I officially celebrated my two month anniversary here in Chile about a week ago! It seems odd to think that I only just landed here a couple of months ago, confused, lost and with some language barriers.
I would like to say that much has changed since then, but let’s be honest! My Spanish may have improved. I may feel more comfortable, but just when I think I’m getting the hang of something, I once again feel confused. (“No cacho!” Chilean slang for I don’t understand.) But that’s the beauty of it! Always getting the opportunity to learn more, do more and experience more. Every day that I’m here, I pinch myself because I feel so lucky to have this opportunity. Every day doesn’t have to be an adventure, it can be just your typical day, but that doesn’t mean I appreciate it any less. I think being on this exchange has made me grateful for all the wonderful things I have.
But, speaking of adventures, I do have some. Today, I want to share with you some of the most magical ones!
Jill and I are lucky enough to have met such great friends here, including Fran and Joachim, who have really made us feel so welcomed and accepted here. I don't know if they truly understand how much of a difference they have made in our experience! They were kind enough to take us on a crazy hike in La Campana, about an hour and a half from Viña del Mar. We had a delicious breakfast of pancakes, manjar (dulce de leche) and, of course, bacon!! We camped one night and after that we were off on an eight-hour hike. It was an incredible experience, a great view and great company. It truly makes me feel thankful for the friends that I have made here.
Our first big trip was to the cold, Southern part of Latin America, fondly referred to as Patagonia. Cold being a relative term, as Canadians we were fairly used to it, but wow can the weather change fast! In one day we experienced rain, snow, wind and heat; it’s never a dull moment with us. I travelled with two girls, Jill and Verena, who have now become my very good friends.
We spent 10 days together travelling and hiking and surprisingly, never got on each other’s nerves. We were a good fit! We did seven different hikes, averaging about six to eight hours each. My Dad would be proud to know that I have finally accepted that I love to hike. I have done many hikes with my family in the past (and always complained) but now I fully appreciate the beauty and stillness of the nature and the ability to push yourself to your limits. I have never, ever, done such an intensive week of hiking but I truly loved it. We saw glaciers, mountains, towers, lakes, penguins and truly got the chance to get to know each other and enjoy each other’s company. We also learned to be prepared: toilet paper, swiss army knife, snacks, sandwiches, etc. You name it, we had it, or improvised!
We saw some amazing sights, including Perito Moreno, which is one of the largest glaciers in the world. I had actually learned about in my Spanish class at Carleton. It was interesting to now see it in person!
The three of us were also quite fond of food, so when we found a chocolatería (chocolate shop) in the small town of El Chaltén, Argentina, we were quite content. Alfajors, a delicious pastry (almost like two cookies with manjar or dulce de leche in the middle) were our favorite!
Today I woke up, went to do some groceries and then did some everyday things here in Viña del Mar, which unfortunately includes homework. I have just finished midterms here and I am now in a routine of daily school life, with a couple great friends here to visit for the next few weeks. Life is pretty normal but it's getting a little bit colder, though it’s not quite the same as the Great Canadian Winter.
Jamie's (my roommate) and my cooking has significantly improved! I don’t want to brag, but we might return to Canada as the next Gordon Ramsay...or maybe with just the knowledge of how not to burn rice!
Classes are different. They are more active and include more participation. I find it interesting that they use a lot of diagrams and present day examples to illustrate concepts. For instance, a professor might refer to the upcoming presidential election or to moments in Chile’s history, including the earthquake of 2010 to explain a theory.
I have learned some things are international, like when in doubt, pick “C” for a multiple choice test. Other things are different; you tip the person who packs your bags at the grocery store or you wear your shoes into someone’s house. Little daily surprises like these still make me feel like I have lots to learn and Chile might not quite be my home yet, but it has definitely been inviting since the start.