26th September 2010
I haven’t written in my blog for awhile because I had a real nasty worm eating files in my computer. I had to have it taken to a shop, backup files made, computer reformatted and then my files reinstated. Bit of a mess and expensive but it needed to be done which it has now. Thank god for Diego and Alejandro because I couldn’t do this by myself.
24th September 2010
LETTERS / PEN PALS
I gave the letters of our NZ students to a class at San Ignacio. It is a catholic school but the students experience more of 'life' than some of ours would. They are outgoing and in the third year of high school (2nd Media A).They are 15 - 16 years old. They are happy to write to us in English and for us to reply in Spanish. I have a photo of the class which I will post later as I don't know all their names yet.
I regularly attend this class and the students are quite good. They have been studying English for 10 years of schooling but there are still some errors in what they have written as I asked the teacher not to correct their English so students could see their true level. There were more students in this class than ours so some of our students may have more than one letter each. Some students may not have a name that they have replied to, but would like a pen friend. I also asked the students to add email addresses and some have also added face book contacts if they are interested.
The topics they wrote about were similar to what we had. I asked them to ask questions of our students - What did they want to know about NZ and also any festivals that we have just had here in Chile i.e. the Bicentennial celebrations. I have posted the letters today 24 Sep 2010. It should take 10 days to arrive to NZ but other mail of mine has taken over a month to arrive here in Chile.
The letters my year 9 Spanish class wrote are having replies written this week coming. So they will be on their way soon.
23rd September 2010
PRIMARY SCHOOL
A lot of High Schools over here have primary schools attached to them or just down the road. This is fantastic for foreign students or teachers like me. The schools have now arranged for me to join junior Spanish classes at the Primary schools. I am attending classes with Segundo basic. The students are 7 or 8 years old. When I sit on the chair and they stand next to me I am still taller than them. They are really cute and interested in me. I had a look at their text books and their level of Spanish is higher than mine. They use a lot of verb conjugations that I recognize but am unable to make myself accurately without help or grammar books. They are also a lot more reliant on vocabulary that I don’t yet know. However in saying this they have 6 or 7 years of Spanish more than I do. I was really interested in the classroom signs so have included some shots for you.
22nd September 2010
WALK AROUND VALPARAISO
Went for a walk around Valparaiso today for about four hours. I thought that I would follow the tourist trail and search for the Ascensors – most were closed. I started at the Ex- Intendencia (Blue building) and found my way to Ascensor ‘3’ It was short but had very steep steps going up the side of it. On most of the platforms was a concrete bench seat for people to use. I then tried to walk to Ascenor ‘4’ but it was closed so I walked back down the hill. On my way I took photos of the café I saw as well as some of the street art. I then turned up the wrong side street but found a really old broken down house that I took a photo of. So I turned around and at the base of the hill was a cultural museum. Because it was the weekend of the bicentennial they had a display of kites that people had made. I think the one with the dog and the people summed up Valparaiso very well. I had to walk past the court to access the side street back up the hill again as I couldn’t find the beginning of Ascenor ‘5’ so I walked up the stairs. One of the side streets had a Museum ‘Lord Cochrane’ that I couldn’t resist visiting. It had some really cool photographs of Valparaiso and a viewing platform. I could see down into one of the main the town squares and across to the Palacio Baburiza (green building). I continued my walk up the hill and discovered Ascensor ‘5’ at the summit, how ironic lol. There was a pink house near Palacio Baburiza that was being repaired so I took photos of this and then made my way to Casa Crucero (White). I walked back down the hill and found Reloj Turin which is a big clock tower but again couldn’t locate Ascensor ‘6’. I had very sore calf muscles for about 4 days afterward all this walking. So much so that I haven’t attended Salsa classes since the weekend
20th September 2010
LANGUAGE
Has my pronunciation improved?
No. Your pronunciation is pretty good with a few small errors.
How well can you understand what I say?
Good enough. Generally we understand what you say but there are still times when we don’t
Is my use of the language idiomatic? (use of formulaic expressions) etc
Starting to make my own sentences. Need to learn set phrases to build a base of your language
Do you have any other comments about my use of Spanish?
Your level is about a 3 or 4 year olds. Talk more – formulate questions. Read more newspapers front pages – make summaries of them. Watch movies TV in general.
TOILET PAPER
It was late in the evening and I needed toilet paper. I didn’t know how to say toilet paper in Spanish so I said to Alejandro ‘baño papel’ Both him and Ana were amazed that I could communicate my needs very clearly in just two words. They constantly say to me that English is a very concise language where the way words are put together gives an instant image or idea of what we mean or our intentions are. They say that in Spanish you are unable to get these ‘crisp’ meanings and that you need a lot of vocabulary to explain concepts. Alejandro and Diego went to a conference in New York called ‘Design Thinking’. This means a ‘structure of thinking, or concepts’. You cannot translate this directly into Spanish - ‘thinking about design’ as it does not have the same impact as the English version. What I should have said to Alejandro was ‘Necesito papel hygenico por favor’
DON”T LIKE - DON’T EAT!
For various reasons now I have made two meals that have been inedible for my host family. Ana sat at the table and tried to be polite and eat it because I had made her and Francesca dinner. In the end I turned to Ana and said Don’t like - Don’t eat ‘No te gusta, no comer’ Now in English this is rude to say this to someone in this way and I felt pretty bad saying it but my level of Spanish is not good enough to be polite yet. What I wanted to say was ‘if you don’t like it you don’t have to eat it’ I should have said ‘No te gusta, no lo come’
PEUMO CONTRYSIDE
I took these photos on the trip back from Peumo to Santiago. I love the way the sky looked that day. One of my favourite photos is the white flowers of the orchard in the foreground and the white snow of the mountains in the background. On the highways you are allowed to go 120kmph.
19th September 2010
MY BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONS
I had the privilege of going to Daniela’s Aunts Farm to celebrate the Bicentennial. On the way there we saw many wooden waterwheels and I was fascinated by the way they worked. It is one of the few times that I have had my photo taken in Chile. I also took a photo of Daniela’s parents next to them as well. As you entered the farm you crossed over an irrigation system by bridge and alongside this were beautiful cacti and the remains of an old wooden umbrella. They have orchards of lemons and oranges and grow crops as well. However what kind of crops they grew is unknown. We went to the outhouses on the farm. Inside the floor was inlaid with rounds of trees of differing sizes. We made and baked empañadas. I of course made some vegetarian ones and put a ‘v’ on the outside. ‘V’ for vedura (vegetables) or vegeteriana which ever way you want to look at it. The family drank Pisco (a type of rum) and danced Cueca.
17th September 2010
FONDA
A Fonda is usually an enclosed area or inside a building where you dance Cueca.
A Ramada is usually an outside area were you dance Cueca. Later when I was talking to one of the teachers at school she said that a lot of people don’t know the difference between a Ramada and a Fonda and often the two ideas get mixed up.
Daniela and Diego and I went to a Fonda which was outside and was like a gala or fete day. They had lots of little enclosed areas where BBQ’s were being cooked. Usually they sold meat of some kind, empañadas or other kinds of traditional foods and drinks. One drink that I wanted to try was called the teremoto (earthquake) but they weren’t selling it in this area so I missed out on that. The following night we did have an earthquake in Peumo but it was only small and I didn’t feel it.
In one area they had a band playing and I took a photo of the people in the kitchen dancing away to the music. Around the sides were lots of stalls selling products such as sunglasses, jewellery, sweets and ponchos for dancing Cueca. They even had a tent setup for fuzeball. Some of the other games were to throw darts to pop balloons and earn a prize, fish for a prize within a time limit using the rods given, throw rings over pegs to earn prizes and spin a wheel to earn a prize.
9th September
SAN DOMINIC BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONS
I seem to have the dates all wrong for this. The week before the bicentennial holiday (18th September) the school had their own anniversary celebrations. Then, last week San Dominic were on holiday as part of the national holiday plus one week. Not all schools have the same holidays at the same time it depends on the school, so I still attended San Ignacio.
On the Thursday before the school closed they had a ‘movie night’ I thought this would be showing movies in Spanish, so I was really surprised when I turned up to learn that the students had chosen a movie and made a short musical clip about it. Once all the houses had presented the students then moved onto the next theme of the night – this was music videos. The students had practiced the dance moves of a music video and were miming the words. Both the primary school and the secondary school were involved in this so it was really interesting. Sorry but I have to bring these clips back to show you as I can’t you tube them all.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Thursday, September 9, 2010
The classes at San Ignacio are doing a Unit on correspondence at the end of September. I have told the teacher that I have a whole bunch of letters waiting for responses to set up pen pals. She thinks it's a great idea so I will give those to her to look over next Tuesday.
Comments: why are you a vegetarian?
Because I went to England not long after Mad Cow disease and I didn't want to catch it from infected meat. I liked the taste of veg food and have now been a veg for about 10 years.
Questions from Year 10 Spanish:
- Is zumba popular?
Not really, not as much as I thought. I went to a YMCA gym the other day to check out the kinds of classes they have. Here are the titles of the classes:
Artes Marciales:Taekwondo, Quay combat, ninjutsu, Quay armony, Kendo, Jiu Jitsu, localizada, Quay Full, Latin Power, Quay pilates,
Dance: Salsa estilo cubano, Salsa estilo Los Angeles, Pre ballet - 3 a 6 anos, Ballet Clasico 7 a 15 anos, Ballet Moderno 12 a 18 anos, Danza Arabe, Bailoterapia
Aerobics: Quay Aeroobic, Aerobica Basico, Quay Cardiac, Quay Gap, Spinning, Aerobox, Step intermedio, Step Avanzada, Step, Juvenil, Step Basico
Sports: Gimn Basqutebol
- What fast food restaurants do they have?
All the same international ones that we have, mainly American like KFC, McDonalds, Subway, Dunkin Doughnuts, Starbucks, even some of the same restaurant chains. One type of food that we don't have is called 'completas' this is like a hotdog. It would be classed as a foot long subway and comes out on its own stand. I'll try and get a foto of one or two for you
- Boy, is it cold in Chile or what from Chad?
It's the same as Whangarei minus the rain. It has only rained 3 times in the month and one week I have been here. Silly but it's something I miss because it's what I'm used to hearing when I go to bed it puts me to sleep. We have had the 'estufa' going on the occasional night. From the apartment window of my host brother in Santiago I can see the Andes Mountains. It is colder in Santiago at night. I went to Llay Llay with the AFS exchange students and camped the night last weekend. That was freezing. I woke up at 5 and couldn't feel my feet so I went for a walk till I got back my circulation. I woke up again at 8am and decided to start the campfire because I had had enough by then.
- What songs are popular?
Chocolate ( I have yet to find out the singer or where I can download this) Alexandro. Most students listen to American music so unless you want to listen to folk songs it can be hard at times to hear Spanish songs. This weekend is an AFS meeting and I have asked one of the students to bring his cable for his IPod so I can download songs that kids his age listed to. Will keep you informed on this
- What do they consider to be exotic food?
That's a really good question. I'll have to follow that one up because I don't know
- Do they like Justin Bieber?
The girls love him. The boys think he is gay (I think the boys are just jealous lol)
- What’s their popular network websites?
Face book, twitter
- Are there any hot guys in the highschool. Please post photos.
The same as in NZ yes but not all. You'll have to check out the blog because my opinion of hot and your opinion of hot may be different
- Do they have beaches?
Yes I live on the coast line in Valparaiso. It is a huge naval port. I attend schools in Vina del Mar which is a tourist beach town. The waterfront has some really nice cafes where you can sit and observe life.
- From a teacher point of view what are the students like compared to us.
I think the students are really good in English. However national statistics state that only 2% of the population are able to speak English. I have recorded some scenarios that I'm unable to upload because of the size but can show when I return.
ALL classes that I have attended are taught in the target language i.e. all explanations, questions, instructions are given in English
- Do they surf much?
Yes they have a very good break at Vina del Mar. This I am told is packed in summer, you can't see the sand only bodies and you have to be in early to reserve a spot.
- Do they play rugby/netball?
They don't know what netball is. At San Ignacio I have come across only 1 boy who plays rugby
- Are the empanadas nice?
Yes but they take ages to make and very labour intensive. I love queso empanadas but the traditional ones have meat
- Are there any really good looking girls, please send photos.
The same as in NZ yes but not all. You'll have to check out the blog because my opinion of hot and your opinion of hot may be different
Hope this answers your questions. Any more feel free to ask
Comments: why are you a vegetarian?
Because I went to England not long after Mad Cow disease and I didn't want to catch it from infected meat. I liked the taste of veg food and have now been a veg for about 10 years.
Questions from Year 10 Spanish:
- Is zumba popular?
Not really, not as much as I thought. I went to a YMCA gym the other day to check out the kinds of classes they have. Here are the titles of the classes:
Artes Marciales:Taekwondo, Quay combat, ninjutsu, Quay armony, Kendo, Jiu Jitsu, localizada, Quay Full, Latin Power, Quay pilates,
Dance: Salsa estilo cubano, Salsa estilo Los Angeles, Pre ballet - 3 a 6 anos, Ballet Clasico 7 a 15 anos, Ballet Moderno 12 a 18 anos, Danza Arabe, Bailoterapia
Aerobics: Quay Aeroobic, Aerobica Basico, Quay Cardiac, Quay Gap, Spinning, Aerobox, Step intermedio, Step Avanzada, Step, Juvenil, Step Basico
Sports: Gimn Basqutebol
- What fast food restaurants do they have?
All the same international ones that we have, mainly American like KFC, McDonalds, Subway, Dunkin Doughnuts, Starbucks, even some of the same restaurant chains. One type of food that we don't have is called 'completas' this is like a hotdog. It would be classed as a foot long subway and comes out on its own stand. I'll try and get a foto of one or two for you
- Boy, is it cold in Chile or what from Chad?
It's the same as Whangarei minus the rain. It has only rained 3 times in the month and one week I have been here. Silly but it's something I miss because it's what I'm used to hearing when I go to bed it puts me to sleep. We have had the 'estufa' going on the occasional night. From the apartment window of my host brother in Santiago I can see the Andes Mountains. It is colder in Santiago at night. I went to Llay Llay with the AFS exchange students and camped the night last weekend. That was freezing. I woke up at 5 and couldn't feel my feet so I went for a walk till I got back my circulation. I woke up again at 8am and decided to start the campfire because I had had enough by then.
- What songs are popular?
Chocolate ( I have yet to find out the singer or where I can download this) Alexandro. Most students listen to American music so unless you want to listen to folk songs it can be hard at times to hear Spanish songs. This weekend is an AFS meeting and I have asked one of the students to bring his cable for his IPod so I can download songs that kids his age listed to. Will keep you informed on this
- What do they consider to be exotic food?
That's a really good question. I'll have to follow that one up because I don't know
- Do they like Justin Bieber?
The girls love him. The boys think he is gay (I think the boys are just jealous lol)
- What’s their popular network websites?
Face book, twitter
- Are there any hot guys in the highschool. Please post photos.
The same as in NZ yes but not all. You'll have to check out the blog because my opinion of hot and your opinion of hot may be different
- Do they have beaches?
Yes I live on the coast line in Valparaiso. It is a huge naval port. I attend schools in Vina del Mar which is a tourist beach town. The waterfront has some really nice cafes where you can sit and observe life.
- From a teacher point of view what are the students like compared to us.
I think the students are really good in English. However national statistics state that only 2% of the population are able to speak English. I have recorded some scenarios that I'm unable to upload because of the size but can show when I return.
ALL classes that I have attended are taught in the target language i.e. all explanations, questions, instructions are given in English
- Do they surf much?
Yes they have a very good break at Vina del Mar. This I am told is packed in summer, you can't see the sand only bodies and you have to be in early to reserve a spot.
- Do they play rugby/netball?
They don't know what netball is. At San Ignacio I have come across only 1 boy who plays rugby
- Are the empanadas nice?
Yes but they take ages to make and very labour intensive. I love queso empanadas but the traditional ones have meat
- Are there any really good looking girls, please send photos.
The same as in NZ yes but not all. You'll have to check out the blog because my opinion of hot and your opinion of hot may be different
Hope this answers your questions. Any more feel free to ask
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
8th September 2010
HOSPITAL
Yes I went to hospital today. I feel rather embarrassed about this as I was sick in the train station. My stomach began to clench a few stops before my get off point and when I left the train I broke into a hot and cold sweat. I had to sit down on the bench and then I was sick at the station. The train attendant came up and asked if I was all right to which I replied “I’m sick”. She called a medic, who called a doctor, who called an ambulance which resulted in me being sent to hospital. I expected to just sit it out and get on my way not to end up in hospital for just being sick. At least I know the system works well for the train; I was taken very good care of by all involved. Near San Ignacio a person was lying on the street next to the bus stop, he had a head wound and people were just walking past him. I was taken to a private hospital by ambulance. During this ride I tried to call school to tell them I wasn’t coming. They called the President of the Chapter who came to the hospital to be with me which was really nice. I also called my host father who believe it or not was leaving for Mexico today, and my host mother was also sick in bed for the second day with fever and vomiting too. What a mess! The doctor at the hospital asked me if I spoke Spanish I said a little, I asked if he spoke English and he said a little. In truth, his English was much better than my Spanish. The doctor said that what he knows of English is from watching TV – I found that really interesting. He said that he only knows attacking words from action movies. He still made himself clear in English. The nurse had kids that went to the school so that was a little embarrassing as well. We got through the examination ok between my Spanish and his English. This made me realize that one of the things that I want to do when I get back to NZ classes is teach practical skills. I know that the different curriculum levels for languages focus on survival etc but I didn’t have enough to cope with this situation except to say that my stomach hurt in Spanish. I was given medication and drops to take. The best thing about all of this is that I didn’t have to pay anything even though I was taken to a private hospital! The train has insurance and an agreement with this hospital that covers sick passengers. WOW! I then had to ask about the buses and unfortunately they only have accident cover. So, if you are ever sick in Chile make sure you are using the train - no only kidding lol it’s not nice to be sick at all.
DRIVING
In Chile you must carry ID with you at all times. If you are a resident for example and the police stop you and ask for ID and you are unable to present this, your car is confiscated and you are fined.
Other rules for driving include:
You are not allowed to smoke while driving
You are not allowed to answer a cell phone while driving
If it is a new car, you must wear seatbelts at all times both in the back and front. If it is an old car then you don’t have to wear seatbelts in the back. The driver is responsible in private transport to make sure passengers wear seatbelts.
If you are in a colectivo and you as the passenger do not wear a seatbelt, you the passenger are fined not the driver.
7th September 2010
SAN DOMINIC BICENTENNIAL
Last night I went to the Bicentennial celebrations of San Dominic. It is a combined co – educational Primary and Secondary School. This schools facilities include a concrete area for students to play and pool and gymnasium. The school is divided into colours, black, and white, blue, red.
The night started off with traditional dancers doing cueca and other styles I couldn’t name. I would love to show you all this but it was too long to download to YouTube so I will have to show you when I get back.
The big thing at this school is cheerleading. Students had to plan their own choreography and music. I didn’t see any boys getting involved with this, only girls. It was divided into two parts. The first part of the cheerleading was for the Primary school students and they had to perform tricks and do a chant. The black team won.
The next part of the cheerleading was for the High school students who had to base their cheers on a theme. The White team won and some of the tricks they did were very impressive!
The last part of the show was the students had to perform a play and dance about something that was significant in their lives and at the end explain the reasons why they had chosen to perform this particular play. Both girls and boys participated in this. I don’t know who the winner of this was but I liked the ‘Grinch steals independence day’. I can’t say however that I understood the reason for all the superhereos except that maybe they were trying to help. I have included it here for all to see.
BUSES
The other thing that I learnt from this night is that the buses go all night, they don’t stop the only difference is that the time between buses may be longer. I found it interesting to note that I caught the bus at 11 at night and it was full enough to have people standing in the aisles. This was more packed than I had seen it during the day
6th September 2010
Llay Llay (This is a mapuche name that means wind, wind)
It was really interesting in Llay Llay talking with the AFS there. Most houses had flags either flying in the compounds of the house or from cars. When I asked about it they said that they have to fly the flag over the days of the National Holiday – this year that is a weekend Friday – Sunday. The police come around and check that each house is flying a flag. If they are not, they are fined. They couldn’t tell me the cost of the fine, except that it is expensive. The government is not a dictatorship like it used to be years ago, but they still like to control the nationalistic patriotism of the country.
LANGUAGE
I need to take the questionnaire with my family again.
I spent the weekend with a group of exchange students, 3 of whom had been here for one month. Granted one of them has 4 years of schooling, learning Spanish and is very good, but the others have had very little Spanish training before arriving. Compared to them, my Spanish is not as good. I find this disappointing, however they are in an environment that is solely Spanish e.g. they attend Spanish classes everyday and they have tutoring through the school for about an hour every week. I have contacted the President of the Chapter today here in Valparaiso to try to get into Spanish classes with juniors at the primary school. I have asked the schools but nothing has happened yet. Hopefully something will come of this
Some of the comparisons that I can make are: The exchange students were able to complete a conversation with their host family on the bus explaining when they were going to arrive at their destination and where to be picked up. I started the conversation in Spanish but couldn’t finish it. I had to tell my host father in English not to meet me because I knew how to catch the bus home.
HOSPITAL
Yes I went to hospital today. I feel rather embarrassed about this as I was sick in the train station. My stomach began to clench a few stops before my get off point and when I left the train I broke into a hot and cold sweat. I had to sit down on the bench and then I was sick at the station. The train attendant came up and asked if I was all right to which I replied “I’m sick”. She called a medic, who called a doctor, who called an ambulance which resulted in me being sent to hospital. I expected to just sit it out and get on my way not to end up in hospital for just being sick. At least I know the system works well for the train; I was taken very good care of by all involved. Near San Ignacio a person was lying on the street next to the bus stop, he had a head wound and people were just walking past him. I was taken to a private hospital by ambulance. During this ride I tried to call school to tell them I wasn’t coming. They called the President of the Chapter who came to the hospital to be with me which was really nice. I also called my host father who believe it or not was leaving for Mexico today, and my host mother was also sick in bed for the second day with fever and vomiting too. What a mess! The doctor at the hospital asked me if I spoke Spanish I said a little, I asked if he spoke English and he said a little. In truth, his English was much better than my Spanish. The doctor said that what he knows of English is from watching TV – I found that really interesting. He said that he only knows attacking words from action movies. He still made himself clear in English. The nurse had kids that went to the school so that was a little embarrassing as well. We got through the examination ok between my Spanish and his English. This made me realize that one of the things that I want to do when I get back to NZ classes is teach practical skills. I know that the different curriculum levels for languages focus on survival etc but I didn’t have enough to cope with this situation except to say that my stomach hurt in Spanish. I was given medication and drops to take. The best thing about all of this is that I didn’t have to pay anything even though I was taken to a private hospital! The train has insurance and an agreement with this hospital that covers sick passengers. WOW! I then had to ask about the buses and unfortunately they only have accident cover. So, if you are ever sick in Chile make sure you are using the train - no only kidding lol it’s not nice to be sick at all.
DRIVING
In Chile you must carry ID with you at all times. If you are a resident for example and the police stop you and ask for ID and you are unable to present this, your car is confiscated and you are fined.
Other rules for driving include:
You are not allowed to smoke while driving
You are not allowed to answer a cell phone while driving
If it is a new car, you must wear seatbelts at all times both in the back and front. If it is an old car then you don’t have to wear seatbelts in the back. The driver is responsible in private transport to make sure passengers wear seatbelts.
If you are in a colectivo and you as the passenger do not wear a seatbelt, you the passenger are fined not the driver.
7th September 2010
SAN DOMINIC BICENTENNIAL
Last night I went to the Bicentennial celebrations of San Dominic. It is a combined co – educational Primary and Secondary School. This schools facilities include a concrete area for students to play and pool and gymnasium. The school is divided into colours, black, and white, blue, red.
The night started off with traditional dancers doing cueca and other styles I couldn’t name. I would love to show you all this but it was too long to download to YouTube so I will have to show you when I get back.
The big thing at this school is cheerleading. Students had to plan their own choreography and music. I didn’t see any boys getting involved with this, only girls. It was divided into two parts. The first part of the cheerleading was for the Primary school students and they had to perform tricks and do a chant. The black team won.
The next part of the cheerleading was for the High school students who had to base their cheers on a theme. The White team won and some of the tricks they did were very impressive!
The last part of the show was the students had to perform a play and dance about something that was significant in their lives and at the end explain the reasons why they had chosen to perform this particular play. Both girls and boys participated in this. I don’t know who the winner of this was but I liked the ‘Grinch steals independence day’. I can’t say however that I understood the reason for all the superhereos except that maybe they were trying to help. I have included it here for all to see.
BUSES
The other thing that I learnt from this night is that the buses go all night, they don’t stop the only difference is that the time between buses may be longer. I found it interesting to note that I caught the bus at 11 at night and it was full enough to have people standing in the aisles. This was more packed than I had seen it during the day
6th September 2010
Llay Llay (This is a mapuche name that means wind, wind)
It was really interesting in Llay Llay talking with the AFS there. Most houses had flags either flying in the compounds of the house or from cars. When I asked about it they said that they have to fly the flag over the days of the National Holiday – this year that is a weekend Friday – Sunday. The police come around and check that each house is flying a flag. If they are not, they are fined. They couldn’t tell me the cost of the fine, except that it is expensive. The government is not a dictatorship like it used to be years ago, but they still like to control the nationalistic patriotism of the country.
LANGUAGE
I need to take the questionnaire with my family again.
I spent the weekend with a group of exchange students, 3 of whom had been here for one month. Granted one of them has 4 years of schooling, learning Spanish and is very good, but the others have had very little Spanish training before arriving. Compared to them, my Spanish is not as good. I find this disappointing, however they are in an environment that is solely Spanish e.g. they attend Spanish classes everyday and they have tutoring through the school for about an hour every week. I have contacted the President of the Chapter today here in Valparaiso to try to get into Spanish classes with juniors at the primary school. I have asked the schools but nothing has happened yet. Hopefully something will come of this
Some of the comparisons that I can make are: The exchange students were able to complete a conversation with their host family on the bus explaining when they were going to arrive at their destination and where to be picked up. I started the conversation in Spanish but couldn’t finish it. I had to tell my host father in English not to meet me because I knew how to catch the bus home.
Monday, September 6, 2010
4th September 2010
Travelled to Llay Llay (said Jai Jai) today by bus with 3 other exchange students. AFS Llay Llay had arranged a Chilean education for us all.
EMPANADAS
The first thing that needs to be done when making empanadas is to make the dough. This is usually done the night before as it takes awhile for the yeast to rise. The night before was also prepared meat with onions and a sauce to add into the mix. Eggs are boiled the night before as well. When we arrived the preparation that we did was to peel the eggs and cut the onions. Most of the cutting was done in our hands, no cutting boards were used. Chileans like to make a crisscross pattern in the onion and then slice it. This has a dicing effect. The balls of dough are rolled into circles with rolling pins; a saucepan lid is placed over the top and is used as a pattern to make a circle. The trays are greased. Soon there was a pile of round pastries. People took one each, added some mince to the centre, and other ingredients such as raisins and olives, and quarter of a boiled egg. The pastry was folded in half and the edges pushed down and then rolled over the top to stop the sauce from leaking out. They were then transferred to the trays and basted with a mix of butter and something else I can’t remember. Two vents were made so the pastry did not explode. They were then baked in an earth oven for approximately 15 minutes. They are similar to our mince pies back home and yet they remind me of making wontons in the method of putting the ingredients in the centre and folding it over at the edges.
CUECA
Later in the afternoon we watched cueca being dances. This is the traditional dance of Chile. The girl and boy broke us into sides of women and men and taught us how to do this dance. Some with more success than others. I can’t claim to say that I have mastered this.
I apologise for this video. It orientates itself after a few seconds when I turn the camera around lol.
In the evening we went camping at one of the AFS volunteer’s farm. We had a huge bonfire and sang songs and some Italian games. I can’t say that I learnt any Chilean songs sorry however it was really great talking to the exchange students and hearing the type of music that students listen to at school. I am hoping to download some of this when I met with them next week at our local chapter president’s house.
LLAY LLAY
Today (5th Sep) we were taken on a tour of Llay Llay. They explained a few legends but unfortunately my Spanish is not good enough to understand what they are saying yet. The area around LLay is very volcanic. There were huge hills with boulders that had obviously rolled down a long time ago. Two people were practicing rock climbing on these. Scattered amongst the rocks were cacti. It reminded me a lot of films I had seen of the Wild West, or Mexico. I have never been to these two places but the hills were brown and dusty, wild horses or maybe even donkeys were scattered around eating whatever little grass they could. I am kicking myself for not bringing my camera on this trip. I was so cold during the night we were in tents and I didn’t sleep much, so can’t say fully functioning this morning. I wish I wa able to find a map but no luck sorry. If you are interested you can google earth this.
1st September (1st official day of spring in NZ)
BANKS
I learnt today that banks close at 2pm. They are only open Monday to Friday and not in the weekends yet they use these hours. I went up to the bank door and it was locked but there were people inside who told me they were closed. I would like to know how people who work manage to do their banking? It is something that I will have to ask someone at school. In Valparaiso they have a whole street of banks only. It is a really long street and it’s quite amazing how many banks or exchanges are on it.
People go on their lunch break at about 1pm, or use internet banking or ATM machines. The bank may be closed but the bank tellers etc still work the same hours as a business eg the may finish at 7pm.
TRIP TO MUSEUM
In English class they were set the task of talking about a display in a museum in English. Today they went to the museum and I was lucky enough to be invited to join them. These are some of the things that I saw.
30th August 2010 (I have now been here a month – gosh it has gone fast!)
Interviewed a class at san Ignacio today regarding some of the question on the wall wisher site
1. What do their names sound like?
Common names for boys are: Juan, Pedro, Alejandro, Sebastian, Andrés, Nicholas
Common names for girls are: Camila, Valentina, Javiera, Rosa
2. How many people live in Chile?
17 million approximately
3. Are they allowed to walk around with guns?
The general public; No, however all Policeman have guns.
4. Is there heaps of racism? (Answers from the students were:)
Yes. Most of the racism is aimed towards the Mapuche and Peruvians from Chileans – because lots come here for work. Most of these people live in poor situations and do low paid jobs - some nannies are thieves. The Peruvians have a lot of restaurants and make very good food.
5. PLACES TO VISIT IN CHILE (30/8/10)
South
Go to Chiloe they are very polite. South of Chile is known for its food. They serve lots of food and you must eat it or they will be offended. Visit Frutillar, Puerto Varas, Pucon. You can see volcanoes in Villarrica. Puerto Montt is a bay which has lots of handicraft fairs and restaurants of typical Chilean food.
North
Atacama dessert is the driest dessert in the world. Desierto de Atacama is in the third region. Valle del Elqui – many astrologists go there to watch the stars. You can see the stars up close because there are not a lot of artificial lights from the city.
6. I also asked about movies and TV programmes to students at San Dominic
Good Chilean Movies:Mitos y leyendas – this about magic cards which used to be popular
Popular TV programmes: Telethon – this is to raise money for handicapped children
Buenos dias a todos – this is a morning programme that housewives usually watch
Calle 7 / Yingo– this is competitions / games for teenagers
Alfombra Roja – this show talks about celebrities
La ley de la selva – Animal Rescue
Fiebre de Baile – Dancing competition
Ultimo Pasajero – this is a competition for schools and they win a trip
International students watch: News, Mexican Soap Operas with grandmother
Travelled to Llay Llay (said Jai Jai) today by bus with 3 other exchange students. AFS Llay Llay had arranged a Chilean education for us all.
EMPANADAS
The first thing that needs to be done when making empanadas is to make the dough. This is usually done the night before as it takes awhile for the yeast to rise. The night before was also prepared meat with onions and a sauce to add into the mix. Eggs are boiled the night before as well. When we arrived the preparation that we did was to peel the eggs and cut the onions. Most of the cutting was done in our hands, no cutting boards were used. Chileans like to make a crisscross pattern in the onion and then slice it. This has a dicing effect. The balls of dough are rolled into circles with rolling pins; a saucepan lid is placed over the top and is used as a pattern to make a circle. The trays are greased. Soon there was a pile of round pastries. People took one each, added some mince to the centre, and other ingredients such as raisins and olives, and quarter of a boiled egg. The pastry was folded in half and the edges pushed down and then rolled over the top to stop the sauce from leaking out. They were then transferred to the trays and basted with a mix of butter and something else I can’t remember. Two vents were made so the pastry did not explode. They were then baked in an earth oven for approximately 15 minutes. They are similar to our mince pies back home and yet they remind me of making wontons in the method of putting the ingredients in the centre and folding it over at the edges.
CUECA
Later in the afternoon we watched cueca being dances. This is the traditional dance of Chile. The girl and boy broke us into sides of women and men and taught us how to do this dance. Some with more success than others. I can’t claim to say that I have mastered this.
I apologise for this video. It orientates itself after a few seconds when I turn the camera around lol.
In the evening we went camping at one of the AFS volunteer’s farm. We had a huge bonfire and sang songs and some Italian games. I can’t say that I learnt any Chilean songs sorry however it was really great talking to the exchange students and hearing the type of music that students listen to at school. I am hoping to download some of this when I met with them next week at our local chapter president’s house.
LLAY LLAY
Today (5th Sep) we were taken on a tour of Llay Llay. They explained a few legends but unfortunately my Spanish is not good enough to understand what they are saying yet. The area around LLay is very volcanic. There were huge hills with boulders that had obviously rolled down a long time ago. Two people were practicing rock climbing on these. Scattered amongst the rocks were cacti. It reminded me a lot of films I had seen of the Wild West, or Mexico. I have never been to these two places but the hills were brown and dusty, wild horses or maybe even donkeys were scattered around eating whatever little grass they could. I am kicking myself for not bringing my camera on this trip. I was so cold during the night we were in tents and I didn’t sleep much, so can’t say fully functioning this morning. I wish I wa able to find a map but no luck sorry. If you are interested you can google earth this.
1st September (1st official day of spring in NZ)
BANKS
I learnt today that banks close at 2pm. They are only open Monday to Friday and not in the weekends yet they use these hours. I went up to the bank door and it was locked but there were people inside who told me they were closed. I would like to know how people who work manage to do their banking? It is something that I will have to ask someone at school. In Valparaiso they have a whole street of banks only. It is a really long street and it’s quite amazing how many banks or exchanges are on it.
People go on their lunch break at about 1pm, or use internet banking or ATM machines. The bank may be closed but the bank tellers etc still work the same hours as a business eg the may finish at 7pm.
TRIP TO MUSEUM
In English class they were set the task of talking about a display in a museum in English. Today they went to the museum and I was lucky enough to be invited to join them. These are some of the things that I saw.
30th August 2010 (I have now been here a month – gosh it has gone fast!)
Interviewed a class at san Ignacio today regarding some of the question on the wall wisher site
1. What do their names sound like?
Common names for boys are: Juan, Pedro, Alejandro, Sebastian, Andrés, Nicholas
Common names for girls are: Camila, Valentina, Javiera, Rosa
2. How many people live in Chile?
17 million approximately
3. Are they allowed to walk around with guns?
The general public; No, however all Policeman have guns.
4. Is there heaps of racism? (Answers from the students were:)
Yes. Most of the racism is aimed towards the Mapuche and Peruvians from Chileans – because lots come here for work. Most of these people live in poor situations and do low paid jobs - some nannies are thieves. The Peruvians have a lot of restaurants and make very good food.
5. PLACES TO VISIT IN CHILE (30/8/10)
South
Go to Chiloe they are very polite. South of Chile is known for its food. They serve lots of food and you must eat it or they will be offended. Visit Frutillar, Puerto Varas, Pucon. You can see volcanoes in Villarrica. Puerto Montt is a bay which has lots of handicraft fairs and restaurants of typical Chilean food.
North
Atacama dessert is the driest dessert in the world. Desierto de Atacama is in the third region. Valle del Elqui – many astrologists go there to watch the stars. You can see the stars up close because there are not a lot of artificial lights from the city.
6. I also asked about movies and TV programmes to students at San Dominic
Good Chilean Movies:Mitos y leyendas – this about magic cards which used to be popular
Popular TV programmes: Telethon – this is to raise money for handicapped children
Buenos dias a todos – this is a morning programme that housewives usually watch
Calle 7 / Yingo– this is competitions / games for teenagers
Alfombra Roja – this show talks about celebrities
La ley de la selva – Animal Rescue
Fiebre de Baile – Dancing competition
Ultimo Pasajero – this is a competition for schools and they win a trip
International students watch: News, Mexican Soap Operas with grandmother
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