The strange new world, is so similar to what I consider the familiar that it's incredibly hard to know what to call Chile. When I hopped off the flight, at a modest yet fast-paced airport in Santiago I was pleasantly surprised. The landscape outside screamed California and the presence of hipsters only helped reinforce such notions.
I have been in Chile for three months as of Thursday, and of course I'm still learning new things everyday. However, I finally feel at home. I have a routine, responsibilities, and people that I care about. Now seems as good a time as any to share my experiences in Chilean culture.
People:
One thing you have to love about Chileans is their general appreciation for people. People are so quick to help and so willing to get to know you. During April when I was trying to catch a bus, I asked one of the men who sells newspapers where I needed to go. We see each other all the time now, and although we don't talk about much we always say something. About a week ago I heard someone calling out, "Hola, profe!" As I turned, I saw my friend heading the other direction. It kind of feels like I've known him since forever.
People here remind me much of people in the US. Sarcasm and humor in general are very important here. Whether I'm in the classroom or with my host-family there is usually a healthy amount of laughter.
Food and Drinks:
Living in a country with the name Chile and being accustomed to the rich Mexican food of southern California led me to the initial conclusion that I would love Chilean food. I'm not saying I don't like it, because to me, some food is still better than none.What I can say is that the food here is nothing like the name of the country. Chilean food is not spicy. In reality, I've noted that there five foods Chileans are very fond of: bread, salt, mayo, meat, and sugar.
 |
| Chili I made for my host mom. |
"What kind of food is typical in the US?" If you're from the US, you already know how hard it is to answer that question. It's essentially the same as what does it means to be American. As we approached the food question today while having lunch, I was finally able to articulate something.
As a nation built and constantly borrowing from other cultures there is no pure US food. This is especially true in a world that is becoming more and more connected. Besides, Thanksgiving food choice varies by state, family, accessibility, etc. People from the US seem to enjoy everything. However, in my opinion the essentials among most of us visiting are good old PB&J's, fruits and vegetables in their natural state, grilled cheese/quesadillas, and a healthy amount of pastas and Mexican food. I say in their natural state, because here in Chile fruits and vegetables are served differently. Almost every Chilean I know peels vegetables or fruit. For example, tomatoes, apples, pears, etc are often peeled. In serving fruit, I have had fruit salads here that have been sweetened further by adding sugar or juice.
 |
| Making Spicy Vegetarian Chili |
For some reason I didn't expect to run into
"First World Problem" Problems in Chile. But alas, I have and here's a short recollection of it:
"I'm so thirsty," says a Chilean acquaintance.
"We have water," by grace I say this without a hint of sarcasm.
In response she says,"Yeah, but I don't like the taste." Fact, most Chilean's survive off of a diet of tea, sugar infused juice and soda. At this point, I felt like this (-_-), but did retort that juice is made with water. If only she knew that clean drinkable running water is a privilege, thank you Uganda for teaching to how to be happy with less.
Language:
Before coming to Chile, I knew a handful of words in Spanish. Mostly, names of places like Los Angeles, San Diego, Calle Reale, etc. Besides names I knew the basic greetings and introductions. Although, I'm not fluent yet I'm now to the point where I can hold a conversation. I still have to remind my audience that I'm basically a wawa or baby. As I've told many of you before, Chilean spanish is really fast. You know how Californians drive really fast for no apparent reason, that hidden pressure to get from point A to point B as fast as possible? That's what talking is like here. If you ask someone to repeat what they said slower, there's a serious chance that they will say it at the same speed or faster.
Surviving:
So how does one successfully live in the unfamiliar? To put it simply, you have to find a refuge. I like my host-family, but sometimes I just need to leave the house. I have always found refuge running/exercise, food, books, and friends.
For a while I debated joining the gym. I mainly didn't want to because I don't really like working out indoors, money, and because I knew I wouldn't see my YMCA friends when I walked in. The bikers in the early morning and the friendly YMCA staff. I did in the end sign up, because with winter coming on fast working out is still one of the ways that I like to relax and gather endorphins.
In late April, I connected with some missionaries who are also from California. Kyle, Annie, and baby Micah have been great supports. They have introduced me to other people and places in Coyhaique and we even shared meals we all like, such as California burritos. Hanging with them, gives me a chance to talk about my experience and get feedback from a different perspective. The other volunteers in the region have been equally valuable. We see each other usually every week and have a chance to laugh, speak in English, and relax.
As of late, I've taken to using my time to explore books I've wanted to read but haven't had time to. Luckily we have a nice library here, with a good selection of books in English. At least two or three times a week I head to the library to grab a book and go on yet another adventure.
