Hello all. This is going to be quick. I finally finished school a week ago. wheh. done forever. A ten page final exam and a 20 page ressearch paper and its all in the books. Imediatly afterward my buddy Jesse arrived in Concecepcion. I showed him aruond and we also climbed Volcan Chillan. We camped at the confluence of three hotwater rivers streaming from the volcano. Later in the week another buddy, Jerad, arrived and we headed out of town. We have spent the last week camping and hitch hiking through the island of Chiloe. Yesterday we were at an amzzing secluded beach we walked 4.5 hours to arrive to. I have never seen the pacific ocean be so beautiful.
Tomorrow morning we are getting on a boat to Chaiten where the volcano erupted earlier this year. We will be hitching and camping our way down south, taking it as it comes.
Its a crazy sensation to go from resident to tourist in a day, but I have two of my best friends with me, and we are kicking ass. I hope all is well on that end. I hope to update when the technology is available.
Dan
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
La Aguita
Happy Halloween, Dia de los muertos, election day, and whatever else I have missed in the last few weeks. Although halloween is primarily a 'gringo' holiday, the celebration has migrated its way down to Chile. Although its not the huss and fuss it is states side, people are familiar with the day.
I decided to share the holiday with my elementary students to whom I teach english. "Calabazas" are not produced in mass here for the celebration as they are back home, so I drew a pumpkin on a piece of construction paper and made some photocopies. The kids thus 'carved' their first ever Jack-o-lanterns.
In my pre-kindergarden class (avg age 4), I had the kids all color in the pumpkin, and then I cut out the face and we turned the product into little masks for them. My most difficult class to teach are these little guys. Because they are still learning spanish, it is difficult to communicate with them. Although I speak to them 99.9% in spanish, its hard to get them to understand me sometimes, and also for them to make connections between the english words i teach them and their spanish counterpart. However, I have learned that coloring and playing simple games is the most effective use of time. One game we have played is called "semaforo" (stoplight). I have the kids line up on one side of the playground court, and when i say "green" they start running toward the other side. When I say "red" they stop. This game is very basic, and obviously seems quite boring and pointless however, the kids like it. The kids are very cute and very affectionate with me. When I arrive, they always come running, "teacher Daniel, teacher Daniel!" and hug me.
The third grade students took on the project much more independently, designing their own faces and coloring the jack-o-lanterns as they pleased. This class is also difficult, but not because they don't understand. I blame their teacher to a certain degree, but they are rambunctious and usually fighting and interrupting me as i try to speak. Every so often I have to lay the hammer down on them, but usually I keep the mood pretty light and fun. I have taught them the numbers up to 100, several colors, shapes, body parts, alphabet, greetings and goodbyes ect. Although they are not the best behaved, they don't ever disrespect me apart from talking amongst themselves sometimes while i'm talking. This group refers to me as "profe," "profesor" and "tio."
I meet with my fourth grade class right after my third grade class, and it is a great change of pace. They are very well behaved, very excited to ask me questions (ie, how do you say such and such in english?), always listen when i speak, and always participate. I have been teaching them many of the same things as the third graders, but their comprehension and retention is exponentially greater. As a result, I use much more english with them. Although I still speak in spanish about 99% of the time, they are able to link some words together. I regret not having more time with them during the week, and a better program and materials. One of their favorite games to play is Bingo. Although I change the word to something more fun and relevent and to practice letters that are more difficult. I say the letter and number in english, and the rest is the same as bingo.
I only have three more classes with each of the groups. This experience has undoubtably been a highlight of my time here. It has been great to give back to this particularly underadvantaged area and school. One thing that always strikes me is that they don't have any pencil sharpeners. In order to sharpen pencils, they use a box cutter, and some kids have there own small razor blade they keep in the pocket of their overcoat. It was a little unnerving in the begening seeing 9 and 10 year olds with free use of box cutters. I'm never worried that they would use it against me or against one another, although accidents can happen. Apart from some of the obvious differences in resources, I have learned that kids are kids no matter what country or economic class they come from.
I have posted pictures of the pumpkin carving and some playtime. They are grouped together by class. Go here: http://picasaweb.google.com/shirleydan/LaAguita
Enjoy!
I decided to share the holiday with my elementary students to whom I teach english. "Calabazas" are not produced in mass here for the celebration as they are back home, so I drew a pumpkin on a piece of construction paper and made some photocopies. The kids thus 'carved' their first ever Jack-o-lanterns.
In my pre-kindergarden class (avg age 4), I had the kids all color in the pumpkin, and then I cut out the face and we turned the product into little masks for them. My most difficult class to teach are these little guys. Because they are still learning spanish, it is difficult to communicate with them. Although I speak to them 99.9% in spanish, its hard to get them to understand me sometimes, and also for them to make connections between the english words i teach them and their spanish counterpart. However, I have learned that coloring and playing simple games is the most effective use of time. One game we have played is called "semaforo" (stoplight). I have the kids line up on one side of the playground court, and when i say "green" they start running toward the other side. When I say "red" they stop. This game is very basic, and obviously seems quite boring and pointless however, the kids like it. The kids are very cute and very affectionate with me. When I arrive, they always come running, "teacher Daniel, teacher Daniel!" and hug me.
The third grade students took on the project much more independently, designing their own faces and coloring the jack-o-lanterns as they pleased. This class is also difficult, but not because they don't understand. I blame their teacher to a certain degree, but they are rambunctious and usually fighting and interrupting me as i try to speak. Every so often I have to lay the hammer down on them, but usually I keep the mood pretty light and fun. I have taught them the numbers up to 100, several colors, shapes, body parts, alphabet, greetings and goodbyes ect. Although they are not the best behaved, they don't ever disrespect me apart from talking amongst themselves sometimes while i'm talking. This group refers to me as "profe," "profesor" and "tio."
I meet with my fourth grade class right after my third grade class, and it is a great change of pace. They are very well behaved, very excited to ask me questions (ie, how do you say such and such in english?), always listen when i speak, and always participate. I have been teaching them many of the same things as the third graders, but their comprehension and retention is exponentially greater. As a result, I use much more english with them. Although I still speak in spanish about 99% of the time, they are able to link some words together. I regret not having more time with them during the week, and a better program and materials. One of their favorite games to play is Bingo. Although I change the word to something more fun and relevent and to practice letters that are more difficult. I say the letter and number in english, and the rest is the same as bingo.
I only have three more classes with each of the groups. This experience has undoubtably been a highlight of my time here. It has been great to give back to this particularly underadvantaged area and school. One thing that always strikes me is that they don't have any pencil sharpeners. In order to sharpen pencils, they use a box cutter, and some kids have there own small razor blade they keep in the pocket of their overcoat. It was a little unnerving in the begening seeing 9 and 10 year olds with free use of box cutters. I'm never worried that they would use it against me or against one another, although accidents can happen. Apart from some of the obvious differences in resources, I have learned that kids are kids no matter what country or economic class they come from.
I have posted pictures of the pumpkin carving and some playtime. They are grouped together by class. Go here: http://picasaweb.google.com/shirleydan/LaAguita
Enjoy!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Pisco
The shinning sun and the passage of a few weeks since my last excursion prompted an impromptu departure. I didn't have my chemistry lab last Friday, so Tuesday night I headed out to the bus station. A gringo friend of mine and I jumped on board a bus headed north and 13 hours later we were in La Serena, Chile.
La Serena is a desert coastal town that in summer months sees its beaches filled up with tourists. Our visit was in the off-season, so the common gringo sightings didn't happen.
The first day we found a hostal and took it easy, the theme of this trip. The next day we took a bus south about an hour to the small fishing village, Tongoy. There we ate 'mariscos' including 'machas' (clams), 'locos' (abalone or sea snail), 'jaibas' (crab)and camarones (shrimp). I have already eaten these things on a few occasions here, but it was a nice treat to have them come right off the boat. We spent the remainder of the day hanging out on the beach and relaxing before a night out on the town back in La Serena's neighbor town, Coquimbo. The night life is basically non-existant in La Serena, so we took the 15 minute ride next door most nights. We saw a good Bob Marley cover band and hit a couple of discos. Back in La Serena we hung out on the beach and took in the sun.
We ended our time with a trip to El Valle Elqui, the old stomping grounds for Gabriela Mistral and the place where all of the pisco grapes are grown. We left our bags at a hostal in Vicuna at the valley's head and bussed it up to Pisco Elqui for the day. There we went to a small pisco factory and did some tasting. The valley was very dry with a high mountain desert landscape, but the valley floor was a river of green grape plants. Very pretty. Back in Vicuna, we visited the Capel distillery and bottling plant. Capel is the largest producer and exporter of pisco in Chile. As pisco has found a special place in my heart down here, this was a great experience to go to the place that it is born. Salud!
We had made reservations for our final evening to one of the several observatories in the area, but due to a slight overcast sky, the tour was canceled. Darn. As a consolation we drank one last bottle of pisco and got back on the bus the next day.
We rolled into Concepcion at about 4:30am, I jumped into bed, and then it was back to 'reality' once again.
Pictures can be found at this link in the album "La Serena": http://picasaweb.google.com/shirleydan
See you all soon!
La Serena is a desert coastal town that in summer months sees its beaches filled up with tourists. Our visit was in the off-season, so the common gringo sightings didn't happen.
The first day we found a hostal and took it easy, the theme of this trip. The next day we took a bus south about an hour to the small fishing village, Tongoy. There we ate 'mariscos' including 'machas' (clams), 'locos' (abalone or sea snail), 'jaibas' (crab)and camarones (shrimp). I have already eaten these things on a few occasions here, but it was a nice treat to have them come right off the boat. We spent the remainder of the day hanging out on the beach and relaxing before a night out on the town back in La Serena's neighbor town, Coquimbo. The night life is basically non-existant in La Serena, so we took the 15 minute ride next door most nights. We saw a good Bob Marley cover band and hit a couple of discos. Back in La Serena we hung out on the beach and took in the sun.
We ended our time with a trip to El Valle Elqui, the old stomping grounds for Gabriela Mistral and the place where all of the pisco grapes are grown. We left our bags at a hostal in Vicuna at the valley's head and bussed it up to Pisco Elqui for the day. There we went to a small pisco factory and did some tasting. The valley was very dry with a high mountain desert landscape, but the valley floor was a river of green grape plants. Very pretty. Back in Vicuna, we visited the Capel distillery and bottling plant. Capel is the largest producer and exporter of pisco in Chile. As pisco has found a special place in my heart down here, this was a great experience to go to the place that it is born. Salud!
We had made reservations for our final evening to one of the several observatories in the area, but due to a slight overcast sky, the tour was canceled. Darn. As a consolation we drank one last bottle of pisco and got back on the bus the next day.
We rolled into Concepcion at about 4:30am, I jumped into bed, and then it was back to 'reality' once again.
Pictures can be found at this link in the album "La Serena": http://picasaweb.google.com/shirleydan
See you all soon!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Chao FB, Hello
As we open the door to October, the harsh reality sets in that I have only 4 more months in Chile. I have 2 quick months left in Concepcion to finish up school, and then 2 super duper fast months of traveling before its back to the mother country. So far I feel like I have taken good advantage of my time. However, I have become really accustomed to life here, and the curious spirit has slipped a little bit. I contribute the long rainy rainy rainy winter to most of that. During that time I spent many hours inside, on my computer, not doing much. Now that spring has finally shown up on the tail end of this journey, I need to reevaluate what I'm doing.
I have decided that Facebook (although a good communication tool) is going to be set aside. I'm a little bit tired of the PUBLIC communication and sharing of information that is Facebook. I'm also tired of the time consumption it can beckon. There are a few more books I want to read while I'm here, there is a big research paper i need to write, there is Chilean air i need to breath. None of these things will be accomplished while 'tagging' photos on facebook.
I know some of you are probably wondering what the hell I'm talking about because you are not familiar with this 'animal.' If you are one of those, disregard. However, those of you who are, I'm not saying that I don't want contact with you. Give me a call, I would love to chat, and my number is from the states so it’s not an international call (505-908-9491). Send me an email, I would love to exchange some notes or letters (shirleydan@gmail.com). Y para ustedes que estan en chile, mi numero es 74327384.
In no way is this an attack on people using facebook! I understand that it is a great social tool to keep people connected all over the world. It has served me well for this purpose and I anticipate using it again. But for this specific time in my life, I want a break. That is all I'm saying!!!
I miss my family, my friends and understanding everything that I hear. However, for the next several months, I need to concentrate on me and continue to enrich my south american invasion.
I have decided that Facebook (although a good communication tool) is going to be set aside. I'm a little bit tired of the PUBLIC communication and sharing of information that is Facebook. I'm also tired of the time consumption it can beckon. There are a few more books I want to read while I'm here, there is a big research paper i need to write, there is Chilean air i need to breath. None of these things will be accomplished while 'tagging' photos on facebook.
I know some of you are probably wondering what the hell I'm talking about because you are not familiar with this 'animal.' If you are one of those, disregard. However, those of you who are, I'm not saying that I don't want contact with you. Give me a call, I would love to chat, and my number is from the states so it’s not an international call (505-908-9491). Send me an email, I would love to exchange some notes or letters (shirleydan@gmail.com). Y para ustedes que estan en chile, mi numero es 74327384.
In no way is this an attack on people using facebook! I understand that it is a great social tool to keep people connected all over the world. It has served me well for this purpose and I anticipate using it again. But for this specific time in my life, I want a break. That is all I'm saying!!!
I miss my family, my friends and understanding everything that I hear. However, for the next several months, I need to concentrate on me and continue to enrich my south american invasion.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Carne!
Woooff... The last week was by far the most indulgent I have had so far in Chile. It was the week of Fiestas Patrias, centered around the 18th of September which is more or less Chilean independence day. Imagine the amount you eat on thanksgiving and the amount you drink on new years, put those two together in the same day, everyday for a week. Heres a quick blow by blow of the action.
Friday the 12th was "18th at the university." They have this early because everyone travels home to be with their families on the actual day. At the school were set up "ramadas" which are booths that vend food and drink. The food consisted of "choripan" (sausage on bred), "empanadas," "sopapillas" (fried bread), and "a name i don't remember" (kabobs). The drink consisted of "ponche" (white wine with sliced peaches and aguardente), "chicha" (a strong wine combination with carbonation, i think), "cerveza," and "pisco." The food and drink cost between 200 and 500 pesos (0.40 - 1.00 USD) each.
The scene consisted of a band playing music and about 5000 students overindulging. We arrived at about 4pm and stayed until the chicha and choripan ran out.
The next thing I knew it was monday and I was on a bus headed north to Talca. I was invited to the house of one of my roomates for a couple of days before heading to Curico (a city an hour away from Talca) for the remainder of the week. In Talca we went to the University of Talca to check out their ramadas. It was considerably less exciting, so we decided to take a tour of the campus. During the tour we somehow found ourselves joining a game of soccer. I was wearing sandals, so I played barefoot. This was ok because it was on grass, and it was only 5 vs 5. The game then grew to a full field and 11 vs 11. I decided I would play goalkeeper so that I wouldn't lose any toes. This turned out to be a lot of fun, and reminded me of the old days when I was just a boy.
After a couple of non eventful nights out on the town, I was off to Curico to my other friends house. The grandma of my friend lives in a little town of about 2000 people in the country side close to Curico. Here is where we would spend the remainder of the week. At grandmas house was all of my friends family (about 30) from great grand kids, to great grandma, and me.
The first day we had an asado (BBQ). The grill was a 55 gallon drum cut in half. It was filled with meat, two layers thick, 3 times. I could barely move afterwards. They had bought a full cow for the celebration, 130 kilos worth of meat (286 lbs). Later that day we climbed up the little hillside and enjoyed the view. Many people on the hillside were flying kites, a very popular activity in the pueblo.
That evening began the drinking and to my pleasure and suprise, a bottle of Jim Beam surfaced. The uncle whom had the bottle let me drink away on it as i pleased as the rest didn't really like whisky. I haven't had that flavor in my mouth since I was in the Atlanta airport waiting for my flight to come down here. Later later in the evening we went to the ramadas where there was folk dancing, games, food and drink. One was a gambling game, so i decided to try my luck. There were 9 pins set up in a diamond. One person throws a ball at the pins and trys to knock down an even number. If he does so twice in a row, he doubles his money. Meanwhile all of the people standing around are also making bets that he wont knock down an even number. I threw the ball on about 5 occasions. After winning and losing, I finished 2000 pesos behind (about 4 USD).
The remaining days consisted of basically more of the same, however with the menu changing slightly. One day we ate empanadas and had more asado and another day we had a "discada." The discada was a large metal disk like platter (kinda like a metal garbage can lid, see fotos) that was filled with clams, oysters, beef, chicken, potatoes and sausage covered in cabbage and cooked in white wine over a fire. This was delicious.
Its hard to explain how interesting this experience was. I was with a Chilean family on the most important holiday of the year in the country side. Its interesting enough to witness all of the family dynamics of families from your own culture, so this was extraordinary. Apart from enjoying the opportunity of partaking in this celebration, I really liked the little pueblo. It was a place where the road is shared by bicycles and horses with the occasional car. Houses are not locked up and bicycles are left in the street. These are things that could never happen in the more populated areas of this country.
Back in Curico we took advantage of the final afternoon and went to the stadium for a soccer game. This was a smaller stadium than the one in Concepcion, but the fans no less passionate. I will say it once again, they do not stop singing, banging the drum, waving the flag once during the whole game. After that it was back on the bus and back to reality and to my running shoes to shed some of the weight.
It was a really special experience to be in Chile for this holiday, and to be able to share it with a family in a traditional way.
My birthday is this Friday, so there will be one more party before a nice cleansing period.
I hope all is well in Gringolandia.
The pictures can be found here under the album "Fiestas Patrias" http://picasaweb.google.com/shirleydan
Abrazo
Dan
Friday the 12th was "18th at the university." They have this early because everyone travels home to be with their families on the actual day. At the school were set up "ramadas" which are booths that vend food and drink. The food consisted of "choripan" (sausage on bred), "empanadas," "sopapillas" (fried bread), and "a name i don't remember" (kabobs). The drink consisted of "ponche" (white wine with sliced peaches and aguardente), "chicha" (a strong wine combination with carbonation, i think), "cerveza," and "pisco." The food and drink cost between 200 and 500 pesos (0.40 - 1.00 USD) each.
The scene consisted of a band playing music and about 5000 students overindulging. We arrived at about 4pm and stayed until the chicha and choripan ran out.
The next thing I knew it was monday and I was on a bus headed north to Talca. I was invited to the house of one of my roomates for a couple of days before heading to Curico (a city an hour away from Talca) for the remainder of the week. In Talca we went to the University of Talca to check out their ramadas. It was considerably less exciting, so we decided to take a tour of the campus. During the tour we somehow found ourselves joining a game of soccer. I was wearing sandals, so I played barefoot. This was ok because it was on grass, and it was only 5 vs 5. The game then grew to a full field and 11 vs 11. I decided I would play goalkeeper so that I wouldn't lose any toes. This turned out to be a lot of fun, and reminded me of the old days when I was just a boy.
After a couple of non eventful nights out on the town, I was off to Curico to my other friends house. The grandma of my friend lives in a little town of about 2000 people in the country side close to Curico. Here is where we would spend the remainder of the week. At grandmas house was all of my friends family (about 30) from great grand kids, to great grandma, and me.
The first day we had an asado (BBQ). The grill was a 55 gallon drum cut in half. It was filled with meat, two layers thick, 3 times. I could barely move afterwards. They had bought a full cow for the celebration, 130 kilos worth of meat (286 lbs). Later that day we climbed up the little hillside and enjoyed the view. Many people on the hillside were flying kites, a very popular activity in the pueblo.
That evening began the drinking and to my pleasure and suprise, a bottle of Jim Beam surfaced. The uncle whom had the bottle let me drink away on it as i pleased as the rest didn't really like whisky. I haven't had that flavor in my mouth since I was in the Atlanta airport waiting for my flight to come down here. Later later in the evening we went to the ramadas where there was folk dancing, games, food and drink. One was a gambling game, so i decided to try my luck. There were 9 pins set up in a diamond. One person throws a ball at the pins and trys to knock down an even number. If he does so twice in a row, he doubles his money. Meanwhile all of the people standing around are also making bets that he wont knock down an even number. I threw the ball on about 5 occasions. After winning and losing, I finished 2000 pesos behind (about 4 USD).
The remaining days consisted of basically more of the same, however with the menu changing slightly. One day we ate empanadas and had more asado and another day we had a "discada." The discada was a large metal disk like platter (kinda like a metal garbage can lid, see fotos) that was filled with clams, oysters, beef, chicken, potatoes and sausage covered in cabbage and cooked in white wine over a fire. This was delicious.
Its hard to explain how interesting this experience was. I was with a Chilean family on the most important holiday of the year in the country side. Its interesting enough to witness all of the family dynamics of families from your own culture, so this was extraordinary. Apart from enjoying the opportunity of partaking in this celebration, I really liked the little pueblo. It was a place where the road is shared by bicycles and horses with the occasional car. Houses are not locked up and bicycles are left in the street. These are things that could never happen in the more populated areas of this country.
Back in Curico we took advantage of the final afternoon and went to the stadium for a soccer game. This was a smaller stadium than the one in Concepcion, but the fans no less passionate. I will say it once again, they do not stop singing, banging the drum, waving the flag once during the whole game. After that it was back on the bus and back to reality and to my running shoes to shed some of the weight.
It was a really special experience to be in Chile for this holiday, and to be able to share it with a family in a traditional way.
My birthday is this Friday, so there will be one more party before a nice cleansing period.
I hope all is well in Gringolandia.
The pictures can be found here under the album "Fiestas Patrias" http://picasaweb.google.com/shirleydan
Abrazo
Dan
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Un poco atresado
Hola all...
I apologize for my lack of writing as of late, but I'm in Chile, and your not, so deal with it.
School has gotten off to a good start (good i guess, there is class, I go to it, and i try to understand the viejo that practically whispers.) It kinda feels like school this time around. I have already taken a class similar to this one, so despite everything being in spanish, its not as hard as it could be so far. However, this last week we had our first laboratory, a truly memorable experience.
I have taken several chemistry lab courses during my time at UM, and there was a general pattern for the first day of each of those labs. This consisted of receiving our equipment for the semester and getting a safety orientation of the lab. Well in Chile, that pattern has been snapped. The first thing we did in the lab was take a test, not a safety test, but like a real test. "reproduce the fourth period of the periodic table" Are you kidding me! Good thing there was one on the wall in my sight.
Next it was "begin." Well, I had two partners, but no equipment so I left it up to them to figure out what to do. We found ourselves a beaker and began. What came next is something I'm still not sure I experienced in real life. My fellow students went to fetch the necessary 5 mL of the prepared copper nitrate solution with their pipets. But instead of having a bulb on the end of the pipets, they only had their mouths!! Yes, they were pipetting by mouth, and this was no big deal to them. I almost freaked out. (For you non science people, I will explain. A pipet is a glass tube, like a straw, with graduation marks in order to measure and transfer small amounts of liquids. There is usually a small bulb to attach on the top in order to create suction. Pipetting be mouth is to suck on the end in order to draw in the liquid!) Well, for anyone who has ever taken a chemistry lab in the last 15 years, you have probably heard "don't pipet by mouth!" I was shocked, especially when it was my turn to fetch the solution. Yes, I pipetted by mouth.
Although what we were working with was not necessarily dangerous, I still wouldn't want to drink it. Apart from this, the lab did not have very good ventilation, no fume hoods, an emergency shower nor emergency eye washer. Hopefully I don't spill, or the old chemistry adage will definitely come into play "oops means run."
I have now met with my classes that I teach at the elementary school about 4 times each. I'm really impressed with how much the kids are learning and retaining. After I left the first time, I thought there was no hope, but at the second meeting they were all repeating what i had taught them the first time. I'm really enjoying the experience so far, its nice to see the kids excited to learn and also the corresponding results. The hardest class for me in the pre-kindergarten because they just like to sing, and I don't. The 3rd graders are good, but a little wild. The fourth graders are excellent. They are the most interested, always asking me questions and they are picking things up very fast. I hope I can take advantage of there sponginess and provide them with enough liquid.
We had the exchange student welcoming reception last night, complete with wine and hors d'oeuvres . Also, 12 students from St. Cloud university are here this semester, so the gringo ratio is up. It was fun to meet all of those Minnesotans, reminded me of my little Minnesotan back home:)
The other night La Universidad de Chile futbol team came to town again, so me and my fellow hooligans went to the stadium. It was again crazy as it was when i went back in march, but this time I snuck in my camera. I'll let the photos and video explain the rest. La U lost in a shoot out, so we drank an extra beer.
In other news, about a week a go we had one of the supposed worst rain storms in recent history here in concepcion. School was canceled for the day due to flooding. I didn't get that memo until i arrived at class, soaking wet.
My street
The U
The U
Some locas that wanted to cross the street
Thats the scoop for now. As I said before, Chilean independence day is coming up on the 18th, so that means lots of carretiando for the next couple weeks. I'm headed up to Curico to the house of one of my Chilean friends where I'm going to celebrate with his family. I shall have more on this en la vuelta. Que esten bien!!! besos y abrazos
I apologize for my lack of writing as of late, but I'm in Chile, and your not, so deal with it.
School has gotten off to a good start (good i guess, there is class, I go to it, and i try to understand the viejo that practically whispers.) It kinda feels like school this time around. I have already taken a class similar to this one, so despite everything being in spanish, its not as hard as it could be so far. However, this last week we had our first laboratory, a truly memorable experience.
I have taken several chemistry lab courses during my time at UM, and there was a general pattern for the first day of each of those labs. This consisted of receiving our equipment for the semester and getting a safety orientation of the lab. Well in Chile, that pattern has been snapped. The first thing we did in the lab was take a test, not a safety test, but like a real test. "reproduce the fourth period of the periodic table" Are you kidding me! Good thing there was one on the wall in my sight.
Next it was "begin." Well, I had two partners, but no equipment so I left it up to them to figure out what to do. We found ourselves a beaker and began. What came next is something I'm still not sure I experienced in real life. My fellow students went to fetch the necessary 5 mL of the prepared copper nitrate solution with their pipets. But instead of having a bulb on the end of the pipets, they only had their mouths!! Yes, they were pipetting by mouth, and this was no big deal to them. I almost freaked out. (For you non science people, I will explain. A pipet is a glass tube, like a straw, with graduation marks in order to measure and transfer small amounts of liquids. There is usually a small bulb to attach on the top in order to create suction. Pipetting be mouth is to suck on the end in order to draw in the liquid!) Well, for anyone who has ever taken a chemistry lab in the last 15 years, you have probably heard "don't pipet by mouth!" I was shocked, especially when it was my turn to fetch the solution. Yes, I pipetted by mouth.
Although what we were working with was not necessarily dangerous, I still wouldn't want to drink it. Apart from this, the lab did not have very good ventilation, no fume hoods, an emergency shower nor emergency eye washer. Hopefully I don't spill, or the old chemistry adage will definitely come into play "oops means run."
I have now met with my classes that I teach at the elementary school about 4 times each. I'm really impressed with how much the kids are learning and retaining. After I left the first time, I thought there was no hope, but at the second meeting they were all repeating what i had taught them the first time. I'm really enjoying the experience so far, its nice to see the kids excited to learn and also the corresponding results. The hardest class for me in the pre-kindergarten because they just like to sing, and I don't. The 3rd graders are good, but a little wild. The fourth graders are excellent. They are the most interested, always asking me questions and they are picking things up very fast. I hope I can take advantage of there sponginess and provide them with enough liquid.
We had the exchange student welcoming reception last night, complete with wine and hors d'oeuvres . Also, 12 students from St. Cloud university are here this semester, so the gringo ratio is up. It was fun to meet all of those Minnesotans, reminded me of my little Minnesotan back home:)
The other night La Universidad de Chile futbol team came to town again, so me and my fellow hooligans went to the stadium. It was again crazy as it was when i went back in march, but this time I snuck in my camera. I'll let the photos and video explain the rest. La U lost in a shoot out, so we drank an extra beer.
In other news, about a week a go we had one of the supposed worst rain storms in recent history here in concepcion. School was canceled for the day due to flooding. I didn't get that memo until i arrived at class, soaking wet.
My street
The U
The U
Some locas that wanted to cross the streetThats the scoop for now. As I said before, Chilean independence day is coming up on the 18th, so that means lots of carretiando for the next couple weeks. I'm headed up to Curico to the house of one of my Chilean friends where I'm going to celebrate with his family. I shall have more on this en la vuelta. Que esten bien!!! besos y abrazos
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Halftime
Greetings faithful,
In the last week I saw the eclipse of the 6 month mark on my invasion of South America. I'm now officially on the downward slide. I leave the country on the 29th of January, so that leaves me exactly 5.5 months of hell raising. This halfway point has snuck up on me from out of nowhere, i feel like i was just giving the 2 month update. But as I'm forced to reflect, its clear that I in fact have spent a good quantity of time here, and more importantly it has been of grade A quality.
I have experienced change. Physically. Mentally. Emotionally. I have not cut my hair in over six months, its longer than it has ever been. I have also recommitted myself to regular vigorous exercise. Looking in the mirror, 6 months has passed.
I study, socialize, communicate, survive using a new language. At this point I can say almost anything, and understand almost everything (although those damn Chileans still remain super difficult to understand sometimes) with out too much effort. Speaking is much more natural.
I have met and made friends from all over the world and from all walks of life. They have all had special impacts on me. When in a situation like this, you develop good strong friendships much faster because you know that your time is limited with the people. Also, the bonds built between fellow exchange students is especially strong due to the sharing of this extraordinary type of experience.
As always, the positives have there down sides. At this point, several of my friends have left forever. Although I'm still here, its sad because I may never see them again, and I will not have them as a part of my experience anymore. There is one, however, whom is the most special, who I will be seeing immediately upon my return. Our future holds many more great adventures together.
Its almost impossible to specifically explain my experiences so far in Chile and the impacts they are having on my life. But, in a few words: magic, amazing, confusing, crazy, fun, rainy, exciting, surprising, pure.
Although the first half has come and gone, round two i expect to be all that and more. Heres whats coming up:
I started school this week, and it looks like my classes are going to consist of Quimica Inorganica 4 w/ its corresponding lab and Actividades Recriativas. Aside from these two classes, I will also be volunteering at an elementary school in Concepcions poorest neighborhood. I will be conducting english workshops for a pre-kindergarden class, 3rd grade class, and 4th grade class. I start tomorrow, but I have already met some of the kids. They are super cute, and I anticipate working with them to be a great experience. More to come on this later.
Also, 18th of September is Chilean independence day, and from what i hear it is a week long celebration of booze and food and fun! Sounds like a good ol Chilean carrete. The following week on the 26 is my birthday, so the party may just extend for 2 weeks straight. Ill be turning 24, scary i know. Send your condolences.
As for the rest of the semester, we have spring and sun and fun to look forward to. I have lots of travel plans as well. i hope to get out for some weekend adventures, before I spend all of December (alone) and January (with my folks) seeing all that i can before going back to the states. The end can be seen off in the distance, but I'm just looking down at my feet.
I hope everyone is living awesome. Abrazos y besos.
Dan
In the last week I saw the eclipse of the 6 month mark on my invasion of South America. I'm now officially on the downward slide. I leave the country on the 29th of January, so that leaves me exactly 5.5 months of hell raising. This halfway point has snuck up on me from out of nowhere, i feel like i was just giving the 2 month update. But as I'm forced to reflect, its clear that I in fact have spent a good quantity of time here, and more importantly it has been of grade A quality.
I have experienced change. Physically. Mentally. Emotionally. I have not cut my hair in over six months, its longer than it has ever been. I have also recommitted myself to regular vigorous exercise. Looking in the mirror, 6 months has passed.
I study, socialize, communicate, survive using a new language. At this point I can say almost anything, and understand almost everything (although those damn Chileans still remain super difficult to understand sometimes) with out too much effort. Speaking is much more natural.
I have met and made friends from all over the world and from all walks of life. They have all had special impacts on me. When in a situation like this, you develop good strong friendships much faster because you know that your time is limited with the people. Also, the bonds built between fellow exchange students is especially strong due to the sharing of this extraordinary type of experience.
As always, the positives have there down sides. At this point, several of my friends have left forever. Although I'm still here, its sad because I may never see them again, and I will not have them as a part of my experience anymore. There is one, however, whom is the most special, who I will be seeing immediately upon my return. Our future holds many more great adventures together.
Its almost impossible to specifically explain my experiences so far in Chile and the impacts they are having on my life. But, in a few words: magic, amazing, confusing, crazy, fun, rainy, exciting, surprising, pure.
Although the first half has come and gone, round two i expect to be all that and more. Heres whats coming up:
I started school this week, and it looks like my classes are going to consist of Quimica Inorganica 4 w/ its corresponding lab and Actividades Recriativas. Aside from these two classes, I will also be volunteering at an elementary school in Concepcions poorest neighborhood. I will be conducting english workshops for a pre-kindergarden class, 3rd grade class, and 4th grade class. I start tomorrow, but I have already met some of the kids. They are super cute, and I anticipate working with them to be a great experience. More to come on this later.
Also, 18th of September is Chilean independence day, and from what i hear it is a week long celebration of booze and food and fun! Sounds like a good ol Chilean carrete. The following week on the 26 is my birthday, so the party may just extend for 2 weeks straight. Ill be turning 24, scary i know. Send your condolences.
As for the rest of the semester, we have spring and sun and fun to look forward to. I have lots of travel plans as well. i hope to get out for some weekend adventures, before I spend all of December (alone) and January (with my folks) seeing all that i can before going back to the states. The end can be seen off in the distance, but I'm just looking down at my feet.
I hope everyone is living awesome. Abrazos y besos.
Dan
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