Hellllllooooo all
Safe and sound. Last night, I went to sleep in my new apartment in Valparaiso, Chile. I was feeling a little unsettled, so I danced for a bit and took in my new space. At some point, I entered my REM sleep cycle, but was interrupted by the earth shaking and moving all around me. It was dark, and about 3:30 in the morning. My early, initial thoughts were something along the lines of "wha-what the fuck is going on!? wowowow...." And then i realized I was in an earthquake. I had heard that it is best to stand in a doorframe during a quake, as they are structuraly sound, but I was nearly paralyzed by the strange pressure of earth, moving miles beneath me. I stayed in my bed, and was waiting a bit for it to either get crazier, or get better and calmer. Luckily, the second option happened first, and it soon exhaled and calmed down. I was a little shaken, and was waiting another tremmor when my landlord came downstairs to make sure everything was ok. And it was. At around 5am, the tremmors subsided, and I was finally able to close my eyes peacefully. At around 8, I talked to my friend Margot who was very concerned to see how I was doing. Having ONLY experienced the quake from my bedroom, I said I was fine, and was a little confused as to why she was so worried. Ignorance is bliss??
She apparently was on the 3rd story of an old building when in happened, and immediately took to the streets to stay on firmer ground. She related to me that during the terremoto, people went crazy in the dark streets of Valpo. breaking bottles, screaming, yelling, dancing.... As if the end of the world were coming and they were glad to have it end this way.
It wasnt until this morning that I realized the real magnitude of what had happened, and realized that just hours from where I am, things were much worse and damage much greater. My city is realitively ok, and my building is, too. Everyone I know down here is fine, and I am very thankful for that. I saw on the NY times website that Concepcion is pretty destroied, and that Santiago got kind of shaken up as well. I cant see the sea rising up to my window yet, so hopefully no tsunamis come my way. Really, though. Everything is OK. You all may be better off just appreciating the calm world around you, and talking to loved ones and friends. Turn off the news. Turnon your favorite music and have a dinner party instead. Appreciate and find solid ground in any way you can, and enjoy it. You never know when it will start to trembel and shift. And Thank you, thank you for all of the concerns and good thoughts and wishes. I can feel those no matter how much the world shakes.
Until a calmer next time...
Chau!
sábado, 27 de febrero de 2010
Home(!?) ...And the adventure continues...
Hello all,
Eyes wide and tired is how i re-entered Chile after my 2 month summer vacation around Peru, Ecuador and Colombia. Wow. what a trip that was. I believe my last blog left a bit of a cliffhanger as to how the hell I was to get back to Chile, so Ill relate a bit on the last few adventures...
I was traveling with this Aussie guy named Alex for the 10 days en camino back to Chile. We passed through some of the places in Colombia that I had been to before, and had some silly times in some of the smaller towns I had been to earlier in the trip. When we crossed into Ecuador, we stopped in this town called Otavalo, which has a famously enourmous market every Saturday. So, we went the next morning and barely scratched the surface of this HUGE outdoor market of crafts, jewelry, food and other little things. I got some presents for my host family, and then we were both a little overwhelmed and decided to go to Quito, where we spent the night. The next day, we planned to go to this town south of Quito called Banos, because I had contacted a guy through Couch durfing who has a farm there. So, Alex, our new friend Joanna (from Atlanta) and I all took the beautiful bus ride there. As it turned out, the farm was in Another town, so we went there instead to look for this farm. As soon as we got off the bus there, we ran into some people coming down from the farm who told us it was about a 3 km. walk up there. So, we made the (longer than expected) hot, trek up there via a dirt road surrounded by tropical landscape. Upon arrival, it was nearly dinnertime, so I jumped into the kitchen to help with the preparation. Since the walk up there was a little long, I was thinking a cold beer would be nice. But, TURNS OUT that this was not just a regular, cool farm-hostel, but rather a Harikrishna religous retreat farm, complete with a temple, sweat lodge and harikrishna devotees who explained their reasons for not eating onions, garlic or mushrooms due to the Passion (yes, Passion) it envokes in the being..... ? But, it was really nice, and everyone was super friendly. Since we were in a rush to get to Peru, we left the next night after one of the ceremonies and hitch hiked to the town where a bus could take us to the border. Luckily, I had talked to my friend Margot the day before who told me her terrible story of almost getting robbed at the Peru Ecuador border (apparently one of the most dangerous down here). So Alex and I were to be super cautious about crossing in daylight, and with luck and awareness.
So, we got to the border on a bus from Ecuador filled with people who all seemed to be family or friends or something, and who seemed really nice. Due to the dangerous warnings of the border crossing, I asked one of them if we could stay with themand cross all together. TURNS OUT, they were a Super friendly band of dancers and musicians, en route to a band competition in Lima, and openly welcomed us to stick with them. So, we piled our stuff into a 20 passenger van, and litterally rode the "band wagon" across the border with them. The guy who I had originally talked to then helped us get another bus to the hot, sandy party haven of Mancora, where Alex and I were to stop for the night. So, we thanked them profusley and were on our way.
Having it be my second time in Mancora, I felt accostomed to the lifestyle of the party beach scene, and was SO glad to be getting out of it! ha, but Alex loved it (aussie...) and stayed, while I left the next day to take an 18 hour bus to Lima, where I would then go immediately to the airport to fly back to Chile. And that is what I did. After the long ride next to a mother and her two kids, I got to Lima, and was taken to the airport by a very friendly cab driver who gave me a Very discounted rate. (the favor is to be returned to a foreigner in my home Country). Then, popped back to Chile and discovered that my host family was in Santiago, and I was not able to stay at the house that night. But, fortunately my friend Rachael from last semester was in town and invited me out, so we went to a Disco, and I crashed on her couch. Then, the next day I called my landlord in Valpo and arranged to move my stuff in that day. With help from my friend Donnie, I finally got my stuff moved in and met my new roomates from Spain, Germany and Austria! And a new semester continues.....
chau chau!
Eyes wide and tired is how i re-entered Chile after my 2 month summer vacation around Peru, Ecuador and Colombia. Wow. what a trip that was. I believe my last blog left a bit of a cliffhanger as to how the hell I was to get back to Chile, so Ill relate a bit on the last few adventures...
I was traveling with this Aussie guy named Alex for the 10 days en camino back to Chile. We passed through some of the places in Colombia that I had been to before, and had some silly times in some of the smaller towns I had been to earlier in the trip. When we crossed into Ecuador, we stopped in this town called Otavalo, which has a famously enourmous market every Saturday. So, we went the next morning and barely scratched the surface of this HUGE outdoor market of crafts, jewelry, food and other little things. I got some presents for my host family, and then we were both a little overwhelmed and decided to go to Quito, where we spent the night. The next day, we planned to go to this town south of Quito called Banos, because I had contacted a guy through Couch durfing who has a farm there. So, Alex, our new friend Joanna (from Atlanta) and I all took the beautiful bus ride there. As it turned out, the farm was in Another town, so we went there instead to look for this farm. As soon as we got off the bus there, we ran into some people coming down from the farm who told us it was about a 3 km. walk up there. So, we made the (longer than expected) hot, trek up there via a dirt road surrounded by tropical landscape. Upon arrival, it was nearly dinnertime, so I jumped into the kitchen to help with the preparation. Since the walk up there was a little long, I was thinking a cold beer would be nice. But, TURNS OUT that this was not just a regular, cool farm-hostel, but rather a Harikrishna religous retreat farm, complete with a temple, sweat lodge and harikrishna devotees who explained their reasons for not eating onions, garlic or mushrooms due to the Passion (yes, Passion) it envokes in the being..... ? But, it was really nice, and everyone was super friendly. Since we were in a rush to get to Peru, we left the next night after one of the ceremonies and hitch hiked to the town where a bus could take us to the border. Luckily, I had talked to my friend Margot the day before who told me her terrible story of almost getting robbed at the Peru Ecuador border (apparently one of the most dangerous down here). So Alex and I were to be super cautious about crossing in daylight, and with luck and awareness.
So, we got to the border on a bus from Ecuador filled with people who all seemed to be family or friends or something, and who seemed really nice. Due to the dangerous warnings of the border crossing, I asked one of them if we could stay with themand cross all together. TURNS OUT, they were a Super friendly band of dancers and musicians, en route to a band competition in Lima, and openly welcomed us to stick with them. So, we piled our stuff into a 20 passenger van, and litterally rode the "band wagon" across the border with them. The guy who I had originally talked to then helped us get another bus to the hot, sandy party haven of Mancora, where Alex and I were to stop for the night. So, we thanked them profusley and were on our way.
Having it be my second time in Mancora, I felt accostomed to the lifestyle of the party beach scene, and was SO glad to be getting out of it! ha, but Alex loved it (aussie...) and stayed, while I left the next day to take an 18 hour bus to Lima, where I would then go immediately to the airport to fly back to Chile. And that is what I did. After the long ride next to a mother and her two kids, I got to Lima, and was taken to the airport by a very friendly cab driver who gave me a Very discounted rate. (the favor is to be returned to a foreigner in my home Country). Then, popped back to Chile and discovered that my host family was in Santiago, and I was not able to stay at the house that night. But, fortunately my friend Rachael from last semester was in town and invited me out, so we went to a Disco, and I crashed on her couch. Then, the next day I called my landlord in Valpo and arranged to move my stuff in that day. With help from my friend Donnie, I finally got my stuff moved in and met my new roomates from Spain, Germany and Austria! And a new semester continues.....
chau chau!
lunes, 15 de febrero de 2010
Bogota y 10 días...
Hello all!
Well, writing here after my (longer than "planned") trip to Bogota. So far it has been.... wow, a little crazy, a little world-rocking, and overall a really nice experience. Within the first few days, I was witness to almost robberies in which a friend of mine got grabbed and asked for money (but escaped, and nothing happened...) and another in which a friends backpack got taken away and ran-off-with, but not stolen (because the Police got him). So.... Little crazy, but that was the ONLY time anything like that has ever happened, and I was thankful to have those be the worst things that have happened. Although not pleasent experiences, nothing terrible happened, and I got to take off my "Colombia is so safe, wonderful and beautiful" sunglasses, and face the light of the reality of the days here.
It has been very common to have people say the phrase "Así es Bogotá" in reference to negative things like that happening. But overall, my experience has been very pleasent.
One night, I went out with a girl who works at our hostel (from Bogotá) and a group of her guy friends. We had been hanging out at their University (which, by the way- is one of the most phenominal places I have been... I will definately write about it- later), and hung out and decided on some plans for that night. So, after a bunch of waiting for other friends, and lolly-gagging a little, we bought some food for Haiti, and were granted free enterance to one of the coolest Discos I have ever been to. Casa 33 is located in a bit of an older, darker part of town, and is freequented by a very alternative Bogotá scene. Upon enterance to the club, I saw a video projection with shots of food items and the words "buy" and "consume", and a girl with a very impressive mohawk just Getting Down on the dance floor. The music was this genre called Drum and Bass, which is some of the best I have heard and danced to, yet. So, we all got down for a while, then decided it was time to go home. I was pretty tired after having one out the nights before, so I got accompanied to a taxi and sent back to my hostel.
Then, other than that, things were pretty un-eventful... I met a really wonderful Colombian guy, Diego, who took me out dancing and making cheers to "unforgettable nights". Which was great. (I even got a flower from him on Valentine´s day!). And yesterday was spent sleeping, and getting ice cream with Diego. We also got this traditional Colombian street food snack with marmelade, carmel stuff and cheese(!) in-between this really flat waffel thing. Can´t remember the name, but the flavor was great.
So now, I have 10 days to go from here to Lima, Peru. Dammmmnnnn. Well, I WILL get there, so... we´ll just have to wait and see how :). All part of the adventure, I guess! And, damn. I am just so thankfull for every single day I have here. I am so fortunate to have had this opportunity and to be able to do and see and experience all that I have... wow. And if you´re reading this and are jealous, don´t be. Its not worth your time. The only thing that IS worth your time is YOUR TIME. So enjoy it. We´ll have a lot more stories to swap that way... :)
Sending love love love!
Chau :)
Well, writing here after my (longer than "planned") trip to Bogota. So far it has been.... wow, a little crazy, a little world-rocking, and overall a really nice experience. Within the first few days, I was witness to almost robberies in which a friend of mine got grabbed and asked for money (but escaped, and nothing happened...) and another in which a friends backpack got taken away and ran-off-with, but not stolen (because the Police got him). So.... Little crazy, but that was the ONLY time anything like that has ever happened, and I was thankful to have those be the worst things that have happened. Although not pleasent experiences, nothing terrible happened, and I got to take off my "Colombia is so safe, wonderful and beautiful" sunglasses, and face the light of the reality of the days here.
It has been very common to have people say the phrase "Así es Bogotá" in reference to negative things like that happening. But overall, my experience has been very pleasent.
One night, I went out with a girl who works at our hostel (from Bogotá) and a group of her guy friends. We had been hanging out at their University (which, by the way- is one of the most phenominal places I have been... I will definately write about it- later), and hung out and decided on some plans for that night. So, after a bunch of waiting for other friends, and lolly-gagging a little, we bought some food for Haiti, and were granted free enterance to one of the coolest Discos I have ever been to. Casa 33 is located in a bit of an older, darker part of town, and is freequented by a very alternative Bogotá scene. Upon enterance to the club, I saw a video projection with shots of food items and the words "buy" and "consume", and a girl with a very impressive mohawk just Getting Down on the dance floor. The music was this genre called Drum and Bass, which is some of the best I have heard and danced to, yet. So, we all got down for a while, then decided it was time to go home. I was pretty tired after having one out the nights before, so I got accompanied to a taxi and sent back to my hostel.
Then, other than that, things were pretty un-eventful... I met a really wonderful Colombian guy, Diego, who took me out dancing and making cheers to "unforgettable nights". Which was great. (I even got a flower from him on Valentine´s day!). And yesterday was spent sleeping, and getting ice cream with Diego. We also got this traditional Colombian street food snack with marmelade, carmel stuff and cheese(!) in-between this really flat waffel thing. Can´t remember the name, but the flavor was great.
So now, I have 10 days to go from here to Lima, Peru. Dammmmnnnn. Well, I WILL get there, so... we´ll just have to wait and see how :). All part of the adventure, I guess! And, damn. I am just so thankfull for every single day I have here. I am so fortunate to have had this opportunity and to be able to do and see and experience all that I have... wow. And if you´re reading this and are jealous, don´t be. Its not worth your time. The only thing that IS worth your time is YOUR TIME. So enjoy it. We´ll have a lot more stories to swap that way... :)
Sending love love love!
Chau :)
jueves, 11 de febrero de 2010
People
Helllllo all,
Still on the road, as it were... I am in Bogotá now, after having left the smaill town of San Augustín in search of thermal hot springs, and More. More action, or something. Actually, sometimes I´m not really sure what exactly it is that I am in search for, but somehow, whatever it is, it comes to me. Even if I don´t know or think I want it, things come and maybe just because they do, I need them. Laws of the Universe, right? That which we ask for comes to us- in some form or another...
Well, anyways.....
So I have met some of the most interesting people lately. From Canadian dairy farmers, to French dairy farmers, to LA music producers to wild eccentric Colombians. Each person is a new world. Each person comes from, lives in and will eventually return to another world. We all have our own colors, ideas and ways to shape the world around us. Sometimes we are lucky enough to find people with whom we can co-inhabit our worlds, and creat something. Other times we may just want them to get out. I have had many experiences where I have been approached by people who are really interested in the US, where I am from, and what I think about Colombia or Obama. And sometiems I just do not want to share that part of my world. But, I smile and stay vague,and politely back out of their galaxy so as not to get sucked in.
Its funny how conversations and relationships develop after a few drinks (family: don´t worry- I am NOT drinking to excess! and yes, I am still staying healthy...) But all of a sudden, after a few rounds, we are revealing secrets, and calling people our best friends, or whatever... The "Jesus drunk"- "I love you, man!".. But where does that come from? Do we really speak the truth when we are inebriated, or are we just fucking around because thats how people "act"? And why does it take alcohol to splash down the walls of sand that we build around ourselves? Alcohol is funny. I wish people smoked more pot. But, really, though. How many violent or dramatic or life threatending things can you think of that have resulted directly from marijuana intake? I can think of a few silly food combinations, and "deep" conversations, but not much else... hm.
Last night, I met this guy Dave from Virginia (and yes, Katie I for sure repped you and Roanoake :-)...). We took turns buying eachother beers and other drinks at the bar at our hostel, and then decided to hit the streets and go out for a little. So, we began to walk, and asked some locals where we could drink a good Chicha (a fermented corn wine drink. Better than it sounds?). And so, our homeless friend led us to a nice bar filled with Bogotá University students who heard us speaking English, and were immediately inthralled. Some of them were really anxious about practicint their English, but those who didn´t speak it just conversed with me in Spanish. This one guy was really interested as to why people fromthe US have interest in coming to Colombia, and what it was that I was "searching for" here in Bogotá. So, I rambled a bit about how nice the people are, how beautiful the country is, good food, "economical to live and stay" etc... But, honestly it was a little hard to give a straight answer. A lot of people in the US still think Colombia is really dangerous, and filled with drugs and crime. So why the hell did I want to come here??? no sé. Why the hell do I want to do anything??? Why do we decide to live every day, doing "things", telling "stories" and then doing it all again the next time the sun rises or sets? I Don´t Know. But, it sure can be fun, eh?
So, now that I am solo traveling, I have a lot more..... freedom? Just inthat I can decide on my own whim what to do, and let my own two feet guide me wherever. But, freedom is only one side of that. And even using the word "freedom" sounds like I wasnt free before or something. But, just the will to go somewhere or do something is ALL me. And its... nice. Its a little strange sometimes, though because I don´t ahve another opinion, advice and thoughts. Its all just me. So, thats been a little odd, but an overall pleasant experience. We´re either never alone, or always alone- depending on which way the pendulum swings. So, thats about it. I´ve been having fun, and realizing that I am on Vacation. And thats pretty nice.
Hope you´re all doing well, wherever you may be.
blessings.. Chau!
Still on the road, as it were... I am in Bogotá now, after having left the smaill town of San Augustín in search of thermal hot springs, and More. More action, or something. Actually, sometimes I´m not really sure what exactly it is that I am in search for, but somehow, whatever it is, it comes to me. Even if I don´t know or think I want it, things come and maybe just because they do, I need them. Laws of the Universe, right? That which we ask for comes to us- in some form or another...
Well, anyways.....
So I have met some of the most interesting people lately. From Canadian dairy farmers, to French dairy farmers, to LA music producers to wild eccentric Colombians. Each person is a new world. Each person comes from, lives in and will eventually return to another world. We all have our own colors, ideas and ways to shape the world around us. Sometimes we are lucky enough to find people with whom we can co-inhabit our worlds, and creat something. Other times we may just want them to get out. I have had many experiences where I have been approached by people who are really interested in the US, where I am from, and what I think about Colombia or Obama. And sometiems I just do not want to share that part of my world. But, I smile and stay vague,and politely back out of their galaxy so as not to get sucked in.
Its funny how conversations and relationships develop after a few drinks (family: don´t worry- I am NOT drinking to excess! and yes, I am still staying healthy...) But all of a sudden, after a few rounds, we are revealing secrets, and calling people our best friends, or whatever... The "Jesus drunk"- "I love you, man!".. But where does that come from? Do we really speak the truth when we are inebriated, or are we just fucking around because thats how people "act"? And why does it take alcohol to splash down the walls of sand that we build around ourselves? Alcohol is funny. I wish people smoked more pot. But, really, though. How many violent or dramatic or life threatending things can you think of that have resulted directly from marijuana intake? I can think of a few silly food combinations, and "deep" conversations, but not much else... hm.
Last night, I met this guy Dave from Virginia (and yes, Katie I for sure repped you and Roanoake :-)...). We took turns buying eachother beers and other drinks at the bar at our hostel, and then decided to hit the streets and go out for a little. So, we began to walk, and asked some locals where we could drink a good Chicha (a fermented corn wine drink. Better than it sounds?). And so, our homeless friend led us to a nice bar filled with Bogotá University students who heard us speaking English, and were immediately inthralled. Some of them were really anxious about practicint their English, but those who didn´t speak it just conversed with me in Spanish. This one guy was really interested as to why people fromthe US have interest in coming to Colombia, and what it was that I was "searching for" here in Bogotá. So, I rambled a bit about how nice the people are, how beautiful the country is, good food, "economical to live and stay" etc... But, honestly it was a little hard to give a straight answer. A lot of people in the US still think Colombia is really dangerous, and filled with drugs and crime. So why the hell did I want to come here??? no sé. Why the hell do I want to do anything??? Why do we decide to live every day, doing "things", telling "stories" and then doing it all again the next time the sun rises or sets? I Don´t Know. But, it sure can be fun, eh?
So, now that I am solo traveling, I have a lot more..... freedom? Just inthat I can decide on my own whim what to do, and let my own two feet guide me wherever. But, freedom is only one side of that. And even using the word "freedom" sounds like I wasnt free before or something. But, just the will to go somewhere or do something is ALL me. And its... nice. Its a little strange sometimes, though because I don´t ahve another opinion, advice and thoughts. Its all just me. So, thats been a little odd, but an overall pleasant experience. We´re either never alone, or always alone- depending on which way the pendulum swings. So, thats about it. I´ve been having fun, and realizing that I am on Vacation. And thats pretty nice.
Hope you´re all doing well, wherever you may be.
blessings.. Chau!
jueves, 4 de febrero de 2010
Communication is......
Hola todas, Bonjour toute le monde, oi todo o mundo, hello all!
All of the French people I have met so far are either very sexy, very nice, or both. Usually both. They´ve all had this Supercool air about them that says, "Yez, I a Freench.... Vaat???" My new friend on my WWOOF farm, is a bit of an annomoly in my perception of Ze French Peple. Jean (not like JEan, rather John, but with a French axónt) is a little more ansy than the other French people I have encountered, but equally nice- and the sexy part, well..... Anyway.... But hes really interesting, and the past few days we have gotten to share many words (in Spanish, as thats the language wo both share) about many different aspects of
traveling and just life in general. He has taught me a lot about communication. His Spanish is pretty sub-par, and he says his English is worse. Nontheless, we are able to communicate on a very interesting level. ha, some of our conversations consist of no more than "it is like the... the, this thing (point to the object) but a little more big, and like this (make some gesture)... You know it??" -"um, yes, it is like one of the (those things), but a little more like this (another gesture)" -"!Yes, yes, like that, yes." hmmmmm :/. But, somehow it works, and somehow we are able to "communicate". It has been something I have been a lot more aware of ever since I came down to Chile and have continued to travel. Especially in my study abroad program, from a distance of watching a conversation you can tell what language they are speaking. English involves little corporal movement, really relaxed body language and not a lot of eye contact. Then, a native Spanish speaker comes in and all of the gringos (or non-native Spanish speakers) are suddenly super aware, using lots of gestures, making very intense eye contact, and are generally more engaged in the conversation as a whole. Probably because we are/were mostly trying to understand what the hell is going on... BUT, funny how a language change means an interest and body-language change as well. I keep thinking how funny and blissful it will be to go back to the US and just be able to automaticly communicate with only words. How rich! But also, my goal for the end of my time down here is to be able to do that with Spanish as well. And it is only getting closer! Every day is a bit different, and of course there are loads of words I STILL don´t know, but I can Understand and BE understood. And that rules.
In other news....
I am nearly finishing up my time on this one Farm, Sol Naciente, and getting ready to move on to another. The experience has been interesting. The owner, Clemencia, has been in Bogotá looking for more land to buy, and I have only communicated with her through e-mail and once on the phone. The lady who IS at the house is named Flor, and is very nice. Clemencia sounds like a Perra, though. And it has caused a little tension that is now resolved. The work that Jean and I were doing was not at all what we had expected. We were neither working with the land, nor even learning HOW to work with it (which is the goal of WWOOF). We were cleaning the property so Clemencia could sell it. Which is fine, whatever, but not the Volunteer work that we would like to be doing. So, Jean (bless him) in his somewhat broken Spanish, told Clemencia that we would like to be doing other things instead. She did not budge and told Jean that we must do as she says for 5 hours every day, and will not accept anything else. Jon was pretty upset and enraged, and I was talking to Flor about the whole thing. Flor is unfortunately under Clemencia´s reign, and works about 14 hours non-stop every day to make sure Clemencia is happy. Poor Flor. And, Flor understands Jean and my position, and has permitted us to do more of our own projects, as she does not have the time/skill to teach us about the things we want to know about. So, I am currently painting the sign outside, and doing other projects to help Flor. Clemencia thinks Jean and I have left, because we would not do the work that deserves pay.
SO.... A little complicated, but we are now doing things we want to do, and I am hanging around for another day(s?) while I wait for the other farm to come through. But, wow. What a time it has been. San Augustin continues to impress me with its beauty, and I am meeting more and more people from ALL over with every day that passes. I CANNOT believe that I am going to go, not back to CO, but back to Valparaíso, Chile and live there for another few months. WOW. What a blessed life I live. Also, I want everyone to know that whenever asked about where I am from, I say the most Wonderful things about Colorado. I tell everyone about how beautiful it is, and how much I love it (and that they should visit!). So, LOVE WHERE YOU ARE. Even if you´re not lucky enough to be in Colorado (joke), Love your place. Cherish it. Make it the best place to be, and enjoy the hell out of it. Because if you´re not there, where are you?? If you´re not in THE best place, then Where the hell are you???????
Well, enough. Time to enjoy the great outdoors some more, and even do a little souvineer shopping! Cheers to all.
Smiles.
Chau, Au revoir, bye, bom tchau!
All of the French people I have met so far are either very sexy, very nice, or both. Usually both. They´ve all had this Supercool air about them that says, "Yez, I a Freench.... Vaat???" My new friend on my WWOOF farm, is a bit of an annomoly in my perception of Ze French Peple. Jean (not like JEan, rather John, but with a French axónt) is a little more ansy than the other French people I have encountered, but equally nice- and the sexy part, well..... Anyway.... But hes really interesting, and the past few days we have gotten to share many words (in Spanish, as thats the language wo both share) about many different aspects of
traveling and just life in general. He has taught me a lot about communication. His Spanish is pretty sub-par, and he says his English is worse. Nontheless, we are able to communicate on a very interesting level. ha, some of our conversations consist of no more than "it is like the... the, this thing (point to the object) but a little more big, and like this (make some gesture)... You know it??" -"um, yes, it is like one of the (those things), but a little more like this (another gesture)" -"!Yes, yes, like that, yes." hmmmmm :/. But, somehow it works, and somehow we are able to "communicate". It has been something I have been a lot more aware of ever since I came down to Chile and have continued to travel. Especially in my study abroad program, from a distance of watching a conversation you can tell what language they are speaking. English involves little corporal movement, really relaxed body language and not a lot of eye contact. Then, a native Spanish speaker comes in and all of the gringos (or non-native Spanish speakers) are suddenly super aware, using lots of gestures, making very intense eye contact, and are generally more engaged in the conversation as a whole. Probably because we are/were mostly trying to understand what the hell is going on... BUT, funny how a language change means an interest and body-language change as well. I keep thinking how funny and blissful it will be to go back to the US and just be able to automaticly communicate with only words. How rich! But also, my goal for the end of my time down here is to be able to do that with Spanish as well. And it is only getting closer! Every day is a bit different, and of course there are loads of words I STILL don´t know, but I can Understand and BE understood. And that rules.
In other news....
I am nearly finishing up my time on this one Farm, Sol Naciente, and getting ready to move on to another. The experience has been interesting. The owner, Clemencia, has been in Bogotá looking for more land to buy, and I have only communicated with her through e-mail and once on the phone. The lady who IS at the house is named Flor, and is very nice. Clemencia sounds like a Perra, though. And it has caused a little tension that is now resolved. The work that Jean and I were doing was not at all what we had expected. We were neither working with the land, nor even learning HOW to work with it (which is the goal of WWOOF). We were cleaning the property so Clemencia could sell it. Which is fine, whatever, but not the Volunteer work that we would like to be doing. So, Jean (bless him) in his somewhat broken Spanish, told Clemencia that we would like to be doing other things instead. She did not budge and told Jean that we must do as she says for 5 hours every day, and will not accept anything else. Jon was pretty upset and enraged, and I was talking to Flor about the whole thing. Flor is unfortunately under Clemencia´s reign, and works about 14 hours non-stop every day to make sure Clemencia is happy. Poor Flor. And, Flor understands Jean and my position, and has permitted us to do more of our own projects, as she does not have the time/skill to teach us about the things we want to know about. So, I am currently painting the sign outside, and doing other projects to help Flor. Clemencia thinks Jean and I have left, because we would not do the work that deserves pay.
SO.... A little complicated, but we are now doing things we want to do, and I am hanging around for another day(s?) while I wait for the other farm to come through. But, wow. What a time it has been. San Augustin continues to impress me with its beauty, and I am meeting more and more people from ALL over with every day that passes. I CANNOT believe that I am going to go, not back to CO, but back to Valparaíso, Chile and live there for another few months. WOW. What a blessed life I live. Also, I want everyone to know that whenever asked about where I am from, I say the most Wonderful things about Colorado. I tell everyone about how beautiful it is, and how much I love it (and that they should visit!). So, LOVE WHERE YOU ARE. Even if you´re not lucky enough to be in Colorado (joke), Love your place. Cherish it. Make it the best place to be, and enjoy the hell out of it. Because if you´re not there, where are you?? If you´re not in THE best place, then Where the hell are you???????
Well, enough. Time to enjoy the great outdoors some more, and even do a little souvineer shopping! Cheers to all.
Smiles.
Chau, Au revoir, bye, bom tchau!
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