a light meal consisting of bread, tea, palta, ham, queso, and other finger foods. Having come back to the states, I wanted to each onces. For me, it was more than just the food and how cute it was to eat at 7pm little crackers and tea, it was the whole family eating together and waiting for one another (at least in my host family) to sit down to eat. My family in the States doesn't do that so I guess Onces was something I've missed a lot and would like to have here, but we've tried eating together...doesn't work since we all have so different of schedules.
Español?
Uds. no entienden como quiero hablarlo casi cada día. Por eso, decidí avisar a mi amigo, quien vive acá en E.E.U.U. pero hablar español bastante bien, que vamos a hablarlo todo el tiempo! Era mi idea pero él quiso hablar tambien para que no lo pierda. Voy a tomar 2 clases de español el próximo semestre en mi universidad por lo tanto no voy a preocuparme demasiado. Sin embargo, quiero seguir conversando con mis amigos/amigas y todos que hablan esp. Mi familia no entiende nada de esp y, además, habla yoruba (idioma de Nigeria), lo que no hablo bien. no importa...tengo tiempo porque tengo ganas de hablarlo medio bien. jaja
Well, the list continues with going in to kiss everyone, but realizing it's not a thing here. jaja. It's so funny because I wasn't in the ambiente de dar besos todo el tiempo pero ahora I think I hug isn't complete without un beso. And bread is just NOT the same. I can't eat bread here anymore..it's like I'd be committing a crime to each sliced bread instead of pan batido..don't get be started on alfajores. I brought some to the states and my family hasn't touched them...besides the fact that these chocolately goodness snacks are delicious, alfajores are like....essential to the Chilean well being (not really, but I was on a roll).
Aight..I'm done. As I continue my culture shock experiences, I'll inform you of anything rather disturbing that goes on. Much love, snow and besossss for each and everyone of you.
I've missed you all and am glad to be back on this side north of the equator.
Love, peace and elbow grease...
Ife 'Quipayan' S.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Friday, December 3, 2010
Notes from my subconscious
Dear friends,
As of Wednesday night, I was officially stressed.
It's not even that I feel rushed, it's that my subconscious that tells me that I'm stressed.
I've had rather strange dreams these past nights.
Some of them seem to be relevant to my present life, but other are just really weird.
For example, I finally finished taking down my braids of 3 months and decided I should fix it or at least make it look decent. I found a industry sized comb that would handle the jungle of my hair and after washing it, putting lots of conditioner, it started drying and I knew it was time to tackle it head on. I found lots of knots during this process which meant lots of hair falling out (blah). I deeply despise seeing my hair fall out. I don't know why but I just can't stand to see it.
"Arg".
"Qué te pasó" asked my Chilean sister Pauli.
"Todo mi pelo está cayendo!" I said in a frustrated, half laughing voice.
Later that night, I had a dream that more hair was falling out. My mom, aunty, sister and I were seated in our small sized bathroom at home on stools and discussing my hair.
Ladies and gents, you know I'm stressed. Pssh. Hope it passes quick 'cause my subconscious is really catching on about my true fears.
As of Wednesday night, I was officially stressed.
It's not even that I feel rushed, it's that my subconscious that tells me that I'm stressed.
I've had rather strange dreams these past nights.
Some of them seem to be relevant to my present life, but other are just really weird.
For example, I finally finished taking down my braids of 3 months and decided I should fix it or at least make it look decent. I found a industry sized comb that would handle the jungle of my hair and after washing it, putting lots of conditioner, it started drying and I knew it was time to tackle it head on. I found lots of knots during this process which meant lots of hair falling out (blah). I deeply despise seeing my hair fall out. I don't know why but I just can't stand to see it.
"Arg".
"Qué te pasó" asked my Chilean sister Pauli.
"Todo mi pelo está cayendo!" I said in a frustrated, half laughing voice.
Later that night, I had a dream that more hair was falling out. My mom, aunty, sister and I were seated in our small sized bathroom at home on stools and discussing my hair.
Ladies and gents, you know I'm stressed. Pssh. Hope it passes quick 'cause my subconscious is really catching on about my true fears.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Sights, Sounds and Smells
Hello everyone!
It's been waaaay too long since I've written and I'm actually excited to let you know that all is well. I am in Chile for 18 more days (less than 3 weeks) and, as I speak, am juggling relaxing, sending this update and reading about the history of Chilean music.
It's been a busy last month, but also a very good one. I am setting my own schedule, waking up when I want and just doing things at my own pace. Though I seem to leave the house less (because I find it easy to just work at home), I have come to realize things that I've become so accustomed to, but still take note of.
Sights:
-The house of my aunt: This aunt is the sister of my mother and we all live in the same compound. We seem to be in her house all the time. Whether we're eating, visiting, or just working, I've starting treating it as my second home because I can honestly go there whenever I want My classmate that used to live there moved out and is living in an apartment with other classmates, but comes back often enough for tea time (las onces) and lunch. This is definitely a reflection of not only the family, but the Chilean lifestyle as well. The family is such a central focal point that, even after the kids move out, dinner/lunch/onces still includes the majority of the family. It doesn't overwhelm me when there are 15 people over for lunch or onces and we spend more time talking than we do eating.
- The city
So, I personally am not the best first sight navigator so 4 months later I am more familiar with the city and knowing how to get home from almost any part of the city. I still have my off days. I was in Viña del Mar-a neigboring city-the other day (having an interview with a woman for my project) and didn't want to take the subway because I knew the buses are cheaper and didn't mind demorando mucho (taking much time) to get back home because it's a pretty city. On my way back, I accidentally got on the wrong bus headed the wrong way, but thanks to my previous experience of being lost, I asked the bus driver before actually boarding. I saved myself money and time...so I guess I'm getting the hang of figuring my way around...sort of.
Sounds:
-The bus
Las micros (pronounced: mee crows) are way more than just busses, they are one of the few sources of transportation for many many many people. I live on a hill that is casi (almost) impossible to subir (go up) if you don't drive a manual car. Most people don't have cars, and even less of them can manuver up the steep cerros (hills). Every day, almost every 15 minutes, I can hear a micro's engine going up the hill, almost in a struggle because it often has to stop on the slope to drop off passangers. Seeing as there are few actual sidwalks in Valparaíso, everyone just walks on the street and a good indicator to get off of the street is the roaring sound of the micro. It can always be heard before it's seen. Which is always a good thing because if I'm running late, but can hear the micro comming, I'm out the door in a flash.
-Tom
The dog. He's old and has been having a few pains. He doesn't like climbing up the stairs and so he whines when he wants to climb up. It's a shame, but we've figured out that all he really needs is sometime to say, "Sube!" "Climb!" Just a little encouragement.
-Spanish
I have become better at understaning Chileans (the wrost, so they say in proper Spanish speaking).
Smells:
-Fish
Fish, fish, fish, fish, fish. I mean, it's kind of obvious. The entire city was established on a port and you can see the mar (sea) from all points of the city (it's pretty fabulous). However, there is this route on the micro where it runs along the shoreline right next to a caleta (bay) where fishermen bring in their catch. The smell is expecially strong in this specific area, but I know where we are, if I lose track of my geographic location, when I smell fish, the strong stench of fresh fish. I'm used to it now...but still, it's strong.
-Dog excrement
I won't explain this. There are just sooo many dogs in this city. It is sometimes unbelievable.
-Smoke
People smoke in unimaginable quantities in this country and freely. From the age of 13, you can see young children to old people on the street smoking. Me carga (It bugs me) when I see little children smoking and no one really opposes it. I smell smoke too often and sometimes come home smelling like smoke, but am very grateful for good health.
In all this, I've learned to enjoy this city and take in all the sights, sounds or smells. I'll miss it all when I go back to the states and might bug you all with stories about these sights, sounds and smells so I hope you all get ready to be part of my reverse culture shock. :)
See you soon!
Friday, November 12, 2010
Earth to Ife. Halllo?
As I'm sitting here in my bed really late this...dusk, I'm really thinking about my future. (Buckle up, this one's a doozy). Don't fall asleep on me here.
No, just joking. I am thinking about my future, but I won't be sharing it (much) with you.
No, just joking. I am thinking about my future, but I won't be sharing it (much) with you.
So I have 2 blogs and realized when I was writing in the other one that I really don't want to be a lawyer. Eso.
On to the rest of Chile. I think I want to come back to Chile after I finish college. I have been thinking that I really don't want to leave right now. I don't know what it is that is making me feel this way (I haven't fallen in love so I can rule that out), but it's strong enough to make me consider leaving and starting over.
Maybe that's it. Starting over. I actually don't want to talk about this right now. It's too late and I'm not thinking correctly. The blog isn't a sounding board so I won't bore you with my preliminary thoughts. I have lots of them if you want to hear them...later. Just let me know. I might just share.
Then, I am here to talk about my week. My first full week back from el norte and intense work. I've stayed in most days of this week and probably eaten way too much, but that's okay. I'm not going anywhere soon. I am working on my project that is due in a month and therefore have no classes or no obligations...speaking of obligations....
He has none. He's a 30-algo year old man with 2 kids under the age of 10 and lives in the home of his mother. My host brother in el norte. Codename: Stephen. My host mom suggested we get married. Chiste, obviously, but I was like "What? He's not married?" And so is the case of many young men here in the lovely Chile.
(Disclaimer: THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION DOES NOT APPLY TO EVERY FAMILY AND DO NOT APPLY IN ALL ASPECTS.)
I'm not going to be really extensive because I do have a 3 page paper to finish. But here's what I've noticed. There are a lot of babies having babies and baby daddies with no obligations or little obligations to the children they have, and there are a lot of 'grown men', digamos, who still live with their parents.
It is very much a cultural thing. The family setting is a very powerful organization of people and is very important. The mothers take very good care of the children (pretty much until they get married, but sometimes after that....). They do their laundry, cook, make their child's bed, etc.
Example:
*Macarena (a very popular Chilean name) is a 25 year old that lives with her mother. She has a 3 year old daughter. She is not married to *Rodrigo (the father of the child), but sometimes spends the night in his house with his parents who take care of their daughter *Juliana. For Rodrigo to be living with his parents at the age of 30 is not anything to be ashamed of or to be made fun of as it is sometimes the case in the US. Rodrigo works, has a car (which is something pretty rare in Valparaiso) and brings in his own income; however he does not live on his own. Rodrigo's mother does not mind taking care of her granddaughter when her son has to work or is out with friends. Rodrigo does run errands for his mother and probably does some chores. This is a not always the norm.
Another scenario is that Rodrigo does not do chores, and in fact in incapable of cooking himself a meal. He has a girlfriend (off and on), carretea (parties) a lot and attends the university (say he's 25, not 30). He still has a daughter, but does not spend time with her. He lives with his mom and she does everything for him. Cooks, cleans, makes his bed and does his laundry.
Okay, basically, after an unfortunately drawn out blog (which I apologize for), the lifestyle is different here in Chile. I personally think that it spoils the young children and does not make the younger generation responsible for its actions. When you continue depending on your parents and are not given any form of independence, it can create an atmosphere of non-chalant-ness (?). Because mom and pops give you a place to stay and food and a roof even if you have kids that you don't support and spend countless nights not contributing positively to society and its growth.
Whatevs. I'm done. Earth to Ife. Wow.. what a rant. Remind me NOT to write when I'm tired.
*These names are used to protect the identity of the people involved in this story.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Teach me how to Dougie (this one's a shortie)
Hola damas y caballeros (sin cabeza?)
How goes the buena onda? Okay, so we've officially entered the month of noviembre (in Spanish, not much is capitalized apart from the first letter of the first word in a sentence) and summer is SOOOOO hot here, but we're still in spring. No importa. I'm back in the city of lights, the ocean ports and hills. These past few weeks have been quite interesantes and I'm semi-nervous for the next month because I'm not always the best when left to myself. Too much free time=not enough work getting done, but God willing, this month will not be this way. I'll learn to make good use of the time I'm given.
HIGHLIGHTS SO FAR IN CHILE:
Dancing in Mil Tambores (Valparaiso)
Volunteering in a small community with kids (El Salto)
Performing Sleepy Hallow (Caballero sin cabeza is our Spanish translation) to little school children (Putre)
--Almost anytime I get to dance in my own little world to good music or play with kids--
Spending time with friends from WashU (Valpo/Santiago)
Watching brilliant stars (Putre)
Sharing my faith (Everywhere in Chile)
I am not going to explain every single one of these because my words wouldn't do them justice, but what I've found from these experiences are my passions in this life. Anytime I perform (dance, sing, act), I get this high that only comes from these passions. Anytime I can make a small child smile/laugh, it makes that day all that better. I get a whole lot of satisfaction in simply doing these things, but also how others feel.
-Dancing I do for myself. It's funny because I lose sight of where I am and sometimes get too consumed in the moment. One time, we went to a pretty empty bar in Arica that had media-buena musica and enough space for a dance floor. My friends went to drink, but I'm not into that so when the music got really good, I basically got up and started dancing. My other friend joins and we've got a little dance floor going. 10 minutes later, another friend tells me that there is a man recording the both of us. I immediately stop because I didn't want to draw bad attention, but 2 min later...there I was again. Ah well, maybe I'll be famous. haha. Vamos a ver.-
How goes the buena onda? Okay, so we've officially entered the month of noviembre (in Spanish, not much is capitalized apart from the first letter of the first word in a sentence) and summer is SOOOOO hot here, but we're still in spring. No importa. I'm back in the city of lights, the ocean ports and hills. These past few weeks have been quite interesantes and I'm semi-nervous for the next month because I'm not always the best when left to myself. Too much free time=not enough work getting done, but God willing, this month will not be this way. I'll learn to make good use of the time I'm given.
HIGHLIGHTS SO FAR IN CHILE:
Dancing in Mil Tambores (Valparaiso)
Volunteering in a small community with kids (El Salto)
Performing Sleepy Hallow (Caballero sin cabeza is our Spanish translation) to little school children (Putre)
--Almost anytime I get to dance in my own little world to good music or play with kids--
Spending time with friends from WashU (Valpo/Santiago)
Watching brilliant stars (Putre)
Sharing my faith (Everywhere in Chile)
I am not going to explain every single one of these because my words wouldn't do them justice, but what I've found from these experiences are my passions in this life. Anytime I perform (dance, sing, act), I get this high that only comes from these passions. Anytime I can make a small child smile/laugh, it makes that day all that better. I get a whole lot of satisfaction in simply doing these things, but also how others feel.
-Dancing I do for myself. It's funny because I lose sight of where I am and sometimes get too consumed in the moment. One time, we went to a pretty empty bar in Arica that had media-buena musica and enough space for a dance floor. My friends went to drink, but I'm not into that so when the music got really good, I basically got up and started dancing. My other friend joins and we've got a little dance floor going. 10 minutes later, another friend tells me that there is a man recording the both of us. I immediately stop because I didn't want to draw bad attention, but 2 min later...there I was again. Ah well, maybe I'll be famous. haha. Vamos a ver.-
Music is my heartbeat.
So passions? Not really sure how this will translate into the "real world" and what my future consists of, but right now, I'm loving these moments! I realize I'm very much a homebody, but when it comes to the very core of who I am, these passions are where it's at.
Left to myself, I'd be a professional child developer/enthusiast that danced on the side. Imagine that :)
I was going to upload a super ballin' photo, but Blogger's being a bit fome (Chilean slang...look it up!). Next time.
Until then, much love, peace and pig grease,
Ife 'Quilpayan' S.
P.S. Do YOU know how to Dougie? I hear it's all the rave.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Usted no puede dejar su hijo acá. Saca la vuelta
Buenas!
Greetings from Arica, Chile. A semi-large city with a great calidad de vida (quality of life). I'm in the north of Chile on an excursion with my program and have learned soooo much that it's quite overwhelming if you ask me.
I should actually be in Putre, Chile (3600msnm-meters above sea level), but me apuné (I got altitude sickness) and had to climb down from the mountain. Though sharing the minute details would tickle my (now calm) estomago, it might make you sick. But if you were wondering about Putre, I'll tell you:
It is possible to walk through the pueblo in about 30 minutes, but my heart struggled to keep up so it took me a whole lot longer. Lucky I, the clinic was 5 min away from our hotel and, unfortunately, I was there 2 times for about 45 min. each time receiving oxygen. I did get a chance to check out the murals that told leyendas andinas (legends from the Andes region) and do some star gazing with others in our sleeping bags. It's quite cold at night and very warm during the day since it is more or less a desert. To find out more, visit Chile or your local world wide web!
Arica, on the other hand, is a city of about 190,000 fab. people who haven't been exposed to much in life (from my point of view). I'll tell you about the port city and then contar (recount) my experience here. The city how two "centers". A center of commerce and the actual center. It is a mixture of cerros (hills), playas (beaches) and a bit of desert. It doesn't rain a whole lot here-if ever (as you might be able to tell because the roofs are flat instead of steeple like and some of the homes don't have "roofs"). I live in Cerro La Cruz and can get to the center of commerce in about 15 minutes. The center of commerce is mas o menos (more or less) one long calle (street) named 21 de mayo. You can find McDs, banks, shopping stores, pharmacies, and streets that lead you to artesanal 'tienditas' -little stores where you can find lots of great (and kind of inexpensive) gifts and clothes made from alpacas or llamas. The rest of the city gets more spaced out the further away you get from the center of commerce. Along the playas are other markets and plazas/playgrounds. The life here is very tranquil, so much so that I forget what day it is here because it seems that no one ever goes anywhere. Is it still Saturday?
I can't compare Arica to Valparaíso, so I'm not going to, but I will say that because Arica is smaller, the people (and their stares, glares) are more pronounced. I'm not generalizing the people who live in Arica by any means, but I felt more out of place here than I do in Valpo. Although no one has "done" anything to me, the discomfort I sometimes feel is bothersome. From really weirded out stares to "be carefuls" to people shoving their kids to the side as I pass got me thinking about where I am. I realize that I'm one of 10 people who look like me in Arica (not a real fact) and that my features are super interesting (at least I think so), however, me molesta que I feel like I'm part of a museum exhibit 16/7. I cease to be a person when someone grabs my hand/hair to see how it feels. If you ask me, sure I'll take a picture with you, but snipping pictures is not cool. -I know I snipe pictures, but I at least ask permission if I can or only snipe when I know it's something performed/is part of a group or activity.- I also don't think I've been feared before, but here I am...On the other hand, I've gotten a lot of "I would like to stand next to the negrita" ie. me. We were taking a group photo with an group that performed typical Aymara dance and a (nice lady...I'm sure) dancer said this. I'm shaking it off, but I know that they just want to remember having a black person around. Whatevs.
I don't want to rant and rave (because I could keep going) because I know that it's part of the experience and I can't do anything about it, except for vive la vida (live the life) I've been given and love the people in it. En serio, I hope you all got something from this blog.
To end on a good note, I'm not sick and have met some genial (nice, great, kind, etc) people here.
P.S. Here's a video that explains the title: Chocolate cake made me late
Until next time,
Mucho amor, ife, amore, love, houb, amour, sayang,
<--I went sand boarding!Ife 'Quipayan' S.
Greetings from Arica, Chile. A semi-large city with a great calidad de vida (quality of life). I'm in the north of Chile on an excursion with my program and have learned soooo much that it's quite overwhelming if you ask me.
I should actually be in Putre, Chile (3600msnm-meters above sea level), but me apuné (I got altitude sickness) and had to climb down from the mountain. Though sharing the minute details would tickle my (now calm) estomago, it might make you sick. But if you were wondering about Putre, I'll tell you:
(This foto isn't mine. I left my memory card in Arica....2 hours away)
The pueblo is home to mainly immigrants from Bolivia or Peru and also of the Aymara culture. Interestingly, there are a good handful of hotels and hostels because it's a happenin' spot for turists from Europe (Germany, France, España etc.) and for Chileans who want a change of scenery. Jimmy, a very kind hotel personnel, informed me that people come here before heading north and that he enjoys working in the hotel with his family because the hostels no son como eso. I personally ran into 2 Spanish men travelling north in S.America. They thought Putre was nice and quaint. :) It is possible to walk through the pueblo in about 30 minutes, but my heart struggled to keep up so it took me a whole lot longer. Lucky I, the clinic was 5 min away from our hotel and, unfortunately, I was there 2 times for about 45 min. each time receiving oxygen. I did get a chance to check out the murals that told leyendas andinas (legends from the Andes region) and do some star gazing with others in our sleeping bags. It's quite cold at night and very warm during the day since it is more or less a desert. To find out more, visit Chile or your local world wide web!
(Mi foto desde mi casa de Arica-My photo of Arica from my house)
I can't compare Arica to Valparaíso, so I'm not going to, but I will say that because Arica is smaller, the people (and their stares, glares) are more pronounced. I'm not generalizing the people who live in Arica by any means, but I felt more out of place here than I do in Valpo. Although no one has "done" anything to me, the discomfort I sometimes feel is bothersome. From really weirded out stares to "be carefuls" to people shoving their kids to the side as I pass got me thinking about where I am. I realize that I'm one of 10 people who look like me in Arica (not a real fact) and that my features are super interesting (at least I think so), however, me molesta que I feel like I'm part of a museum exhibit 16/7. I cease to be a person when someone grabs my hand/hair to see how it feels. If you ask me, sure I'll take a picture with you, but snipping pictures is not cool. -I know I snipe pictures, but I at least ask permission if I can or only snipe when I know it's something performed/is part of a group or activity.- I also don't think I've been feared before, but here I am...On the other hand, I've gotten a lot of "I would like to stand next to the negrita" ie. me. We were taking a group photo with an group that performed typical Aymara dance and a (nice lady...I'm sure) dancer said this. I'm shaking it off, but I know that they just want to remember having a black person around. Whatevs.
I don't want to rant and rave (because I could keep going) because I know that it's part of the experience and I can't do anything about it, except for vive la vida (live the life) I've been given and love the people in it. En serio, I hope you all got something from this blog.
To end on a good note, I'm not sick and have met some genial (nice, great, kind, etc) people here.
P.S. Here's a video that explains the title: Chocolate cake made me late
Until next time,
Mucho amor, ife, amore, love, houb, amour, sayang,
<--I went sand boarding!Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Parting is such sweet sweet sorrow
(So I'm not really going anywhere, but I am parting from my life here in Valparaiso for two weeks).
Hola familia y amigos!
How is everyone this fabulous day? I figured I'd write today because I leave tomorrow at 8:15am for Arica, Chile for 2 weeks and don't know how regularly I'll have Internet access. Something I realized, even here in the city, isn't as reliable as I'd like, but oh wells. It's not the end of the world.
The past few weeks went well. All my papers got in on time and my presentation was good (I think) because my professor didn't have any questions for me (is that a good thing?). I am more sure on my topic for my project and even have a permanent adviser in the anthropology department! It's all rather exciting. She already wants me to show her all the work I've done so far! Let's go!
I've said lots of goodbyes recently.
First to our Spanish professors. Our last day of Spanish classes was last week Wednesday so we had an all American desayuno- breakfast- (omelets and breakfast potatoes) en la casa de nuestra profesora (in the house of our profesor). It was delicioso!! Soo good. I love huevos-eggs- in general so I was really happy. Unfortunately, she, the next day, said goodbye to her cuñado-brother in law- who died of a brain tumor.
We then had another mini desayuno with our other Spanish professor. It was bittersweet. They are both lovely people who have truly been helpful and open to our views, questions about Chile, and thoughts. Each student represented a unique person and they took it as so.
Because there are more profs, we had an afternoon of bailes, empanadas and bebidas-dances, a meat pie, and drinks- celebrating the end of Spanish classes. This was more sweet than sorrow. I lovvvve empanadas because they remind me of the meat pies I eat in the States. Deliciosas!
Second to my church family. I have gotten to know a small amount of the youth and the people in my church, Kingdom Vision. Mi iglesia-church- is kind of far from my house, but I don't mind. The people are really friendly and kind. A woman invited me to lunch one Sunday and a little girl asked to touch my skin to see what would happen. It was really funny. Lives shared is truly enjoyable. I realized that if I didn't start going up to people and introducing myself, I'd never meet anyone. So, I meet new people every week. This last Sunday, I said goodbye to some of my brothers and sisters in Christ until Nov. 7th. They wished me well and until next time.....
Thirdly to my friends in the program. Because half of us are going to Arica en el norte and the other half a Temuco en el sur, it had to be done. We all went to a nice restaurant in Limache (45 min. north of Valpo, where I live). Spent un dia piola -a nice day- tomando sol y hablando -getting some sun and talking-. It was super rico. Empanadas for a snack and bistec, arroz, y papas fritas para almuerzo-steak, rice and french fries for lunch. We took some hilarious photos and said our goodbyes.
Ultimately, to my family. We had an all family almuerzo-lunch- on Sunday with lots of people so that we could share one last collective lunch together. This indeed was bittersweet, I even almost shed a tear (for those of you who really know me, you know that I rarely cry. Imagine me almost shedding a tear. I'm making progress, no?) The shared highlights of our experience so far and the family expressed their appreciation and their thoughts about having us in their families. It was genial-nice.
There are three of us (students) that pertain to the same family but live in different houses, so we, the students, decided to cook something for our family for las onces-tea time. It's usually in the place of dinner (I know...no dinner. It took some getting used to) and is something light: crackers, bread, tea, cookies, sandwiches. Nothing too big. But esta vez-this time- we wanted to say thanks to our families for all they do and putting up with us.
It's been one month and 3 weeks. It'll be a two months next week and then 1.5 months left. I'm not counting down. Just really aware of my time left.
I talked to one of my friends in the States the other day and realized how much I am enjoying myself here (even though I'm a bit fome-boring- sometimes because I don't do as much touring as others). I thought about my highlights and it dawned how life changing being in another culture can be. I'm truly happy and blessed to be here. My encounters with the people are indeed precious and unique.
The weathers getting hoooottttt. Thank God. Pulling out the summer clothes! Woot Woot.
Okay ya'll, until next time, cuidense y que les vayan bien! Abrazo grandisimo!
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Oh how the days go by.
Que tal?
Hope everyone is doing well and doing big things these days. A whole month and a week has passed since my arrival in Chile and it feels (sometimes) like a big blur and (othertimes) like forever.
REASON NUMBER ONE
One reason why time has started flashing in my brain is because in 1.5 weeks, our program will be splitting up into two groups: half going to the north to stay with the Aymara population in Arica/Putre and the other half to the south to stay with the Mapuche in Temuco. I'll be trading in my leisure Saturdays for community service and community work. I'll be giving up my view of the mar (sea) for a view of the desert. I'm going to the north to spend 2 weeks working and learning from the indigenous tribe of the Aymara. I'll have terribly cold mornings, extremely hot afternoons and dangerously freezing nights. A small population of people who take things slowly and work while the sun is up, eat yummy empanadas, and live in homes they built themselves. Their respect for mother earth is seen in their festivities and their work habits. This is the life I'll have for 2 weeks.
REASON NUMBER TWO
Another reason is that on December 5th, 2010 I'll have to turn in a 22 page proyecto de investigación (investigation project). "What are you investigating, Ife?" Well, I'm glad you asked. Music.Identity.Culture. -La influencia de la cultura indígena en la músic de la juventud (The influence of the indigenous culture in music of the youth)- I've got to achicar (make smaller) my ideas/investigation by Tuesday so that I can start on this. The program dedicates a whole month, after Nov. 5, 2010, to do this proyecto. No classes. No seminarios. Nada. Just me, mi computador, mi journal, ideas y preguntas. We also have the option of living anywhere for that month, so long that it is conducive to our investigation (ie. studying the miners in the north, investigating the immigrant population in Santiago, undertanding the environmental issues near a salmon farm). I, dear family and friends, will be staying right here, in Valparaíso with my host family. Though I'll be working with the indigenous population, I still need access to technology at all times and a large base of young people, which I can find here in the city. I could live in Santiago, but I think I'd have greater success somewhere I'm comfortable (P.S. I'm not ready to say goodbye to my family here yet. Not yet).
CLASSES
As classes are coming to an end, projects, large assignments, presentations and orals are amounting. This week was one of those. I have a final Spanish exam this coming up week, a presentation and 2 papers to work on. Thank God for 3 days weekend though! We're celebrating "Día de las razas" -Day of the races- (Races as in ethnic race). It's Christopher Columbus Day, but not a whole lot of South Americas appreciate what came along with Columbus's expedition nor what followed, so we skip Columbus and celebrate who we are as a race...I think. They don't really do anything here, just no classes/no work (for most people). I'm sure the buses keep running.
RESUMEN (SUMMARY)
Okay, so a resumen (summary) of my life since we've talked: It's October. There was a terremoto (earthquake), but, thank God, everyone is okay. I didn't feel it and heard about it from my family in the States before I realized it here. They have reached the mineros (miners) and hope to take them out before the end of next week. So much excitement. Our program went to Parque por la Paz-Villa Grimaldi: former detention, death, and torture camp during the dictator, Pinochet. It was almost impossible to believe that this took place less than 50 years ago, 1973 onward, but remember how many human rights are being violated as we speak. The injustice that goes on in our day and age. Our group volunteered in an ignored community in the larger region of Valparaíso. El Salto. It was a fantastic experience because I got to give back to the community and spend time working WITH the community in creating a playground for the kids. If you didn't know that I am a big fan of working with kids, now you know. I love it. I played camp games (!!!) in Spanish and the director asked me to come back and spend more time with the community's children. Imagine your favorite celebrity/famous person/politician. Go on...imagine, it's good for you. Now imagine him/her asking you to have dinner with him/her. How would you feel? I don't know what your answer was, but I was thrillllled!! <--Can you tell?
Well, thanks for reading and have a grand day!
Besitos y abrazitos,
Ife 'Quipayan' S.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Aprovecha, mija. Aprovecha
I can't seem to get enough of this place.
Every morning when I wake up (regardless of whether my dream was in Spanish or night), I still get excited that I'm in another country, speaking a different language and living amongst the people.
I've partially described my family to you, but just to give you a hint into my life on a daily basis:
I wake up, literally with the sun's beams making their way from the sun's core to my buried face. Beneath 4 layers of blankets and 2 layers of clothing, I arise. Ready to make my way out the gate into the city I call home. But before all this is the preparation.
My bed faces a fairly big window so I have a fantastic view of the ocean, much of the city and 2 nearby cities. I open the window to wake myself up and to breathe in the new day. (It's usually around 50 degrees F. so I close it after 3 min.). I have class at 9am so I leave (with my 2 gringo cousins) at 8:10. I try to be up by 6:45am on an okay day but ideally, by 6:30am I'm up. After taking in the view, the weather and the awesomeness of my Savior, I head downstairs to take a shower. Turning on the water heater is now second nature so I quickly flip a few switches, turn the knob, light a match and rotate the knob to HOT water. Warm water, YES. Head into the bathroom, wait for the shower head to catch up to my preference of warmth. I can see the clothes line from the bathroom so I close this window. Don't want creepers. 10-15min later, we have a steamy bathroom, fogged up mirror and a clean gringa.
Run up the stairs, don't wake up Pauli and watch out for the dog. Tom. -I've never had a dog, but have always wanted one as calm and tranquil as Tom. I give him a nice rub knowing that I'll have hair all over me seeing as he gets hair EVERYWHERE in the house. Ah. Oh well.
As much as I'd like to open my blinds and watch the sun and the people bring in the new day...that window is too big and I've gotta get ready. I put on some tunes, find a new combination of layered clothing and I'm ready. Breakfast is on the table and so is my lunch. Mom makes some ballin' rice and chicken! I grab some pepper from home. Gotta get that spice down! I'm out the door.
80 stair steps later I'm walking down a dirt rock road to catch the 607/612 micro (bus) with other student in Plaza Bismark. I see familiar faces and familiar dogs.
380 pesos later, I'm traveling from Valparaíso to Viña del Mar for Spanish class. A 40 minute bus ride standing makes it more enjoyable...well, that's what I think. The micros drive as fast as they can and if you miss your stop...opps. Next time, you'll get up before the stop comes up. I make some new friends because they like my braids. Some decide to take a picture. I don't mind.
Later, the micro travels along the ocean front and reaches my destination. Walking up more stairs and talking with my amigos sobre their weekends/nights fills the time between then and class. This day, a flea full, hungry, ill dog follows us up the stairs and finds a nice spot outside our classroom until it's time to go. Class is over at 1pm and we're all craving chocolate. The pandería sells postres, dulces and anything with dulce de leche ie, manjar (boy is that stuff gooooood).
I take the long, slow route home which includes walking through Bellavista and admiring all the things venders sell on the street. From one single computer part to several styles of hair scrunches. It's all there. I make my way through the hustle and bustle of the people and find that though I walk this very path every single day, I find it enticing just the same.
The firefighters are soliciting for support because their work is voluntary. If it wasn’t for the fact that two of my “cousins” are firefighters and they’d already made me buy, I’d support their cause. The owner of an alcohol store stands outside his store surveying and bringing in customers. I have the option of taking a colectivo, a taxi like mode of transportation or taking the micro back up the hill from Plaza Ecuador. Micro wins. Though it takes more time and is way full, I’m totally up for taking my time and seeing the sites. This time only for 200 pesos.
I’m home, yell up to my vecinos (neighbors) and am greeted by dear dear Tom. I let him out, greet my mother with a beso and recount my day to her. She laughs at almost all my stories and invites me to eat now or wait for Pauli to come home. I decide to wait and spend the rest of the evening outside, once more, soaking up what’s left of the day and watching the boats navigate the waters with suave and ease. Before I know it, the sun has set, tea and pan (bread) are on the table and it’s time for las onces. Tom finds his way, slowly but surely, to my feet hoping that something falls to the ground. I once tried to feed him potatoes and celery..didn’t really like that. Jaja.
It’s as if each day has something new to offer and my goal is to take advantage of it. Of it all. Aprovecha el dia, mija.
---Take advantage of the newness of each day that you are given. It’s quite intriguing what you can find.—
Besitos and abrazos,
Ife ‘Quipayan’ S.
Every morning when I wake up (regardless of whether my dream was in Spanish or night), I still get excited that I'm in another country, speaking a different language and living amongst the people.
I've partially described my family to you, but just to give you a hint into my life on a daily basis:
I wake up, literally with the sun's beams making their way from the sun's core to my buried face. Beneath 4 layers of blankets and 2 layers of clothing, I arise. Ready to make my way out the gate into the city I call home. But before all this is the preparation.
My bed faces a fairly big window so I have a fantastic view of the ocean, much of the city and 2 nearby cities. I open the window to wake myself up and to breathe in the new day. (It's usually around 50 degrees F. so I close it after 3 min.). I have class at 9am so I leave (with my 2 gringo cousins) at 8:10. I try to be up by 6:45am on an okay day but ideally, by 6:30am I'm up. After taking in the view, the weather and the awesomeness of my Savior, I head downstairs to take a shower. Turning on the water heater is now second nature so I quickly flip a few switches, turn the knob, light a match and rotate the knob to HOT water. Warm water, YES. Head into the bathroom, wait for the shower head to catch up to my preference of warmth. I can see the clothes line from the bathroom so I close this window. Don't want creepers. 10-15min later, we have a steamy bathroom, fogged up mirror and a clean gringa.
Run up the stairs, don't wake up Pauli and watch out for the dog. Tom. -I've never had a dog, but have always wanted one as calm and tranquil as Tom. I give him a nice rub knowing that I'll have hair all over me seeing as he gets hair EVERYWHERE in the house. Ah. Oh well.
As much as I'd like to open my blinds and watch the sun and the people bring in the new day...that window is too big and I've gotta get ready. I put on some tunes, find a new combination of layered clothing and I'm ready. Breakfast is on the table and so is my lunch. Mom makes some ballin' rice and chicken! I grab some pepper from home. Gotta get that spice down! I'm out the door.
80 stair steps later I'm walking down a dirt rock road to catch the 607/612 micro (bus) with other student in Plaza Bismark. I see familiar faces and familiar dogs.
380 pesos later, I'm traveling from Valparaíso to Viña del Mar for Spanish class. A 40 minute bus ride standing makes it more enjoyable...well, that's what I think. The micros drive as fast as they can and if you miss your stop...opps. Next time, you'll get up before the stop comes up. I make some new friends because they like my braids. Some decide to take a picture. I don't mind.
Later, the micro travels along the ocean front and reaches my destination. Walking up more stairs and talking with my amigos sobre their weekends/nights fills the time between then and class. This day, a flea full, hungry, ill dog follows us up the stairs and finds a nice spot outside our classroom until it's time to go. Class is over at 1pm and we're all craving chocolate. The pandería sells postres, dulces and anything with dulce de leche ie, manjar (boy is that stuff gooooood).
I take the long, slow route home which includes walking through Bellavista and admiring all the things venders sell on the street. From one single computer part to several styles of hair scrunches. It's all there. I make my way through the hustle and bustle of the people and find that though I walk this very path every single day, I find it enticing just the same.
The firefighters are soliciting for support because their work is voluntary. If it wasn’t for the fact that two of my “cousins” are firefighters and they’d already made me buy, I’d support their cause. The owner of an alcohol store stands outside his store surveying and bringing in customers. I have the option of taking a colectivo, a taxi like mode of transportation or taking the micro back up the hill from Plaza Ecuador. Micro wins. Though it takes more time and is way full, I’m totally up for taking my time and seeing the sites. This time only for 200 pesos.
I’m home, yell up to my vecinos (neighbors) and am greeted by dear dear Tom. I let him out, greet my mother with a beso and recount my day to her. She laughs at almost all my stories and invites me to eat now or wait for Pauli to come home. I decide to wait and spend the rest of the evening outside, once more, soaking up what’s left of the day and watching the boats navigate the waters with suave and ease. Before I know it, the sun has set, tea and pan (bread) are on the table and it’s time for las onces. Tom finds his way, slowly but surely, to my feet hoping that something falls to the ground. I once tried to feed him potatoes and celery..didn’t really like that. Jaja.
It’s as if each day has something new to offer and my goal is to take advantage of it. Of it all. Aprovecha el dia, mija.
---Take advantage of the newness of each day that you are given. It’s quite intriguing what you can find.—
Besitos and abrazos,
Ife ‘Quipayan’ S.
Monday, September 20, 2010
The Dynamics
Ola, onda!
What's good? Well, hope things are going well for you and that you're enjoying the little and big things in this life.
Tomorrow marks the 3rd week of my stay in Chile and it feels good. I am carving out my own niche and have found my part in this family, which I'm still meeting.
The interesting about being in Chile is that even though I'm with a totally different family and group of people, my interactions seem to be the same. Por ejemplo:
This past weekend was the celebration of Chile's 200th year of independence from Spain so it was such a big deal. It was a weekend for carretes (parties) and family. (I had a blast for so many reasons, one being I learned how to dance la cueca [Chilean national dance] and danced it at least 3 times these past 2 days. Ballin'. I know). My immediate family consists of a dad, mom, and daughter. *Their other daughter lives in the US but they hear from her often.* And our dog Tom. What a name! The extended family, which really isn't as extended as you may think, consists of 4 aunts, 3 uncles, 2 grandparents, 2 grandparents' siblings, 2 grandkids, and 6 cousins (with their significant others)! The majority of us live in the same compound while the others live about 15 minutes away by foot (which is a very common mode of transportation. I brought the wrong shoes).
I absolutely love the family here and the craziness that comes with them all because once you put Tio Carlos with Papa Nano and Tia Aracelli, you've already got a comedy sketch! So, on Sunday, all the cousins (including 2 other gringos-- loving way to say American) and their partner came together to have a ballin' fonda sin fondo at cousin Roro's casa. I invited some of my friends from the program warning them that the event didn't start until 10pm and wouldn't end till 6am...we actually ended a bit earlier, 5:45am (so is the culture). They asked if they could sleep over then 'cause going back home at that time wouldn't be smart.
This is all going down around 8:30pm as family is just leaving my house after hours (8 to be exact) of eating, dancing, playing games (like the egg toss game), and talking. My mom just left to escort her good friends out so I wait for her to come back so I can ask if my friends can spend the night. Meanwhile, I'm chillin' having las onces (a tea-time meal: tea, bread, small snacks) with my dad, aunt, great uncle and cousin. They're making fun of me 'cause I put milk in my tea and missed las onces with my family (the other bagillion people who were at the house) since I was skypeando (the act of skyping--real word).
By the time my mom gets back, I'm done and just waiting for her at this point. "Diela, quiero saber si está bien si mis amigas, gringas piolas, pueden quedarse en casa después de la fonda?" -Diela, can my really nice friends spend the night? Her answer: Sure. We proceed to talk about sleeping arrangements and whatnot. I've gotten the all clear and the rest is history. Until she asks why I didn't just ask my dad.
Oops. In my family in America, I'm accustomed to asking my mom for everything because she has the final word in things pertaining to my social life. Dad gets the academic and life decisions.
I just insulted my Chilean father. The head of the house gets undermined and I didn't even realize this. I begin to plead for forgiveness and convince him that this is the way the dynamics in my family works! Gosh, do I feel bad.
It's crazy to think that such a small thing in my mind, in my previous world, has no place here. I'm sure that all the relationships I've built here in Chile are based on counter relationships in America. For better or for worse.
P.S. For those of you who've seen me dance and make a fool of myself...I do that more often here. Fiestas every weekend. And I just like dancing in general, so even if no one else is dancing, bet your bottom dollar I am. In public...by my self.
Anywho, I miss you all and would love to skype sometime. Holla atcha home child.
Besitos y abrazitos,
Quipayan.
What's good? Well, hope things are going well for you and that you're enjoying the little and big things in this life.
Tomorrow marks the 3rd week of my stay in Chile and it feels good. I am carving out my own niche and have found my part in this family, which I'm still meeting.
The interesting about being in Chile is that even though I'm with a totally different family and group of people, my interactions seem to be the same. Por ejemplo:
This past weekend was the celebration of Chile's 200th year of independence from Spain so it was such a big deal. It was a weekend for carretes (parties) and family. (I had a blast for so many reasons, one being I learned how to dance la cueca [Chilean national dance] and danced it at least 3 times these past 2 days. Ballin'. I know). My immediate family consists of a dad, mom, and daughter. *Their other daughter lives in the US but they hear from her often.* And our dog Tom. What a name! The extended family, which really isn't as extended as you may think, consists of 4 aunts, 3 uncles, 2 grandparents, 2 grandparents' siblings, 2 grandkids, and 6 cousins (with their significant others)! The majority of us live in the same compound while the others live about 15 minutes away by foot (which is a very common mode of transportation. I brought the wrong shoes).
I absolutely love the family here and the craziness that comes with them all because once you put Tio Carlos with Papa Nano and Tia Aracelli, you've already got a comedy sketch! So, on Sunday, all the cousins (including 2 other gringos-- loving way to say American) and their partner came together to have a ballin' fonda sin fondo at cousin Roro's casa. I invited some of my friends from the program warning them that the event didn't start until 10pm and wouldn't end till 6am...we actually ended a bit earlier, 5:45am (so is the culture). They asked if they could sleep over then 'cause going back home at that time wouldn't be smart.
This is all going down around 8:30pm as family is just leaving my house after hours (8 to be exact) of eating, dancing, playing games (like the egg toss game), and talking. My mom just left to escort her good friends out so I wait for her to come back so I can ask if my friends can spend the night. Meanwhile, I'm chillin' having las onces (a tea-time meal: tea, bread, small snacks) with my dad, aunt, great uncle and cousin. They're making fun of me 'cause I put milk in my tea and missed las onces with my family (the other bagillion people who were at the house) since I was skypeando (the act of skyping--real word).
By the time my mom gets back, I'm done and just waiting for her at this point. "Diela, quiero saber si está bien si mis amigas, gringas piolas, pueden quedarse en casa después de la fonda?" -Diela, can my really nice friends spend the night? Her answer: Sure. We proceed to talk about sleeping arrangements and whatnot. I've gotten the all clear and the rest is history. Until she asks why I didn't just ask my dad.
Oops. In my family in America, I'm accustomed to asking my mom for everything because she has the final word in things pertaining to my social life. Dad gets the academic and life decisions.
I just insulted my Chilean father. The head of the house gets undermined and I didn't even realize this. I begin to plead for forgiveness and convince him that this is the way the dynamics in my family works! Gosh, do I feel bad.
It's crazy to think that such a small thing in my mind, in my previous world, has no place here. I'm sure that all the relationships I've built here in Chile are based on counter relationships in America. For better or for worse.
P.S. For those of you who've seen me dance and make a fool of myself...I do that more often here. Fiestas every weekend. And I just like dancing in general, so even if no one else is dancing, bet your bottom dollar I am. In public...by my self.
Anywho, I miss you all and would love to skype sometime. Holla atcha home child.
Besitos y abrazitos,
Quipayan.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Que es, es po.
There are some things in life that are the way they are. Like, Wisconsin will always be cold in the winter. There's nothing that I can do about it or anyone else for that matter. Pues, the some applies to Chile. There are things that I'l just have to get used to while I'm here. None of them are bad and I am not compromising any of me or who I am to oblige...well...yea. Nope. Here is a short list, not comprehensive at all, of my fabulous "que es, es" things that I will get used to...eventually:
1) The kisses- This one was easier getting used to because I knew about it. There is no way of getting around it and I, for one, don't mind. When you greet someone, you greet them with un beso (kiss) on the cheek (some people get too close to the mouth for comfort, but that hasn't happened to me. Thank God). If you're thinking, wow Ife, you're so brave to put your lips on someone else's face that has already been kissed, then boy do I have a surpise for you. Yes, I am brave. Except there's a short cut. You just put your cheek on theirs and make the kissing noise! Revolutionary! Sí. Sé. But really, po. When you enter, saluda con un beso y when you leave, sale con otro beso.
2) Heat-It's winter now and I like staying warm, but the thing is, that is made possible by systematically increasing the layers of clothing one wears. Once, I wore 5 layers, including my abrigo. The "heater" simply is there to heat up your water y nada mas. If you are cold, get more clothes! I learned that. My host mother, Diela, always says, " Abrígate!" "Wrap yourself up!" It's not even a question anymore.
I learned how to turn on the heater so I can have warm water to shower in. The machine is called a calefactor and y flip a switch, strike a fósforo (match), light a gas pipe (obviously, not the pipe, but the opening) and turn the dial to cálido or caliente (warm or hot) otherwise you bathe in agua helada. I hear it's good for the skin...
3) Meal talk- Especially with all the primos, novias, novios, tios, tias, hermanos y pololos (less serious than novio...casual dating more or less while novio seems to indicate there is a possible future together). Talk equals alcoholic drinks, checking if the gringa (me) knows words or is understanding what's going on, and all around loving. I've only been with my family for 1.5 days and 1.5 nights on a weekend (which means everyone is home), but all the conversations have included this. I'm not drinking during the program though the legal age is 18, wine is served at lunch and you can get whatever type of copete (drink) at dinner. Why? I'll get into that later. But back to the topic, yes, we eat a lot and drink a bit less. But not much less. I don't have much to contribute because my knowledge of drinks is very limited...and in spanish...even more. Also, jokes are ALWAYS being made. Ranging from chistes about being drunk or alcohol to chistes about finding me un pololo or any other gringo at the table. Food=lots of laughter. This is what I appreciate about their culture and my host family.
4) Standing out- I've seen a total of 3 dark people here in Chile, not saying that we are a novelty, but yes, I stand out. My communication and accent are good enough that people stare extra hard in astonishment (not to toot my own horn). I also am wearing trenzas (braids) that everyone HAS to touch. Almost everywhere I go, someone asks about it. I don't mind because I know that they appreciate the hair style. I stand out now, and will continue to stand out. Maybe, less and less...well, nope. I'll still be the gringa that has a uncommon hair style with skin way darker that theirs and speaks Spanish (well, attempts to) like a Chilean, slang and all. Jajaja. I totally am on my way to a great journey and glad you're coming with me! Me encanta.
Pues, tengo un exam a las 10am today and need to sleep. What I do best with 4 blankets in my super chevere pieza (room). I like this life. Wish me good luck and say some prayers, I'm taking la micro (bus) with my gringo cousins by ourselves. Hopefully,we don't get lost and miss our stop. Ah.
Besitos and un abrazito,
Ife. You should hear the way they attempt to pronounce 'Ifeoluwa'. Let's just say, we'll stick with Ife, po.
1) The kisses- This one was easier getting used to because I knew about it. There is no way of getting around it and I, for one, don't mind. When you greet someone, you greet them with un beso (kiss) on the cheek (some people get too close to the mouth for comfort, but that hasn't happened to me. Thank God). If you're thinking, wow Ife, you're so brave to put your lips on someone else's face that has already been kissed, then boy do I have a surpise for you. Yes, I am brave. Except there's a short cut. You just put your cheek on theirs and make the kissing noise! Revolutionary! Sí. Sé. But really, po. When you enter, saluda con un beso y when you leave, sale con otro beso.
2) Heat-It's winter now and I like staying warm, but the thing is, that is made possible by systematically increasing the layers of clothing one wears. Once, I wore 5 layers, including my abrigo. The "heater" simply is there to heat up your water y nada mas. If you are cold, get more clothes! I learned that. My host mother, Diela, always says, " Abrígate!" "Wrap yourself up!" It's not even a question anymore.
I learned how to turn on the heater so I can have warm water to shower in. The machine is called a calefactor and y flip a switch, strike a fósforo (match), light a gas pipe (obviously, not the pipe, but the opening) and turn the dial to cálido or caliente (warm or hot) otherwise you bathe in agua helada. I hear it's good for the skin...
3) Meal talk- Especially with all the primos, novias, novios, tios, tias, hermanos y pololos (less serious than novio...casual dating more or less while novio seems to indicate there is a possible future together). Talk equals alcoholic drinks, checking if the gringa (me) knows words or is understanding what's going on, and all around loving. I've only been with my family for 1.5 days and 1.5 nights on a weekend (which means everyone is home), but all the conversations have included this. I'm not drinking during the program though the legal age is 18, wine is served at lunch and you can get whatever type of copete (drink) at dinner. Why? I'll get into that later. But back to the topic, yes, we eat a lot and drink a bit less. But not much less. I don't have much to contribute because my knowledge of drinks is very limited...and in spanish...even more. Also, jokes are ALWAYS being made. Ranging from chistes about being drunk or alcohol to chistes about finding me un pololo or any other gringo at the table. Food=lots of laughter. This is what I appreciate about their culture and my host family.
4) Standing out- I've seen a total of 3 dark people here in Chile, not saying that we are a novelty, but yes, I stand out. My communication and accent are good enough that people stare extra hard in astonishment (not to toot my own horn). I also am wearing trenzas (braids) that everyone HAS to touch. Almost everywhere I go, someone asks about it. I don't mind because I know that they appreciate the hair style. I stand out now, and will continue to stand out. Maybe, less and less...well, nope. I'll still be the gringa that has a uncommon hair style with skin way darker that theirs and speaks Spanish (well, attempts to) like a Chilean, slang and all. Jajaja. I totally am on my way to a great journey and glad you're coming with me! Me encanta.
Pues, tengo un exam a las 10am today and need to sleep. What I do best with 4 blankets in my super chevere pieza (room). I like this life. Wish me good luck and say some prayers, I'm taking la micro (bus) with my gringo cousins by ourselves. Hopefully,we don't get lost and miss our stop. Ah.
Besitos and un abrazito,
Ife. You should hear the way they attempt to pronounce 'Ifeoluwa'. Let's just say, we'll stick with Ife, po.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Ola, Onda.
Bonjour..I mean Hola. Wrong language.
So, I'm here in Chile and super emocionada! I'm trying this written blog instead of the YouTube account video. I feel like I'm at a loss of words. My brain is going in Spanish pero I'm going for an English conversation. Okay, so to make this easier I'll write this como a diary entry.
Let's start at the beginning, a very good place to start (Bram, one of the students here from WashU, says hi!). El Aeropuerto: Delta tried to stop me from going to Chile. Uh. Please. I didn't have a visa on my way there 'cause of the way SIT worked it out, we get our visa there. Whatever. No me importa. Estoy aqui.
Forget the diary entry process.
I'm tired. Valparaíso (aka Valpo) is beautiful and un poquito cold. I brought two partially large suitcases and felt super overpacked when one of the girls pulls up in one enormous backpack. FOR HIKING. I felt like that girl. The one who packs too much and has to lug it everywhere! When I had to declare pepper (yes, picante del polvo in my baggage. My mom said that it would help in keeping my spicy taste bud.), I talked to the guy in Spanish and he spoke back. Ballin'! Comprendí.
One guy called me out 'cause he thought I didn't pay the reciprocity fee. He says "You American?" Hesitantly, "yesss.." Don't get me wrong, I am proud of being American and I know I don't blend in, pero I had to be cautious. "You have to join that line" pointing to the fee line. "Si" is all I could muster. "Si" again. "Ya. We went there already." En inglés. I think it's the English that gave me away as an American. Gotta be.
The peeps here are fantastico and I've been saying "Hola" to all the people in Chile. They probs think I'm loca! When I say I'm excited, estoy emocionada. Super emocionada!
To all who are reading, I hope to post fotos that put you into mi zapatos-shoes. 'Dios. Chao!
Te quiro muchísimo,
Ife (They say that Ifeoluwa is too dificil para los chilenos.) Ah.
So, I'm here in Chile and super emocionada! I'm trying this written blog instead of the YouTube account video. I feel like I'm at a loss of words. My brain is going in Spanish pero I'm going for an English conversation. Okay, so to make this easier I'll write this como a diary entry.
Let's start at the beginning, a very good place to start (Bram, one of the students here from WashU, says hi!). El Aeropuerto: Delta tried to stop me from going to Chile. Uh. Please. I didn't have a visa on my way there 'cause of the way SIT worked it out, we get our visa there. Whatever. No me importa. Estoy aqui.
Forget the diary entry process.
I'm tired. Valparaíso (aka Valpo) is beautiful and un poquito cold. I brought two partially large suitcases and felt super overpacked when one of the girls pulls up in one enormous backpack. FOR HIKING. I felt like that girl. The one who packs too much and has to lug it everywhere! When I had to declare pepper (yes, picante del polvo in my baggage. My mom said that it would help in keeping my spicy taste bud.), I talked to the guy in Spanish and he spoke back. Ballin'! Comprendí.
One guy called me out 'cause he thought I didn't pay the reciprocity fee. He says "You American?" Hesitantly, "yesss.." Don't get me wrong, I am proud of being American and I know I don't blend in, pero I had to be cautious. "You have to join that line" pointing to the fee line. "Si" is all I could muster. "Si" again. "Ya. We went there already." En inglés. I think it's the English that gave me away as an American. Gotta be.
The peeps here are fantastico and I've been saying "Hola" to all the people in Chile. They probs think I'm loca! When I say I'm excited, estoy emocionada. Super emocionada!
To all who are reading, I hope to post fotos that put you into mi zapatos-shoes. 'Dios. Chao!
Te quiro muchísimo,
Ife (They say that Ifeoluwa is too dificil para los chilenos.) Ah.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Melodies
I love music. Enough said.
But why? Because the way music speaks directly to my soul and my head at the same time...logically and illogically.
It also makes me really happy when I hear a really good song before I hit the sack...like Landon Pigg's Can't Let Go, which is on my blog player right down there....somewhere.
But why? Because the way music speaks directly to my soul and my head at the same time...logically and illogically.
It also makes me really happy when I hear a really good song before I hit the sack...like Landon Pigg's Can't Let Go, which is on my blog player right down there....somewhere.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Midnight Chronicles
So, it's not REALLY midnight, but I thought it's a shnazzy title. Eh.
Okay. Because it has been rather difficult for me to blog in the morning (since I hardly get up before noon), I'm trying something new: reading my bible both in the morning and in the evening and blogging then. I figured this would be better because I'm more awake and less likely to rant and rave (I hope). I would read the same passage both times so it would have had enough time to sink in and work it's power...mystical no?
Psalm 8 (the entire thing which in only 9 verses)
This psalm was written by David himself: the oh so famous writer and psalmist, of course. He begins by saying that the Lord's name is majestic in all the Earth and then proceeds to explain why! He mentions that infants praise his name, his enemies are intimidated by all this praise, nature expresses God's might, and we humans are so undeserving because we are just so little in comparison to all the magnificent things He created.
Think about it. Do you think you can compare yourself to a perfectly created star that never lies, cheats, speaks rude words, or suffers from pride issues? Uhm No. Nor do stars fail in blogging about their awesome creator.
Then at the same time, David lets us know that He (God) does care for us, so much that He gave us power and authority over ALL that He made. I was made a little lower than God himself. This doesn't call for celebratory actions because though I was made this way, I'm no longer this way because of my daggone sin. But because Jesus decided to restore us back to this position, it's all good now.
Aight, that might be enough to chew on for now. Things to remember: Nature is more that something that takes up space, but it reflects God's majestic-ness and our redeemed position in God's eyes. Buenas Noches.
Okay. Because it has been rather difficult for me to blog in the morning (since I hardly get up before noon), I'm trying something new: reading my bible both in the morning and in the evening and blogging then. I figured this would be better because I'm more awake and less likely to rant and rave (I hope). I would read the same passage both times so it would have had enough time to sink in and work it's power...mystical no?
Psalm 8 (the entire thing which in only 9 verses)
This psalm was written by David himself: the oh so famous writer and psalmist, of course. He begins by saying that the Lord's name is majestic in all the Earth and then proceeds to explain why! He mentions that infants praise his name, his enemies are intimidated by all this praise, nature expresses God's might, and we humans are so undeserving because we are just so little in comparison to all the magnificent things He created.
Think about it. Do you think you can compare yourself to a perfectly created star that never lies, cheats, speaks rude words, or suffers from pride issues? Uhm No. Nor do stars fail in blogging about their awesome creator.
Then at the same time, David lets us know that He (God) does care for us, so much that He gave us power and authority over ALL that He made. I was made a little lower than God himself. This doesn't call for celebratory actions because though I was made this way, I'm no longer this way because of my daggone sin. But because Jesus decided to restore us back to this position, it's all good now.
Aight, that might be enough to chew on for now. Things to remember: Nature is more that something that takes up space, but it reflects God's majestic-ness and our redeemed position in God's eyes. Buenas Noches.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Day 2: 6 minute Blog
Now it's a 5 minute blog.
The passage that I read today is from James 4: 1-10. It really made me think about my life.
It talks about the way we should submit ourselves to God and how we don't get what we ask for (when we ask things from God) because we have wrong intentions and do not plan on using this request/gift for HIS glory. Only for our good. I know I do that. I rarely even get to the asking in vain part because I don't spend enough time pleading for my cases or things that I really want. Why? Because I have the mentality that God already knows, which He does, but to show that I really want this, I have to also ask for it myself.
2 minutes.
James 4:1-10 also made me think about where I am in my humility. Am I even humble? I know that I've openly confessed my sin of pride (which I sometimes do it proudly), so my humility is not where it needs to be. The scripture is funny about illustrating pride and submission. It says: "Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom.10Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up."
Essentially, make yourself low and God will increase, making you be lifted up.
Amen.
The passage that I read today is from James 4: 1-10. It really made me think about my life.
It talks about the way we should submit ourselves to God and how we don't get what we ask for (when we ask things from God) because we have wrong intentions and do not plan on using this request/gift for HIS glory. Only for our good. I know I do that. I rarely even get to the asking in vain part because I don't spend enough time pleading for my cases or things that I really want. Why? Because I have the mentality that God already knows, which He does, but to show that I really want this, I have to also ask for it myself.
2 minutes.
James 4:1-10 also made me think about where I am in my humility. Am I even humble? I know that I've openly confessed my sin of pride (which I sometimes do it proudly), so my humility is not where it needs to be. The scripture is funny about illustrating pride and submission. It says: "Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom.10Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up."
Essentially, make yourself low and God will increase, making you be lifted up.
Amen.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Day 1: Disobedience and Defeat
Today's verses are from Judges 2: 6-12.
Story: The Israelites have Joshua as their leader and they all serve God, reverence who He is and know of all the things that He's done for them throughout the years and for their ancestors. But, when Joshua son of Nun dies, the new generation grows up without this knowledge and basically disregard all the things that have been done before them; they start worshipping Baals.
Verse: "They forsook the Lord, the God of their fathers, who had brought them out of Egypt. They followed and worshiped various gods of the peoples around them. They provoked the Lord to anger..." vs. 12.
Thoughts: I know a bit about the Israelites and where they've come from and all the far out things they did when disobeying God. It was like a cycle for them. They would complain in the desert. God would punish them, then they would say "Oh God, we are so sorry! We'll worship you and only you forever!" Give them two weeks (maybe more. maybe less) and their right back to where they started. Eventually they made it to the Promised Land and they still had issues with trusting God and letting Him take control! Then they get punished. Every single time they do this, they know that they are provoking God to anger...and so do I. The other day, I did something I know (and knew) I shouldn't have. Then, I realized that I should probably ask for forgiveness. I did, but I felt really bad about it: ashamed if you will. I didn't feel like obeying God and coming to Him. And I see how I am comparable to the Israelites, which is really bad rep. Being comparable to the Israelites.
Well, I have to go now, but I guess what I'm taking with me today is that 1) God is a forgiving God (He hasn't smited me) and 2) My sins cause Him grief.
Story: The Israelites have Joshua as their leader and they all serve God, reverence who He is and know of all the things that He's done for them throughout the years and for their ancestors. But, when Joshua son of Nun dies, the new generation grows up without this knowledge and basically disregard all the things that have been done before them; they start worshipping Baals.
Verse: "They forsook the Lord, the God of their fathers, who had brought them out of Egypt. They followed and worshiped various gods of the peoples around them. They provoked the Lord to anger..." vs. 12.
Thoughts: I know a bit about the Israelites and where they've come from and all the far out things they did when disobeying God. It was like a cycle for them. They would complain in the desert. God would punish them, then they would say "Oh God, we are so sorry! We'll worship you and only you forever!" Give them two weeks (maybe more. maybe less) and their right back to where they started. Eventually they made it to the Promised Land and they still had issues with trusting God and letting Him take control! Then they get punished. Every single time they do this, they know that they are provoking God to anger...and so do I. The other day, I did something I know (and knew) I shouldn't have. Then, I realized that I should probably ask for forgiveness. I did, but I felt really bad about it: ashamed if you will. I didn't feel like obeying God and coming to Him. And I see how I am comparable to the Israelites, which is really bad rep. Being comparable to the Israelites.
Well, I have to go now, but I guess what I'm taking with me today is that 1) God is a forgiving God (He hasn't smited me) and 2) My sins cause Him grief.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
"Chronicable" Passion
By George, I've got it!
Okay, so in my last blog, I wrote about something that I'd want to do that would allow me to grow and that I could blog about. So, here it is: The Bible!
I haven't worked out the details exactly on what I'd want to do and how it would be done, but I was spending some time with God this morning and basically, He told me that what better growth than my relationship with Him and what better timing than this summer. And another thing about it is that in the end as I do it, it'll be extremely meaningful! God, has a funny way of letting me know these things. Well, the one way; when He's speaking.
Alright, so the first thing I'll be using is indeed my bible and this blog. I'll start with an every other day blog of scripture and my thoughts/how it's applicable. The next day, I'll give updates on how I saw it work in my life or how I decided to put it into action because reading/memorizing good words is one thing, but actually living it out is another.
Well, I've got to scram. Off to a hang out session with mi amigos de trabajo. Chao!
Okay, so in my last blog, I wrote about something that I'd want to do that would allow me to grow and that I could blog about. So, here it is: The Bible!
I haven't worked out the details exactly on what I'd want to do and how it would be done, but I was spending some time with God this morning and basically, He told me that what better growth than my relationship with Him and what better timing than this summer. And another thing about it is that in the end as I do it, it'll be extremely meaningful! God, has a funny way of letting me know these things. Well, the one way; when He's speaking.
Alright, so the first thing I'll be using is indeed my bible and this blog. I'll start with an every other day blog of scripture and my thoughts/how it's applicable. The next day, I'll give updates on how I saw it work in my life or how I decided to put it into action because reading/memorizing good words is one thing, but actually living it out is another.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Eager Beaver
Hola,
So, last night I watched Julie & Julia, a film written and directed by Nora Ephron. If you haven't seen it, then don't worry; I won't give anything away. If you have seen it, I must say that I was surprisingly inspired. Though I couldn't handle all the scenes, I thought it was such a motivational film. I found it inspirational for 3 reasons:
So, last night I watched Julie & Julia, a film written and directed by Nora Ephron. If you haven't seen it, then don't worry; I won't give anything away. If you have seen it, I must say that I was surprisingly inspired. Though I couldn't handle all the scenes, I thought it was such a motivational film. I found it inspirational for 3 reasons:
- It followed the story of two women who shared similar paths in life, but were able to overcome them,
- It was a relatable experience that they shared (not that I adore cooking). It was not an acting gig or a dance recital (or maybe I'm just bad at them), and
- It wasn't extrememly dramatic. I could handle the breakdowns and the drawbacks. It was believable (I mean...it's based on TWO true stories).
Because of that, I was inspired. First and foremost to continue this blog :) and secondly to find something I am passionate about and chronicle it's growth. This is the hard part.
I haven't found this 'chronicable' passion yet, but I'm searching. I also want it to be meaningful. Not just to watch 101 greatest movies of all times in 1 month or finish the rest of the seasons of Lost in 2 months.
Meaningful. What it is? I don't know, but I'll let you know later on. I'm excited for this possible journey and how I'll be growing from it. It's weird because my summer plans aren't set in stone yet but, God willing, it'll be by next week and then I'll plan this "chronicable" passion.
Oh, the possibilities. Delicious.
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