Hope this post finds you well and thanks for checking in. Here in Valparaíso, things have settled in nicely. It is now much easier to find my way around the city, classes are in full swing, and my spanish is showing steady, albeit sometimes frustrating improvement. This opportunity is an absolute privilege, and I want to remember every detail.
So naturally, I filmed my walk to class
We were told that the whirlwind that is a study abroad comes in stages. I'm sure by reading previous posts (you did read them, right?), you can tell that I have definitely had a "honeymoon phase" here in Chile. Everything is shiny, new and inviting, fun and exciting, and I could scarcely believe the opportunities available to me. As the acclimation process continues, I have to admit, I have experienced some unexpected obstacles. Sometimes I struggle to find energy and focus. Sometimes I struggle to pray. Sometimes I'd rather just Skype friends than talk with my Chilean family. Sometimes my brain just can't take any more spanish. Please know that I say all this not to complain, for I am more than happy here. Being content in any situation certainly comes with steadfastness and a bit of perspective. When I started this blog, I told myself and others that I would be honest, and I think I'm doing myself and you all a disservice if I write with a rose-tinted pen. De todos modos, back to the good stuff.
At this point you may be saying: "Yeah that's great Blake, but what do you actually do in Chile?"
My answer, inquisitive reader is:
Harto (ar-toe) (adj.)- a lot.
For the next four weeks, I am taking two classes: Literatura Hispanoamericana y Grammática Avanzada. Class is a bit more relaxed than in the states, and the courses are designed for international students. Being the nerd that I am, the literature course particularly interests me because we will not only be exploring contemporary Hispanic American stories and poetry, but also discovering the motivation behind and emotions infused by the authors that wrote them.
Since I last wrote, I have attended an impressive Chilean military parade, seen a bit of the remarkable architecture and attractions that Viña has to offer, watched a perfect sun set from sand dunes situated right outside of town, and probably eaten one and a half times my body weight in pancito. So a quick review of those:
21 de Mayo in a very important day in Chilean history. It marks the naval battle of Iquique during the War of the Pacific. Every year, the Chilean military hosts a parade downtown in honor of those that fought, including the commander and hero Arturo Prat. The parade took place in Valpo's easily most notable square. La Plaza Sotomayor could be seen as the city center, with the blue military headquarters on one side and the blue Pacific port on the other. Some friends and I went to the parade, which began at 12, and watched the procession of soldiers. Lunch followed at a nearby restaurant, where I devoured a three course meal including "pescado a la pobre," fish on a bed of french fries with two eggs over easy on top. That meal was certainly not lacking in protein. The day's activities concluded with a few games of poker and a short walk back house for a much needed tutito (nap).
Friends in Plaza Sotomayor
Entonces, Sunday was the yearly celebration of national culture in Viña and Valpo. As a result, all cultural activities and government palaces were open and free to the public, and to take advantage of this, Doug and I took a trip to Viña del Mar to see the presidential palace to see what is essentially the second home of La Presidenta Michelle Bachelet. The palace stonework was beautiful, and the images framed in the stain glass windows were spectacular. Set on Cerro Castillo, the palace has one of the premier views of the city, so of course we took advantage of that with some pictures. Doug had to return to spend some time with his family, so I continued exploring. During the afternoon, I also visited the Reloj de Flores, a beautiful garden with a clock made of flowers that was a present from the Swiss government, and Castillo Wulff, a picturesque German castle set on the rocky outcropping of the city's coast. It goes without saying, I don't really need to worry about getting bored during my time here.
An attempt to describe the views from the dunes of Concón might fail miserably, so I think I prefer to leave you with pictures. We went up here for the afternoon to goof around and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Maybe I should change my major to photography?
Once again, thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed my ramblings about my time here in Chile. Tune in next time for: Chile vs. Northern Ireland in Valparaíso!
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