Last Friday we didn't have class as they were anticipating that there might be protests that day due to the "Day of the Young Combatants." During Chile's dictatorship, there was a protest and two brothers were shot by police. So even though that was 30 years ago or so, every year some people gather to remember, but others (especially younger people) have just taken it as an excuse to create havoc and violence. Nothing ended up happening Friday, but the actual "Día de los jovenes combatientes," which was Sunday night, eight police officers were wounded and one 12 year old girl lost her eye due to some violence in the poorer neighborhoods of Santiago. There was also several fires and buildings damaged.
So anywho, instead of going to class, we went out Thursday night for drinks with our professor (the drinking age here is 18), and then on Friday went on a UDP (Universidad Diego Portales) school field trip hosted by the Student Government (?)! It was SO crazy!!! All the first and second year students at UDP were loaded on buses for the 30 min. or so bus ride to Isla de Maipo where we went to a resort/park called "Oasis" that had pools, camping, picnic areas, and a playground. Everyone was drinking and dancing and picnic-ing and enjoying the weather. There was also a live stage where "Las Tres," a famous band from Mexico performed. But there were SO many people! And many were already drunk by the time they got there.
The bus ride was VERY exciting - complete with people drinking, smoking (cigarrettes and marijuana), jumping up and down, banging on the ceiling, chanting, and singing songs about a spider and an elephant. Oh, and the bus driver almost got lost. So naturally it was an unforgettable experience. We all kept looking at each other trying to believe this was really happening because it would definitely NOT ever happen in the US. At least not currently. But it kind of reminded me of something that might have happened during the 80's or something. It was fun to get to know more UDP people and was kind of amusing to talk to talk to people pre-drinking and then later after they'd drunk. =) Some funny conversations.
Friday night I went with some friends to a friend's house and then we kind of (by US standards) crashed a birthday party as the only reason we were there is because our friend's friend's friend was the birthday girl's boyfriend. So it was a bit awkward but still fun. Saturday night was the 21st b-day of Mary, one of the girls in our program so we had an asado (BBQ) at her house with her host sister and her friends (was able to make more Chilean friends and learn the name of my favorite Chilean songs - "Na Da Na," "Llamada de emergencia," and "Soy igual que tú"[click for links to youtube]).
Monday I went out to lunch with my Chilean friend, Daniela (the girl I met in the bathroom). Monday night we all went out for icecream to celebrate Mary's actual b-day, and Ryan (the boy in our program) and I got lost on the way so were an hour late, but we still had a good time. Tuesday night I went to a salsa dance class with Silvia and had a BLAST dancing! Learned a two new steps, too! And it was amazing to watch the professional-looking dancers glide and twirl on the floor. Made me melt in my seat. Will definitely go back.
Wednesday night was the soccer game between Chile and Uruguay so the whole country was glued to the TV sets in their houses, bars, and restaurants. During the game the streets were practically empty! Unfortunately/fortunately, it was a tie (0-0) which was a bit disappointing but still good. Chile had won their game against Perú on Sunday (which I FORGOT to watch because I was doing HW!!!!), and you could hear honking and cheering in the streets. So now Chile is third in South America (I think), and their next game isn't until June. But it was such a good game! Very exciting.
I am really enjoying my internship! I have been working on going through hundreds of photos on the computer and choosing only 30 each for the presentations about the projects in Bolivia, Ecuador, Haití, and Repúblico Dominicana. And I finished today! Yay! If I can figure out how to share/post/upload powerpoints I will share them. I'm quite proud of them. =) It was so hard to choose the photos!
Next week we go on our school trip to Torres del Paine in the South of Chile. We will be picked up Sunday night, actually and will take a plane at 2:40 am Monday to arrive in Punta Arenas at 6:10 am. We will then take a bus to Puerto Natales where we will have the day free before we re-group for dinner. Tuesday, the 7th, we will go on our "Torres del Paine Excursion" and will visit Cueva del Milodón and Torres del Paine. Then Wednesday we will get to go to the Glaciar Balmaceda and Serrano. And then Thursday we will return to Santiago at 11:25 pm. Just to let you know, I have not looked up any of the places we are going yet, so can tell you nothing except that Torres del Paine is gorgeous - I've seen pictures of it! So you would probably get the best info from looking things up on the internet.
Because the South of Chile is cold, rainy, windy, and low on Ozone, we have been advised to bring our winter coats, wind and water breakers, UV sunglasses and chapstick, sunscreen (45+), and hiking boots. So it should be exciting. I came more prepared than some others in our group (they somehow missed the packing list) and only have to buy a winter hat (mine seems to have missed the trip to Chile), UV sunglasses, and a higher sunblock (don't want to mess with lower levels of Ozone).
Oh, other news: I am finally a legal resident of Chile! I picked up my "carnet" or national ID card on Wednesday. It's so cool! It's like a driver's license but has my fingerprint on it, too. And I'm on page 150 or so of "Nueva Luna," the second book of "Twilight!" It's hard to understand all of it but I think I get the gist of what's going on.
So that's all that's been happening in my life. I'll have lots of pictures and stories to tell I'm sure once I get back from Torres del Paine.
Hope everyone is having a great week!
Chauuuuu!
~ Kaia
1 comment:
I might have to disown you if you become a Twilight fangirl.
Post a Comment