Viva Chile- where "anything goes"

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Wed, 14 Dec 2011 17:42:19 -0500

Zoe said it best when she said “Chile truly brings out your purest form”. Although I...

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:42:38 -0500

Zoe said it best when she said “Chile truly brings out your purest form”. Although I cant say I have changed drastically in the past 5 months, Chile has taught me alot and allowed me to discover and learn many new things about myself and life. Sounds cheesy but its the truth. Never did I think that I would go abroad and be fortunate enough to see and do so many things. Today marks my last week in Chile, in about 7 days plus a few hours.. I will be sitting in the Santiago airport getting ready to board the plane and return to the US. It truly is a bittersweet feeling and I just wish I had a few more weeks in Chile. I am clearly excited to see everyone at home but my experience here has been amazing. Makes leaving easier to know that I will most definitely be returning to Chile very soon, if im lucky.. maybe even this summer to intern. We will see what the future brings me!

Monday, Zoe and I got back from our trip to Patagonia, Torres del Paine. We arrived last week, stayed in a wonderful backpackers hostal in Puerto Natales, were given the necessary information to prepare ourselves for the five day hike and met a lot of very interesting people. We then got on a bus at 730 am, drove two hours and were then dropped off at the entrance of the park. No cell phones, no internet, limited food and snacks, two backpacks, a pot, a spoon and a fork, a tent and sleeping bags…it was just us and the wilderness. We then boarded the bus, which took us to the boat landing. To go from west to east on the W trail, you have to take a boat over to that west side. Once we got dropped off, we were on our own. Everything we saw, the people we met, the water we drank straight from the streams and the entire experience was unbelievable. Surprisingly enough, the five day hiking trip went alot faster than I thought. First day we saw glaciers, second day we saw lakes and mountains, third day we hiked up the French valley and witnessed an avalanche, fourth day we trekked around one side of a lake and put our feet in the water and the last day we saw the towers. I dont think I can say I had a favorite day or favorite location because everything was absolutely stunning. Every time we turned the corner or came out of the woods or over the valley, we saw amazing scenery. What also made the trip amazing, was the people. I dont think we walked more than half a mile without seeing at least 5 people. In five days, Zoe and I hiked around 70 km. For never having trekked that much in my life, let alone with a backpack, we were pretty proud of ourselves and hope to return one day and complete the entire circuit.

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Tue, 29 Nov 2011 20:17:18 -0500

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Tue, 29 Nov 2011 20:12:18 -0500

Well, I can finally cross “climbing up a volcano” off my bucket list! What an amazing...

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 20:11:47 -0500

Well, I can finally cross “climbing up a volcano” off my bucket list! What an amazing experience, challenging of course but I must say it felt unbelievable when Michelle and I made it to the top. Monday morning I got back from Pucon, about 9 hours south by bus from Santiago. We arrived early Saturday.. checked into our hostal, walked around and then rented bikes and did a little biking in the afternoon but not too much because we wanted to be set to do what we went to Pucon to do- climb the Villarrica Volcano. Pucon looks like Beaver Creek or another ski resort town- full of international food options, restaurants, travel agencies, adventure groups and lots and lots of tourists from Australia, Europe and the United States. On Sunday morning, we popped out of bed at 6:15 am, headed across the street to the adventure agency we were going hiking with, got our gear all set out and were in the van by 7:30. After about a 45 minute van ride, we had arrived at the base of the volcano where we gathered our stuff, learned a few things about the tools we had with us and began climbing towards the chairlift. The chairlift took about an hour and a half off our hike and allowed us to begin a bit further up. Five hours later, we had reached the top and couldnt have been happier or prouder of what we had accomplished. Yes, it was quite windy and I couldnt see much at about the half way mark but it was so worth the money and the time. To be able to have climbed a volcano at age 20, with one of your best friends is quite an amazing feeling. Because of the poor visibility, the gas and the wind we couldnt be at the top for very long but it was enough time to take pictures and breathe a bit! On the way down, it was all on your butt. We were given kind of like extra fabric for our butts so that we didnt run through the snowpants and then once we got to the less steep part we were able to use our plastic sleds to make it to the bottom. Quite the wet and snowy adventure on the way down but must say it was quite fun!

This week, I basically will just be saying my goodbyes to those that take off while im on my next adventure, getting last minute shopping in and relaxing before Sunday, when Zoe and I embark on our 8 day trek to Patagonia. Today we finished most our planning and will be flying into Punta Arenas, then off to Puerto Natales for the night.. then finally off to Torres del Paine to begin our 5 day and 4 night adventure hiking the W circuit. Photo attached!

Then, I get back from Patagonia, have eight days to do last minute things and spend some time with my family and on the 20th I am on my way back to the United States! Still cant believe how fast the time is flying. Only about 3 more weeks and I will be home!

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Sending love to everyone!

Article about Pucon

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 12:26:09 -0500

Article about Pucon

Lets just say last night was an adventure.. a rebellious adventure I must say. Now that everyone is...

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 14:34:26 -0500

Lets just say last night was an adventure.. a rebellious adventure I must say. Now that everyone is done with classes and finishing up finals the true bonding is happening. We are all trying to fit in the last few things we wanted to do before we left and wishing we had more time. Most people are traveling from December 1st until they go home.. therefore, that leaves most of us with not much time together. Luckily my dad moved my ticket back so when I get back the 12th from Patagonia, I will have a few extra days to do some last minute things.

Yesterday was my friend Mike’s birthday so we decided to go camping. He really wanted to do a little trekking and climbing so six of us gathered at our friend Franco’s house to embark on this trek and camping adventure.. little did we know, actually making it to the place was going to take much longer than expected. We walked about 25 minutes to the entrance of a huge park, more like a sports club, horse stable, social club that is in Las Condes, one of the nicest neighborhoods in Santiago. We immediately got stopped by security and they told us to go hiking we would have had to be there at 5:30.. two hours earlier. We werent gonna let that stop us.. so we walked down the street, realized that a bus drops off at the entrance and has to go up into the park a bit to turn around. We stood at the other corner, paid the next bus driver 10 dollars to let us hide and enter and he said yes. So we all layed down on the ground, stayed silent and make it through! Then, we were onto our second entrance gate where luckily Franco used his spanish speaking sweet talk skills and the guy let us in. We then only had one entrance left and no one was there, there was a house and a few cars but no dog to bark and give us away and the gate was open to the mountain. We had made it and even though a post right as you walked in said no fires and no camping, getting this far… we werent going back. Never really have ever done anything rebellious and this was my chance. After about a 1 1/2 hour hike, we popped the tent, made a fire and started roasting hot dogs and sausages. The only thing we forgot was water.. of course we had beer, pisco and coca cola but the water was missing but luckily we survived without it. We simply sat around the campfire, took pictures and bonded.. all under the stars and with a lit up view of Santiago. I must say the fresh air was amazing and the view was breathtaking. We just looked at the city and the smog and were happy to be away for at least a night. Bedtime care around and I wasnt sleeping. There was no way, for some reason I just couldnt fall asleep so I chatted with Natalie and Mike and waited until sunrise. At one point in the evening, in my head only, I was thinking about all the things that could happen if we got caught. Fine for trespassing, fine for camping/making a fire and then the worst was being convinced that we could potentially get deported. I didnt actually think that could happen but I couldnt get the thought out of my head. “Six gringos found trespassing, camping and creating a fire that could have cause a forest fire.. DEPORTED” However, on our way down we got to avoid the entrance to the mountain because we went through the horse stables and then the next two entrances simply said hello and waved. We were SAFE. Let me tell you, that celebration was great and I could finally say that I had a wonderful time.. most definitely one of my best memories from Chile.

Tomorrow, we have our goodbye dinner from our program.. simply because they have realized that having it in December is a lost cause because so many people travel. After the goodbye dinner, I will be meeting Michelle(friend from Denison) to head off to Pucon. A southern city that is said to be very touristy but I was told by my friend from Denison, Sarah, who studied her two years ago… that I cant leave without going. So I am very excited about that! We head out at 11 on a nine hour bus ride.. towards the south. Will update with pictures when I get home Monday!

Sending my love to everyone, HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Not doing anything special here for the holiday but thinking about everyone at home that is together. Always remember to be thankful. Love, Chlo

Hello all! Sorry I have been so bad at blogging lately, the truth is nothing exciting has been...

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 10:39:26 -0500

Hello all! Sorry I have been so bad at blogging lately, the truth is nothing exciting has been happening. Friday night I went to a huge electronic festival with some friends and had a great time. I am not getting down to the last few weeks of my trip and with that, comes finals. Tuesday I had a history due, Wednesday I had a culture and society test and today I just turned in my final writing assignment for my story class. Next Tuesday I have my history final and then I am free until the beginning of December when I have my final in the class I am taking with my program director. He is in the United States right now so we got pushed back two weeks unfortunately. After I turn that final in, I am free and off to Patagonia… and seven days later.. HOME! not sure if I am ready yet but in about a month I think I will be.

Hope all is well with everyone!

love, chlo

http://vimeo.com/22439234

Sun, 06 Nov 2011 00:08:00 -0400

http://vimeo.com/22439234

GREAT NEWS! Zoe and I have officially planned our trip to Patagonia.. December 4th-12th we will be...

Sun, 06 Nov 2011 00:03:00 -0400

GREAT NEWS! Zoe and I have officially planned our trip to Patagonia.. December 4th-12th we will be exploring and adventuring all the wonders of Patagonia. We have no place to lay our heads as of now and dont have much of a plan but booked the ticket and we are both very excited! Tomorrow, a few friends and I are heading to a city an hour away… known for its pottery. Will update later!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend and have a great week!

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Fri, 04 Nov 2011 21:22:33 -0400

PUERTO VARAS

Overlooking in Puerto Varas

Saltos de Petrohue

Valentina's House

At beer event- listening to music

Brenna, Zoe and I-River

Volcano

Lake Adventure- Empanada lunch

Lighthouse- Valdivia

Valdivia- river meets ocean

Last Thursday night, Zoe, Brenna and I headed for the bus station to hop on a bus a to Osorno, a...

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 20:55:47 -0400

Last Thursday night, Zoe, Brenna and I headed for the bus station to hop on a bus a to Osorno, a town in the South of Chile. After an overnight bus ride that lasted eleven hours.. we arrived bright and early Friday morning in the town. Since we had a long weekend, Monday and Tuesday off of school, we decided to go stay with Valentina and her family at their ranch house. When Zoe was in high school, Valentina was an exchange student and they got very close. Now, a few years later and they were reunited in Santiago. Valentina is from Osorno but is studying in Valentina so Brenna and I got to meet her a few months ago and she invited the three of us to her house. I absolutely fell in the love with the south. We drove one hour and we were in the lakes region and drove an hour in another direction and we were in the river region. It was the most relaxing and beautiful trip ever. Her parents were wonderful, they included us in everything, challenged us to speak spanish, feed us exceptionally well and overall just spoiled us with wonderful hospitality. The day we got there we got in the car and headed to the town of Puerto Varas. The town is unbelievable, with a large amount of German influence and beautiful architecture. We then went from Puerto Varas around the lake to the National Park of Vicente Rosas where Saltos de Petrohue is located, Petrohue Falls. It is a major tourist location with clear blue waters and beautiful falls. After seeing the falls, we continued around the rest of the lake and made it back to Valentinas house by dinner time. It was a great little adventure, making visits to places I planned on visiting. Then Saturday we just hung out around the house, went down to the river right across the street from her house and then later on went to a birthday party for one of Valentina’s friends. It was great because we got to speak spanish and meet some other Chileans. Sunday, we slept in and had a delicious breakfast and then headed to Volcano Osorno and to the nearby lake to have lunch. We got empanadas to have and it turned out to be a beautiful day. On our way home, we stopped at a beer event that was put on by one of their family friends. He has brewed his own artisan beer and he put together an event for family and friends to sample the beer, enjoy a barbeque and live music. It was a nice low key night and a calm night, perfect for seeing the stars(something you often cant see in the big city). Monday, we were invited to go to the city of Valdivia with her family. It was about an hour and a half car ride through green green and green. We got to see the river region and make it to the town where the river meets the ocean. We had a delcious lunch at the Salzburg restaurant and brewery and then headed to walk around town. After a long day we headed back, had dinner and then were back out to meet some more of Valentina’s friends. Our last day was very low key, Zoe had to do some homework, Brenna and I just hung out and Valentina and her family started getting ready for her dad’s birthday party. Right before we left, we got to celebrate his birthday with him and the invited guests, got to meet some of their family and friends and then we were back on the bus to head back to the city. Overall, it was an unforgettable trip and made me miss the fresh air and tranquility. I very much enjoyed being by the river, lake and ocean all weekend. Cant wait to be able to go back and visit the south again on my next adventure to Chile. Zoe and I are currently in the process of planning our big 8-10 day trip to Patagonia and we both look forward to that. Two weeks of school left and I am free from school work until January. Honestly cant believe how fast the time is flying here. Successfully changed my ticket home to a week later(December 20th) so that I can take advantage of my time here. Zoe and I hope to be gone from December 3rd until the 13th and my plane ticket was supposed to be the 13th so now I will have about a week to hang out with my family and friends before I head back to celebrate Christmas at home. Hope everyone is doing well, have a great weekend!

Love, Chlo

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Thu, 03 Nov 2011 18:32:29 -0400

Puerto Saavedra

Mapuche community

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Thu, 03 Nov 2011 18:25:35 -0400

the river

The school's soccer field

Hello all! Hope everyone has had a wonderful week. On Sunday I got back from a four day trip with my...

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 13:31:05 -0400

Hello all! Hope everyone has had a wonderful week. On Sunday I got back from a four day trip with my group to the city of Temuco, about an hour and a half plane ride to the south. We went on this trip to learn about Mapuche culture. According to the research my friend Melinda did, Mapuches make up 4% of the population. Our trip focused on their culture and opening the doors to communication between the Mapuches and others. Recently, many protests have been happening due to the Mapuches feeling towards identity and their struggle to feel part of the Chilean culture. The Mapuches we met on our last day let us ask questions and they also asked us questions about our knowledge of their culture but also our feelings towards indigenous communities that we were familiar with. When they were asked by one of our group members if they felt Chilean, they shared the pride they have in their Mapuche community but dont feel like Chileans due to the treatment they have gotten over the years. What amazed me the most was how happy they were with less things, less materialistic items and they reminded us how grateful we must be of the earth, mother nature and family. The respect they had for their mother earth but also the people that surround them was admirable. They were so happy and willing to share a little bit of their culture with us and spoke with such pride. Amongst many families, the land the community owned has been split between them and given to each family as their home. The community has also begun to open up discussion and welcome people to come stay in a hut they have specifically set up for tourists who wish to learn more about their culture. They are working towards a better relationship with the rest of the population with Chile.

I was so excited to get out of the city and it ended up being a great trip. This time, we actually got quite a bit of free time to roam and adventure and that made the trip that much better.The first day, we got in late at night so we just checked into the hotel and went to dinner at the hotel. Throughtout the rest of the trip, we did some hiking in a national park, went to the temuco market and did a museum tour. One day we went to a a school that is comprised of Mapuche students and I had the best time climbing tires and jump ropping with the kids. I didnt do much of the cementing because of course, I was playing with the kids and taking pictures. Our program has been visiting this school with their students in order to continue progress on projects the school needs help with. Our job was to help cement the base of what they hope to make into a stage.It was truly amazing to be around kids and share some of our culture with them. I brought a jump rope for them.. which they loved but we also made a fire and brought smores supplies. Unfortunately Chile doesnt have graham crackers but we did our best and the kids absolutely loved them.

After two nights in the hotel in Temuco, we packed our bags and headed out, en route to Puerto Saavedra a town right on the coast. The itinerary said hostel, so we assumed we would all be sleeping in bunk beds in a huge room just like camp but we were pleasantly surprised when we walked off the bus to see the beach and cabins on the hill. We had a great time because we were given free time and got to climb a hill/cliff right next to our cabins and watch the sunset across the ocean. SOme people got to go horseback riding along the beach and others just hung around and enjoyed the fresh air.

Overall, the trip was a huge success and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves quite a bit. Tonight, I embark on another journey with Zoe and Brenna to the south once again due to the long weekend(monday and tuesday off). We are headed on an overnight bus to Osorno, a town in the south that is supposed to be beautiful and have many outdoor activities and naturey tourist things to do. When Zoe was in high school and she got to her while she was there for the year. Valentina is Chilean, studying in Santiago but her family lives in Osorno and she has invited the three of us to her house for the weekend. We are all super excited to go and have a good time. Will be sure to update when I get back! Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.

Love, Chlo

This past week went by unbelievably quickly, most likely because monday was a holiday. Nothing...

Sat, 15 Oct 2011 21:30:52 -0400

This past week went by unbelievably quickly, most likely because monday was a holiday. Nothing really to share thats new. This weekend is going to be spent writing a history essay and studying for a test.. both on Tuesday. As much as I was dreading devoting a weekend to schoolwork, I have two big things to look forward to… Temuco trip and Osorno trip. I am super excited about both of them and will have two very different experiences at both. I will also have plenty to blog about when I return. Cant stop thinking about how little time I have left here in Chile. People always say the time will fly and that is the truest statement out there. I keep looking at the calendar to make time for the things my friends and I have discussed doing before we leave and we just cant seem to find enough time for all those things. We are in Temuco next weekend, home for three days and off to Osorno for 5 days… and then its November! I dont even want to think about how fast that month will fly by! A few things Brenna and I have discussed doing..

1. Go to the bus station/train station.. look for the next bus or train out of the station and get on board. Heading to we dont know where to do we dont know what!

2. Start doing more cultural things at night. Yes we do love going to a bar with our friends and then out dancing but Santiago’s theaters, bars and other venues have wonderful events to offer and it might be nice one night to do something other than the routine.

3. Hop on the metro and go in all kinds of directions. The area I have actually covered on the metro isnt very large and I especially have not done enough exploring. If i go somewhere out of the ordinary on the metro, its usually just passing by. I want to get off and walk… find the hidden gems of Santiago.

4. Find a good chicken caesar salad. Luckily Brenna loves chicken caesar salads as much as I do.. so we are perfect for testing out and hunting for a good one. The last one I got came with cream dressing and another one just came with oil, or lemon or vinegar for dressing. Caesar salad should always come with caesar dressing…right?

lucielleslife: Laughter sounds the same in every...

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 15:05:53 -0400

lucielleslife:

Laughter sounds the same in every language

anthropologie:

Balloon artist Addi Somekh traveled to 34 countries with photographer Charles Eckert, interacting with locals through his art. He came away learning far more about each culture by engaging them than he would have by observing alone.

Via: Balloon Hat

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Wed, 12 Oct 2011 15:03:25 -0400

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Wed, 12 Oct 2011 14:54:40 -0400

My mom has made it safely back home after what she said was a wonderful trip. She was so lucky...

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 13:59:19 -0400

My mom has made it safely back home after what she said was a wonderful trip. She was so lucky to have stayed in a lovely bed and breakfast. My host family absolutely loved her and included her in everything we did. Thursday we went with my mom and Chilean mom to see Violeta Parra, a documentary on the life of a notable Chilean composer, songwriter and folklorist. On our way back, we stopped and got my favorite lemon pie from a bakery to bring back home to have late afternoon tea with my mom and family. Friday my friend Brenna and I met up with my mom and headed to the Patronato neighborhood which is basically a cheap shopping area with alot of the same things that is usually imported clothing. After a while, it became a lot of the same thing over and over and the place is packed with people with also full of racks and racks of items. I found some neat scarves and a few other good things. Friday night I headed home to get some rest after staying up all night with Brenna Wednesdy night and my mom went to see the Romeo and Juliet ballet. I had a feeling I was coming down with something and so my mom had me go home and rest. Saturday morning, bright and early we went to get my mom and headed to the beach, to Vina del Mar(where Zoe, Elliot and I went the other weekend). We spent the day there and had a great time even though the wind was heavy and it was a bit chilly. We took an elevator type thing up a hill to get a great view of Vina and then headed to find a spot for lunch. My family has been wanting to go to this restaurant for a while now and everytime they go there it is always closed.. this trip wasnt any different. They happened to be closed for remodeling and so we had to find another restaurant. We drove around for a bit and came across the Pablo Neruda house and across was a resturant that someone had suggest… Oda al Pacifico. It was most definitely one of the best meals I have had in Chile.. definitely a benefit of having your mother visit! We were on the second floor with a clear look out to the ocean.. on the left the town of Valparaiso, directly out from Vina and on the right Renaca and Con Con. Got to enjoy some cocunut shrimp, my mom had tilapia, my sister had salmon and my Chilean parents also had some shrimp dish and tuna. After lunch we strolled at the beach, got empanadas and then headed back home after getting ice cream. Unfortunately, Sunday I was sick with what I believe was strep throat and had to cancel plans with my mom. Never have liked staying in bed and resting but forced myself to do so and Monday didnt feel much better. Luckily, my dad sent me with antibiotics and finally today they have kicked in. SUnday the doctor was closed and Monday was a holiday so the doctor wasnt open then either. I am feeling much better and glad I got myself to relax and slow down a bit. My mom came over on Monday to say goodbye and then she was off.. back to the hussle and bustle of her job.

Hope everyone had a great weekend and that everyone has a great week!