REvisiting Chile (4/2-6)

Deb worked a bunch while I was there. But I made a trip to Lincoln, the downtown Plaza de Armas and Pueblo Los Dominicos and experiment with the revised public transportation system. You should have seen the faces of people at Lincoln. The now fifth graders nearly died when I walked into their classes. I wasn't entirely alone either. One of Deb's co-workers was in Chile with her spouse. So while Deb and Robin worked, Gary and I went around (including the Harley Davidson store in Santiago) and ate meals together. We visited with people from church, saw Roberto and Jessica tango, rented a car and took a trip to Santa Cruz, rode the teleferica at Cerro San Cristobal and visited Priscilla, Andres and Benjamin at their new house. Unfortunately, Deb couldn't come back with me. But, we were on different flights anyway. This was a great way to spend my Spring Break. I realized how much I missed Chile and I just had to write about it again.

Postscript (4/1)

In case you didn't notice, I have only recently managed to add the last few days of our stay in Chile. It was hard to conclude for many reasons. But, a recent trip to Chile made me want to write. And so I revisited old pictures. I could have written more, but... I am glad to have add some pictures.





Deb had to return to Chile twice now. She was planning on being in Chile over my Spring Break. So I went to be with her. Unfortunately, these pictures are not of Chile. This is Atlanta, Georgia. I missed my connection, so I spent 23 hours and 40 minutes in Atlanta. My Delta flight left 1 hour and 40 minutes late from Columbus. I should have had a clue when the Gate Attendent was able to name my destination and connection departure time when I approached the counter to inquire if I should be concerned about making my connection. He did tell me that they "went ahead and booked me a flight on the next day's flight." I didn't even have a chance. But, I got meal vouchers, a higene kit and a night's stay in a hotel. Then I wondered around Atlanta on the day of the College Finals Basketball Game between the OSU Buckeyes and Florida Gators. I was entertained by all the peoplewatching possibilities. I still made it to Chile, just a day later than planned. That's a heck of an April Fool's joke!

Despidos! Boo-hoo! (1/5)

We had no idea that so many people were coming to the airport to see us off!!! Quiet exits are good, and EASY! But, there was none of that. We sure felt special!!! It was fun and time went by quickly. But, we almost didn't come home. These are good friends. I wish they could have come back with us.

Boxes and Container All Over Again! (1/3)

Yep. That time came and we were packing for home. We did all the boxes, but some fellows came to package the furniture and load the container. That was a sobering day. The empty apartment and knowing we were not returning. Living out of suitcases yet again. Not the best feeling. But, I knew we were going "home" and I looked forward to that. It made it just a bit easier.

New Year's Eve (12/31)

I've never celebrated the new year on a beach before. It was definitely a first for Deb and I. The beaches in Vina Del Mar are really nice too. With boardwalks, shells, even sand sculpting. We spend a few days in an apartment with friends from church. It was casual and comfortable. We shared the expenses and all helped out. Then we stayed up late and went to the beach when we felt like it. We also toured Valpo guided by the expertise of Jessica and Roberto. There were so many people there for the fireworks on New Year's Eve. There was a really nice show, but some of the fireworks missed their target and actually set a peer building on fire. And, then champaigne corks popped everywhere and people toasted to the new year. The next day the beach was covered in trash, bottles and waste. But, we had to go back to Santiago anyway. It certainly was a relaxing way to spend the days before heading back to the states.

Christmas Eve (12/24)

Christmas Eve seems to be the big celebration here. Families get together and go to church, have dinner and open presents. Christmas day is relaxed and tranquil. Families spend it together in their homes. We were invited to spend Christmas with Andres and Priscilla. We took a chocolate cake, presents, games and drinks.

Andres' mom, stepdad, and grandmother were there when we arrived. We sat and talked some while Benjamin played. We had some wine and a lovely roast beef dinner. We played dominoes and ate some chocolate cake. Then we opened the presents. When all the gifts were opened, we put Bejamin's new toys together and played with them. (Yes, even the adults!) When Andres' family went home, we stayed and talked, watched a movie, and almost spent the night. (We left around 4 am.) There is just something about being with this family. We always stay way longer than we plan or imagine. It was a nice evening.

Church Thoughts (12/24)

Our departure date is getting close. Today, the day before Christmas, was the last Sunday we will be attending church in Santiago. (Next Sunday, God-willing, we will be in Vina Del Mar celebrating the New Year.) So, we said our farewells to all our church friends. We always felt so welcomed at this church. I admire some of these people greatly, partly for their affection and mostly for their ability to deal with the tough issues present in Santiago. Sometimes, I felt that our relationships were motivated by funny things, like curiosity or language envy. But, the church people opened their arms and made us feel like there was a place for us where we fit perfectly. And we certainly have made some close friends. (Some of these friends will be with us next weekend.)

Besides saying good-bye, we received bad news about Esteban's mother. Both of Estaban's parents are blind and taking care of Esteban and his older sister is difficult for them I am sure. But, their mother has been diagnosed with terminal cancer and is dying. She is no longer able to be very involved in their care. Esteban, age 5, knows that she is dying and has been more active and aggressive towards others. Church people are trying to show affection and curb his rough behaviors, but it takes a lot of patience. It's a tough situation.

Another Church friend story has to do with a young man named Claudio. He is the oldest of five brothers, a good student, and a developing artist. He draws graffiti with a purpose and recommends visiting this site and this site to view graffiti. He made one to hang in the Youth classroom at church. I guess I am just giving him some publicity. I just think it's amazing that God can use anybody's talent for His purposes.

After almost a year, I would hate to just let these relationships fade away. E-mail will have to maintain these relationships. At any rate, I know there will always be friends here for us in Chile.

An "Interesting" Evening (12/23)

Violence is a terrible thing. It's scarring.

Deb and I had gone to see the kiddie's Christmas program at church. We spent lots of time talking, and then decided to walk through the plaza and down a pedestrian street to where we usually catch the bus. The Nutcracker ballet was being put on for the general public, there were lots of Christmas lights, and we were finally feeling in the Christmas spirit. We strolled taking in the sights and sounds. There were more people out than usual and lots of performers taking advantage of the generosity in the air. Deb and I decided to stop and get dinner. Anticucho con papas fritas (kabobs with fries). While standing in the door, we witnessed a harsh reality that I just can't stop replaying in my mind.

The commotion caught my attention, then staged itself on the street in front of the eatery. Apparently, the aggressor felt the youth had stolen something and managed to catch him. He held him on the ground in choke hold, while the youth pleaded, and an old lady screamed her accusations. Only after a second or two did I realize that there was a board involved. The youth slipped out of the choke hold, but not away from the aggressor. With one arm clamped on the chap, he demanded recompense, the youth denied guilt, and the old lady screamed. That's when the hitting began. First it was low and hesitant. But, after a few blows, they were primarily directed at the head and with a fierceness that took my breath. I wanted to intervene. Actually, I wanted someone else to intervene. I couldn't believe we all stood there and watched it. The pleading look on the youth's face as he tried to protect himself is burned into my mind. The sound of the board cracking his head and the knowledge of the wounds being inflicted makes me feel numb. Then all the action left as fast as it came. I stood there stunned for a second. And then I acted like nothing happened and went on with my life.

I wonder about that youth.

Despedidas (12/22)

It seems that everyone wants to take Deb out for a farewell party. I think she went out for lunch or dinner every day this week. And, I was actually invited to some too. Today we had two in one day.

The first was with truck drivers Deb works with. We all went out together before and it was a lot of fun. So I knew it would be a good time. We were whisked off to a mystery restaurant called the "Viking" where the decor was very viking!!! We ate some great seafood (even Deb tried some) and took lots of pictures of each other. (They had just gotten a digital camera!)

The second party was with church friends. We went to Jessica and Roberto's house and ate (more) pan de pascua (fruitcake) and tres leches cake and drank cola de mono (Chile's version of wassail but with milk), we played dominos and cards, and joked around. We had a good time just being with friends. The festivities finally came to an end around 3:30 am.

Between all the gifts and parties, I feel like people have been incredibly kind to us. I almost feel bad because they have done so much for us all the while, and then at the end they make such a big deal out of our departure. (Maybe they are really happy we are leaving?!?) It's no wonder they say the rest of the world is cold in comparison to Chile! They sure know how to make someone feel like staying.

Packing and Shopping (12/21+22)

So, now that school is out I SHOULD be packing. And I did a little. But, I spent most of my time Christmas shopping! We have not felt Christmas spirit at all. It's been so warm, and time passes quickly when you are not carefully planning. So we have few Christmas presents with only two days left.

The Real End At Last (12/20)

I suppose one of the disadvantages about being a first year Lincoln teacher is that I don't have a clue. It seems that students keep coming back even though school is over. As it turns out, the grade cards were to be given out during the days on Monday and Tuesday. I also saw some students at the seniors graduation cerimony on Wednesday. And, it seemed that I kept getting presents too. Then there were teacher good-byes. We had so much free time. Teachers were planning for next year, making decorations, and inventing things to occupy time. I myself played dominoes, Perudo, and took trips to Lider for coffee.

Wednesday was the hardest day though. Everyone passed out gifts. I gave elementary teachers a rose, because, like my time in Chile, they are with us but a short while and are very beautiful. These people have been very kind to take me under there wing for a short while and make me feel at home (even if they did call me their "little gringito" sometimes). There was an everyone invited dinner and drinks at a local restaurant on Thursday, but I just couldn't go. The good-byes had already been stretched out so long. Better to bid farewell and end it.

Pily's Party (12/16)

My partner in crime (meaning the other fourth grade teacher) demanded my presence at her house for a party. She literally told me I didn't have a choice, I was to attend. (Period!) Now, Pily is a spicely lady. She is definitely Chilean, and I am definitely not. (For example, she told me the party was at 8pm, but I asked her what time she wanted me to ring her doorbell and she said 9pm.) It has been a truly interesting year (good and bad) and I don't regret a thing. There were 9 Lincoln teachers there. We drank a little alcohol, ate some, talked and laughed a lot. I get the impression that they will always think of me as a cute gringito in all of my ways. In the end, I think they feel as good about the year as I do. I think I passed.

I mean, The Last Day? (12/15)

I didn't know that I would be responsible for students before the graduation ceremony until they started comng into my classroom. I thought they would come and be with parents and I would just be one of the audience. But, NO. I had to entertain them for about 45 minutes until we all walked to the assembly together. Granted, it wasn't really an obligation for students. Out of 22, only nine of my students came. So we played dominoes. We had a lot of fun. Then we went to the ceremony where lots of students behaved terribly. Talking, walking around, not really paying attention. But, I wasn't really embarrassed (definitely annoyed) because parents were just the same!!! Oh well. It was good to see (even a few of) the kiddies again. Some of them actually admitted to being bored already.

They will probably pop in again. I have to give report cards to parents during the school day on Monday and Tuesday of next week. This will be the last last time. I guess the really like to drag the end out.

Andy (12/14)

The son of Deb's co-worker (a salesman that travels a lot from the US to S.A.) is staying with us for a couple of days because he wants to get a job in Chile and live here. Andy's father is Cuban, he has lots of family in Venezuela, he's lived all of his life in the States, and he talks like a gringo (though, I think better than I after being here for a year). He came down on the spur of the moment because we had dinner with his dad and some other ADS people one evening last week and suggested that if he wanted to get a job he should come to Chile soon while schools still have hours. Anyway, Deb and I both work, so he has been on his own during the day. But, when I come home we go out to see Santiago. It's been fun taking him around. He's a nice guy and has been easy to get to know. I think he's enjoyed staying with us, even if his job hunting hasn't been terribly productive. He did speak with the director of Lincoln and things went very well. But, I think things for next year have been kind of set and there really aren't any openings. We'll have to see.

Machu Picchu (12/10)

How do you describe Machu Picchu? A remote mountaintop ruin with an inconclusive history and only recently discovered. Images I've seen portray the beauty and mystery, but that doesn't really give you much.

Deb and I attempted to see Machu Picchu in a whirlwind fashion. We rode four hours from Cusco up the mountain in train, back and forth on switchback tracks and then through gorgeous mountain scenery. We left the train station at a bright and early 6:15 am. As we peered from our windows, we saw what Peru is really like, from its shanties to its glory. I was glued to my window the whole way, flashing pictures all the while.

We got off the train in Aguas Calientes, a tourist town that caters to the foreigners visiting Machu Picchu, and took a bus the rest of the way to the park entrance. This ride was equally amazing because we traveled on very narrow, very windy rodes up the mountain. It was evident the whole way that a mistake on the drivers part would be fatal. Lush vegitation hung all around, opening occasionally to behold a vast valley below. We mingled with clouds and drizzle as we drove, but the mystery of Machu Picchu's location was clear.

And when we actually ascended on foot and looked out over the ruins, the majesty and mystery practically overwhelmed me. The size of the ruins, altitude of the location, and the clouds rolling over the mountain really amplified the wonder. Why here? What purpose did this place have for the disappeared Incan civilization?

Our guide told us that Machu Picchu is believed to be a special temple where only a few could enter. Almost 150 mummies were found in the ruins and all but about 20 were women, either human offerings or cloistered wives of the gods. It is believed that these mummies were mounted on the wall in special nitches surrounding the living with memories of their sacrifice. Special buildings were centers of study, worship, and ceremony. Astronomy and proximity to the gods were part of the reason for the mountaintop monestary. Terraces were built to prevent erosion, allow for farming, and provide vegetal ornamentation. But, the stonework remaining more than 500 years later surpasses my ability to fathom. Without fancy tools or mortar, they built earthquake-resistant structures that lasted centuries.

The "Andean Cross" (the half sunk rock with steps on each side) demonstrates the religious beliefs of the Incans. Four layers of three; sacred animals, levels of being, valued character qualities, and obligation of citizenship. Then there were the gods, including the sun, moon, stars, rainbow, fertility and many more. Priests were royalty, ruled only by the Inca (or king) who was the religious leader.

It must have been amazing to be a member of this community and wake up every morning to see this every day. I am sure it wasn't an easy life, with lots of hard work and the fears of pleasing the gods. But, I don't think we could ever know what it was like for sure. We can just guess, which adds to the mystery in it all.