Villa Grinaldi

It's like America, but South! - Ellie Fredricksen

I have learned that every country has a story. And I cannot hear one of these stories without being changed, or without seeing my own country with new eyes. A week ago, I had no idea what Chile is like. Now that I know a week's worth of history, I am both shaken and hungry to learn more. I believe I have a responsibility to share the stories I learn, and if you're interested, that's something I would love to do sometime over coffee. For now I will just say that the phrase: US-supported military dictatorships in Latin America during the Cold War takes on entirely new meaning after visiting Villa Grinaldi, a detention and torture site from the Pinochet era. 

My favorite mural, that I see on my way to school.
Of Gabriela Mistral, Chilean poet and educator. 

It's new and invigorating to be learning these things in a community of people who all care passionately about educational policy, each with incredibly unique experiences behind that passion. I was surprised to discover that not only do I already have a general awareness of the two main candidates in the upcoming presidential elections, I genuinely care who wins. (I was happy to join in last night when my host family started chanting: Bachelet! Bachelet!) And I can tell you that I certainly DID NOT participate in a march last Thursday demanding free and quality education. And SIT Study Abroad assumes no responsibility.  

So I have learned of a tragic history and a politically tense struggle for change, but I have also met a people who love their country and are serious about celebrating it. Independence day is still more than a week away, but I have already attended two festive asados (barbecues). And learned that an asado means a piece of meat as big as my plate, that is like, ridiculously delicious. I'm also loving family culture here. Along with my immediate host family I have two host Grandmas, a host Grandpa, host aunts, uncles and cousins. All of whom greet me warmly with a besito whenever we see each other.  

There's certainly a lot more to learn in the next few months, and I welcome more weeks like this one, that are packed to the brim with new experiences. But I also remind myself to slow down and just live here. Much like my meal last night, this a marathon, not a sprint.   

Spanish language success of the week: explaining to my host family what a hipster (eepster) is. Luckily I had an example - Uncle Felipe. 

Copyright note: I am currently in possession of a malfunctioning camera, and several lovely friends who are documenting this experience like bosses. Credits for this post (and likely more to come) go to Carolina Bybee and Ali Sadler.