27 September 2010
Kudos to Christina
I retract my ill-will to those of you who have pictures above your blog. Thanks to my sister, I have found a much simpler way to be able to efficiently read posts. Thanks for giving me one less thing to complain about Christina.
26 September 2010
New Goal in Life
My new goal in life is to read the top 100 most commonly banned books. I already have a few down:
http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/frequentlychallenged/challengedbydecade/2000_2009/index.cfm
http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/frequentlychallenged/challengedbydecade/2000_2009/index.cfm
25 September 2010
Pictures on Top of Blogs
I've decided to take my whale picture down because I've noticed that I don't like when people have pictures at the top. My current blog-reading plan is I open up Internet Explorer (I usually use Google Chrome) and my homepage is 8 tabs of blogs I follow. Then I just close the tabs if there are no updates. But with a picture on top, there's the extra step of having to scroll down to check. I don't want to cause this problem with anybody on my site.
Also, I can't seem to change my address to white font so it's easier to see. Try as I might, it wont change!
Also, I can't seem to change my address to white font so it's easier to see. Try as I might, it wont change!
24 September 2010
Spanish as a Second Language
Today I began some of my work that I'll be doing here. I work with the Science department three times a week, with Friday's having me in a lab of some sort. The other two days are mostly devoted to working on posters to put up on the science bulletin board in the courtyard. I am told to make them super awesome. I will keep you posted.
But back to today: I worked in a Chemistry lab about acids and bases. The teacher doesn't speak one word of English. I ended up working with a group of students that knew some English and that I had made friends with on week one. Mostly today I was another student following along with the experiment. It was one of the more frustrating things I have had to do!
It's SO frustrating to know what the experiment is about and know the content behind it but to be completely helpless. I didn't know how to describe what was happening and couldn't understand any of the directions. In fact, if I didn't have the science background, I would have had no idea as to what we were doing.
It made me think about ESL students in our schools and how frustrating it can be for them. I was trying to do high school science (which I should be good at) but should have been doing 1st grade science if I wanted to be able to complete the assignment in Spanish. But that would be super boring for me. I can appreciate the difficulty in placing non-native speakers in classes. The content is fine, but expressing it very difficult. But if you go down so the expressing is easier, the content is boring. Very hard. It only reminds me of all the extra work I'm going to have to do outside of class on Spanish just so that I can accomplish my real working tasks.
Oh Deary
But back to today: I worked in a Chemistry lab about acids and bases. The teacher doesn't speak one word of English. I ended up working with a group of students that knew some English and that I had made friends with on week one. Mostly today I was another student following along with the experiment. It was one of the more frustrating things I have had to do!
It's SO frustrating to know what the experiment is about and know the content behind it but to be completely helpless. I didn't know how to describe what was happening and couldn't understand any of the directions. In fact, if I didn't have the science background, I would have had no idea as to what we were doing.
It made me think about ESL students in our schools and how frustrating it can be for them. I was trying to do high school science (which I should be good at) but should have been doing 1st grade science if I wanted to be able to complete the assignment in Spanish. But that would be super boring for me. I can appreciate the difficulty in placing non-native speakers in classes. The content is fine, but expressing it very difficult. But if you go down so the expressing is easier, the content is boring. Very hard. It only reminds me of all the extra work I'm going to have to do outside of class on Spanish just so that I can accomplish my real working tasks.
Oh Deary
23 September 2010
And the Earth Shook
Today we experienced our first tremor! It was pretty nuts. Andrew and I were sitting out in the courtyard and suddenly I noticed that the ground was moving beneath us. It felt similar to when someone shakes the loft your bed when your in it - a back and forth motion. Except here, it was the earth that was shaking! It was incredible.
Immediately all the classes began emptying out into the courtyard. You want to get away from the glass we were told. The buildings will be okay, but the glass could break. And, they never know if a tremor will result in a big earthquake or not, so they go out and wait a while before heading back in. It was so weird. There's no need for a fire alarm or tornado announcement. You feel the ground move, so you go outside - that's your warning/tell. There's not a very easy way to predict.
It was so surreal to experience. It was one of those moments where I got to appreciate the power of the earth. I've been in some bad storms, but that seems different. This was the earth itself adjusting positions. Incredible!
Hope all is well with you!
Immediately all the classes began emptying out into the courtyard. You want to get away from the glass we were told. The buildings will be okay, but the glass could break. And, they never know if a tremor will result in a big earthquake or not, so they go out and wait a while before heading back in. It was so weird. There's no need for a fire alarm or tornado announcement. You feel the ground move, so you go outside - that's your warning/tell. There's not a very easy way to predict.
It was so surreal to experience. It was one of those moments where I got to appreciate the power of the earth. I've been in some bad storms, but that seems different. This was the earth itself adjusting positions. Incredible!
Hope all is well with you!
21 September 2010
New Mailing Address
See Above! Sorry for all the confusion, apparently this one is faster to get to.
20 September 2010
And Then There Was a Fire Fight!
Sunday was amazing! One of my dreams ever since starting up kite flying came to pass on that day. For that day, dear readers, was the day I took flight to do battle amongst the celestial beings and claim my seat on the side of glory! Here lies the tale:
Imagine a sky lit up with the fiery flurry of a hundred blood thirsty warriors, channeling this rage through cotton line to their death from above vessels. I dare Stravinsky himself to come up with a composition fitting for such a war between so many. The sides? There are no teams in the sky. Like international waters, anything goes up in the blue seas of the heavens. Truces brokered and broken, greedy alliances made for the sole purpose of knives to the back. No no dear readers, I assure you – every kite is up there pursuing their own means. Every kite races to be the highest, fastest, and deadliest bird of prey in the land.
Like a baby fresh from the womb, Jeremy fumbled over himself as he tried to set sail his sky-warrior. Unable to accomplish the most rudimentary form of flight, Jer felt himself toppling down Piaget’s pyramid and cursed the gods for his ineptitude. But take heart dear reader, a man took pity on Jer, much like any father would take pity on such a site. Relieving the time when he taught his own son how to ride a bicycle, he taught Jer how the basics of fighting kites. You can tell he’s a man who wants his newly adopted son to achieve, because his biological son is a disappointment. He got involved with the wrong crowd in high school and now spends much of his time between prison sentences flipping tricks on the street. Well, this makes this man think that if he had spent more time with his son, you know, playing catch and going to baseball games instead of working, that maybe he’d have a married son and be a grandpa. You know, that sort of thing.
At last, the kite broke through the lowest stratosphere and took its place amongst angels. Here, Jeremy thought, is where I belong. A calming sense overtook him as he watched his flight go up to the heavens. This is beauty, he muses. Such a gift from nature’s laws to allow a fanciful dream of flight. Jer soaks this in and feels one with the world.
But lo! A maniacal kites cuts through the line! “Fucking Shit!” Jeremy yells. That was my kite! My happiness depended on that tissue orb! But his roars go unanswered. The masked assailant is already off, destroying dreams of the innocent.
Now dear reader, take heart! For Jer may have been had this time but the vengeance he swore on that hallowed ground is complete and consuming! Joining the mad sharks circling fighters at death’s door, Jer is an animal! He will stop at nothing to reclaim what was taken – a kite. Is he the oldest one, yes. But age has no place on the grounds of war, dear reader; Only vengeance and redemption.
An lo, with the finesse of a wrangler, Jer grabs the line out of the air and assumes command of his new commandeered ship. With grace, he lands the sentinel safely – line needs to be replenished.
As Jer sets to work refurbishing his craft a young boy, who came to the festival with Jer, asks to have a turn in the skies. So young, so innocent. Jer acquiesces. Who among you readers can deny a boy the simple joys of kites? And as Jer looks onto the horizon, his battered ego holds its head high. Balance has returned. All is right again.
For those of you confused with the diction of this post, I was taking a stab at writing in the Wizard People, Dear Reader style. It may not runs as smooth as the Laurence D'Olivier, but getting in this mindset did bring me back to my senior year apartment and was a good way to reminisce about all the fun I had with my roommates. I miss the Treehouse quite a bit and look forward to next summer when we will have our first reunion (unofficial – which is the only real way to hark back to our times).
Cheers,
Imagine a sky lit up with the fiery flurry of a hundred blood thirsty warriors, channeling this rage through cotton line to their death from above vessels. I dare Stravinsky himself to come up with a composition fitting for such a war between so many. The sides? There are no teams in the sky. Like international waters, anything goes up in the blue seas of the heavens. Truces brokered and broken, greedy alliances made for the sole purpose of knives to the back. No no dear readers, I assure you – every kite is up there pursuing their own means. Every kite races to be the highest, fastest, and deadliest bird of prey in the land.
Like a baby fresh from the womb, Jeremy fumbled over himself as he tried to set sail his sky-warrior. Unable to accomplish the most rudimentary form of flight, Jer felt himself toppling down Piaget’s pyramid and cursed the gods for his ineptitude. But take heart dear reader, a man took pity on Jer, much like any father would take pity on such a site. Relieving the time when he taught his own son how to ride a bicycle, he taught Jer how the basics of fighting kites. You can tell he’s a man who wants his newly adopted son to achieve, because his biological son is a disappointment. He got involved with the wrong crowd in high school and now spends much of his time between prison sentences flipping tricks on the street. Well, this makes this man think that if he had spent more time with his son, you know, playing catch and going to baseball games instead of working, that maybe he’d have a married son and be a grandpa. You know, that sort of thing.
At last, the kite broke through the lowest stratosphere and took its place amongst angels. Here, Jeremy thought, is where I belong. A calming sense overtook him as he watched his flight go up to the heavens. This is beauty, he muses. Such a gift from nature’s laws to allow a fanciful dream of flight. Jer soaks this in and feels one with the world.
But lo! A maniacal kites cuts through the line! “Fucking Shit!” Jeremy yells. That was my kite! My happiness depended on that tissue orb! But his roars go unanswered. The masked assailant is already off, destroying dreams of the innocent.
Now dear reader, take heart! For Jer may have been had this time but the vengeance he swore on that hallowed ground is complete and consuming! Joining the mad sharks circling fighters at death’s door, Jer is an animal! He will stop at nothing to reclaim what was taken – a kite. Is he the oldest one, yes. But age has no place on the grounds of war, dear reader; Only vengeance and redemption.
An lo, with the finesse of a wrangler, Jer grabs the line out of the air and assumes command of his new commandeered ship. With grace, he lands the sentinel safely – line needs to be replenished.
As Jer sets to work refurbishing his craft a young boy, who came to the festival with Jer, asks to have a turn in the skies. So young, so innocent. Jer acquiesces. Who among you readers can deny a boy the simple joys of kites? And as Jer looks onto the horizon, his battered ego holds its head high. Balance has returned. All is right again.
For those of you confused with the diction of this post, I was taking a stab at writing in the Wizard People, Dear Reader style. It may not runs as smooth as the Laurence D'Olivier, but getting in this mindset did bring me back to my senior year apartment and was a good way to reminisce about all the fun I had with my roommates. I miss the Treehouse quite a bit and look forward to next summer when we will have our first reunion (unofficial – which is the only real way to hark back to our times).
Cheers,
17 September 2010
Sit Down Gringo!!
Today was quite a day for me! Tonight there was a big celebration downtown involving a light show. Tens of thousands of Chileans showed up and let me just say I have never been so intimately connected to humanity as I was tonight. Starting on the train. We got on a train that had zero space for anyone. What you would do was to wait for the door to open and then a mob would rush and push themselves into the at capacity train. I was lucky to be in the front so was just shoved in and stuck amongst throngs of people. And there were still three stops to go! Everyone was taking the train as close to downtown so at each stop along our way there were hundreds of people trying to shove their way in. It was nuts.
We got down into the center and took our place amongst the throngs and waited for the show to start. I’m thankful to the Chilean people because their average height is several inches below me so I was able to see quite well. Of course, some wily young men picked this up and started to yell at me (slightly good-naturedly, slightly maliciously) to sit down. Nothing came of it, but after the day I was having – who knew (see below post).
The show was amazing though! Incredible. It was all projected onto a big building, but they were able to make 3D images on the façade. The entire building was rippling at one point and at another, Easter Island Heads were emerging from the flat wall. Mind blowing stuff.
I’ve never been in a mass of people that large before. I got a sense of how small I really as a person and I had this feeling of losing all individuality for the mentality of this crowd. We were all here to support Chile. I’m sure that same guy who tried to rob me was somewhere there as well. But it didn’t matter. We were just part of a massive outpouring of people. It was so anonymous. It made me kind of understand how riots can begin when so many people are there. And yes, I was planning my escape strategy if a riot did begin (although how do you escape being in the middle of 30,000+ people?). But through all of this, there were no problems. And afterwards, everyone just walked back to the trains. It was incredible.
We got down into the center and took our place amongst the throngs and waited for the show to start. I’m thankful to the Chilean people because their average height is several inches below me so I was able to see quite well. Of course, some wily young men picked this up and started to yell at me (slightly good-naturedly, slightly maliciously) to sit down. Nothing came of it, but after the day I was having – who knew (see below post).
The show was amazing though! Incredible. It was all projected onto a big building, but they were able to make 3D images on the façade. The entire building was rippling at one point and at another, Easter Island Heads were emerging from the flat wall. Mind blowing stuff.
I’ve never been in a mass of people that large before. I got a sense of how small I really as a person and I had this feeling of losing all individuality for the mentality of this crowd. We were all here to support Chile. I’m sure that same guy who tried to rob me was somewhere there as well. But it didn’t matter. We were just part of a massive outpouring of people. It was so anonymous. It made me kind of understand how riots can begin when so many people are there. And yes, I was planning my escape strategy if a riot did begin (although how do you escape being in the middle of 30,000+ people?). But through all of this, there were no problems. And afterwards, everyone just walked back to the trains. It was incredible.
Big City Hospitality
I was involved in a mugging attempt! And to clear all your worried minds, I am completely fine and nothing was stolen, save for a bit of my innocence. But it was quite an experience.
We had just finished a museum tour of gold and silver artifacts from South America (which was pretty cool in and of itself). We were headed back to the oblate house in the city and were walking down a road that was just off the main downtown area (code for lots of people around). I wish this story was more exciting but it was all over pretty fast and not much came from it.
I knew there was someone behind us but in my peripheral vision I thought it was a young boy walking. I was the caboose of our train and was simply walking behind one of the guys when I noticed that this child was really close to me (he was definitely ghosting). Either he was new to thievery or a mastermind at distraction because he bumped my foot once or twice the way that accidently happens when you’re walking too close to someone (I have done it several time to Andrew). I like to think he was trying to get me to turn around or stop and be unawares, but I just kept walking on because, like I said, I thought that this was a little boy behind us.
SUDDENLY (all caps so its tone) the guy grabbed my camera strap and tried pulling it over my head. Lucky for me that I had my arm securely on top of the camera bag and I was about a foot taller than him so the strap never really separated from my shoulder. There’s probably several things that I could have done better but I remember either turning or being jostled by him and getting pushed into the wall of the building we were walking by. There wasn’t much reaction on my part, simply a quizzical look at this man. I guess I forgot I had a posse of 5 walking with me so I could’ve thrown down, but nothing came of it and we continued our walk. Overall, it was just a strange experience and I am very thankful/lucky that he did not get my camera (at the time my wallet was in there as well – I thought it would be safer to keep it in my bag rather than my back pocket – I’m currently revisiting this idea). But once again, I’m pretty fine save for a bruise on my back and now a little wiser about the less-than-savory people of the world.
Take Care,
We had just finished a museum tour of gold and silver artifacts from South America (which was pretty cool in and of itself). We were headed back to the oblate house in the city and were walking down a road that was just off the main downtown area (code for lots of people around). I wish this story was more exciting but it was all over pretty fast and not much came from it.
I knew there was someone behind us but in my peripheral vision I thought it was a young boy walking. I was the caboose of our train and was simply walking behind one of the guys when I noticed that this child was really close to me (he was definitely ghosting). Either he was new to thievery or a mastermind at distraction because he bumped my foot once or twice the way that accidently happens when you’re walking too close to someone (I have done it several time to Andrew). I like to think he was trying to get me to turn around or stop and be unawares, but I just kept walking on because, like I said, I thought that this was a little boy behind us.
SUDDENLY (all caps so its tone) the guy grabbed my camera strap and tried pulling it over my head. Lucky for me that I had my arm securely on top of the camera bag and I was about a foot taller than him so the strap never really separated from my shoulder. There’s probably several things that I could have done better but I remember either turning or being jostled by him and getting pushed into the wall of the building we were walking by. There wasn’t much reaction on my part, simply a quizzical look at this man. I guess I forgot I had a posse of 5 walking with me so I could’ve thrown down, but nothing came of it and we continued our walk. Overall, it was just a strange experience and I am very thankful/lucky that he did not get my camera (at the time my wallet was in there as well – I thought it would be safer to keep it in my bag rather than my back pocket – I’m currently revisiting this idea). But once again, I’m pretty fine save for a bruise on my back and now a little wiser about the less-than-savory people of the world.
Take Care,
Being a kid is where it’s at
Today we went to a museum showcasing gold and silver artifacts from South America. There were some pretty cool things there, involving a large collection of cups and straws for you Mate drinkers out there. Of course, most of it was in Spanish (save for the artifact names, they had an English translation) so I got to walk around and bypass the “adult” information and mostly just read the children’s abstract at the bottom. I’m proud to say that I was able to understand about 95% of this information! But of course, there was some good-natured ribbing. As one of my housemates put it “This is like a summary of all of this. Well, it’s actually written for the children but it will be good for you.” Thank you Vincente. Always looking out for me!
16 September 2010
Shower surprises
Our water here at the house is heated by a gas heater. In some ways I think this is very efficient and cool – it heats the water as you use it. There’s no risk of running out of hot water unless you run out of gas. But there are a few setbacks.
1) There is never a consistent temperature for the shower dial. Usually after a few showers, you know exactly where to turn the knob to get the optimal temperature for your body: not too hot, not too cold. Unfortunately, here this is not as uniform, depending on who turns the heater on in the morning. There’s three levels on the heater; a picture of two flames, a picture of one flame, and two scratch marks just below one flame to set the dial between. Now Andrew and I were told to set the dial between those two scratches. I have discovered (in not the pleasantest of ways) that not everyone follows that rule. I once had a horrible shower where I was being scalded the entire time only to find that someone had the heater set on double flame! Even the coldest setting was boiling!
2) There is a bit of a lag time between the heater and the faucet. When you turn the water on, it takes a second or two for the pump to kick in and the fires to begin. Not that big of a deal. It becomes a big deal when someone else in the house uses the water. For example, when suddenly the other shower is turned off, now you are the sole recipient of the water being heated – it gets very hot. Or vice versa, if someone begins their shower, they leach your hot water for a few seconds and you get splashed with some cold water.
3) Unrelated to the water heater but thought it was worth mentioning. There’s a window in the bathroom that is on the shower side of the curtain. I’m not sure how well/how much a person on outside the house can see in, but today I threw caution to the winds and did not close the window. After all, it is the sole escape for the steam. I realized after the shower that I probably looked a little childish, basking under the warm water only to have to quickly jump out of the way and almost slip to avoid it’s hellfire when the other shower stopped. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to this.
1) There is never a consistent temperature for the shower dial. Usually after a few showers, you know exactly where to turn the knob to get the optimal temperature for your body: not too hot, not too cold. Unfortunately, here this is not as uniform, depending on who turns the heater on in the morning. There’s three levels on the heater; a picture of two flames, a picture of one flame, and two scratch marks just below one flame to set the dial between. Now Andrew and I were told to set the dial between those two scratches. I have discovered (in not the pleasantest of ways) that not everyone follows that rule. I once had a horrible shower where I was being scalded the entire time only to find that someone had the heater set on double flame! Even the coldest setting was boiling!
2) There is a bit of a lag time between the heater and the faucet. When you turn the water on, it takes a second or two for the pump to kick in and the fires to begin. Not that big of a deal. It becomes a big deal when someone else in the house uses the water. For example, when suddenly the other shower is turned off, now you are the sole recipient of the water being heated – it gets very hot. Or vice versa, if someone begins their shower, they leach your hot water for a few seconds and you get splashed with some cold water.
3) Unrelated to the water heater but thought it was worth mentioning. There’s a window in the bathroom that is on the shower side of the curtain. I’m not sure how well/how much a person on outside the house can see in, but today I threw caution to the winds and did not close the window. After all, it is the sole escape for the steam. I realized after the shower that I probably looked a little childish, basking under the warm water only to have to quickly jump out of the way and almost slip to avoid it’s hellfire when the other shower stopped. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to this.
Uneven Sideburns
I think the mirror is broke in our bathroom.
I have been having trouble getting my sideburns even when I shave in the morning. I typically notice they’re out of sync in the car as we drive off. I hope that I’m the only one taking note. But I can’t figure it out! In the bathroom mirror they look fine. In the car mirror, they’re askew. I don’t know what to do (don’t suggest cutting them off!).
I have been having trouble getting my sideburns even when I shave in the morning. I typically notice they’re out of sync in the car as we drive off. I hope that I’m the only one taking note. But I can’t figure it out! In the bathroom mirror they look fine. In the car mirror, they’re askew. I don’t know what to do (don’t suggest cutting them off!).
Prayer
15 September 2010
Today’s prayers were awesome! Not because of the psalms read or any big revelations gleaned. Solely for the fact that morning and evening prayers were done in the car as we drove to and from Valparaiso, and midday prayer was done at lunch as we sipped on wine and beer. I found this to be very hilarious. Where else would you experience this? At monasteries, prayers on done at the church. Since they’re not monks here, they kind of do them how they see fit, like taking turns reading the psalms as we drive down the interstate. I great way to multitask!
Today’s prayers were awesome! Not because of the psalms read or any big revelations gleaned. Solely for the fact that morning and evening prayers were done in the car as we drove to and from Valparaiso, and midday prayer was done at lunch as we sipped on wine and beer. I found this to be very hilarious. Where else would you experience this? At monasteries, prayers on done at the church. Since they’re not monks here, they kind of do them how they see fit, like taking turns reading the psalms as we drive down the interstate. I great way to multitask!
Saying hello to Australia
Yesterday we spent the day out at Valparaiso, the coastal city of Santiago. This city was out of control! It reminded me a bit of a modern day Tortuga (Pirates of the Caribbean joke there); every searchable building surface was graffitied and many buildings were brightly colored. A lot of vendors were selling magnets with pictures of various artworks found around the city. I suppose there’s a bit of pride that goes along with it.
The city was quite interesting because there is no rhyme or reason to its layout. Just build as you go. It’s especially noticeable at some restaurants; when they were built, they were on a lovely hillside and the outdoor patio had a beautiful view of the bay. Now most of those views are of giant apartments and grey buildings.
The most notable part of the trip, I would say, was seeing the sunset. This isn’t my first sun setting into the ocean nor will it be my last – hopefully. But, it was quite something to behold nonetheless. The last time I looked on to the Pacific was when I was in Australia. We would wake up early to see the sun rise out of the Pacific when we were up at the Great Barrier Reef. I like to think that as I watched the sun go down, someone was in Australia watching it rise. I felt very connected and was quite homesick for Australia while here. I lived in a port city in Australia and being here brought back memories of Fremantle. One quite physical memory being a sort of pine tree that I found outside of the museum we went to. It’s the same tree that was all over Fremantle and whose pine needle (best description, but not really just a needle, more like a frond) was in my room in Australia and now I have one here in Chile. Today was the closest I’ve felt to Australia since leaving – and now I’m craving some TimTams.
The city was quite interesting because there is no rhyme or reason to its layout. Just build as you go. It’s especially noticeable at some restaurants; when they were built, they were on a lovely hillside and the outdoor patio had a beautiful view of the bay. Now most of those views are of giant apartments and grey buildings.
The most notable part of the trip, I would say, was seeing the sunset. This isn’t my first sun setting into the ocean nor will it be my last – hopefully. But, it was quite something to behold nonetheless. The last time I looked on to the Pacific was when I was in Australia. We would wake up early to see the sun rise out of the Pacific when we were up at the Great Barrier Reef. I like to think that as I watched the sun go down, someone was in Australia watching it rise. I felt very connected and was quite homesick for Australia while here. I lived in a port city in Australia and being here brought back memories of Fremantle. One quite physical memory being a sort of pine tree that I found outside of the museum we went to. It’s the same tree that was all over Fremantle and whose pine needle (best description, but not really just a needle, more like a frond) was in my room in Australia and now I have one here in Chile. Today was the closest I’ve felt to Australia since leaving – and now I’m craving some TimTams.
15 September 2010
The Quest of the Unknown House
There is another house that oblates live in which is in Santiago (we’re more in a suburb north of Santiago). I think that this is the house that some of the English gentlemen that I have been acquainted live. I have been to this house now three times but have not been able to step foot inside yet. This is going to become my sole goal in the next month, get inside of this house. I’m being teased!
The first two times were because we needed to drop something off – no point in me getting out of the car. It was quick and easy.
The third time (today) we were picking someone up to go with us downtown. I was able to get out of the car (we were walking to the metro) and got past the outer barricade but was not able to breach the door to the inside. Oh, but I am making my way.
The first two times were because we needed to drop something off – no point in me getting out of the car. It was quick and easy.
The third time (today) we were picking someone up to go with us downtown. I was able to get out of the car (we were walking to the metro) and got past the outer barricade but was not able to breach the door to the inside. Oh, but I am making my way.
13 September 2010
Instantacity
I adore coffee. I love the smell of it, the taste of it; the whole experience. I love the oily sheen of coffee beans and the brown froth that forms on the top of an espresso. It’s an elegant drink and, when made correctly, one of the most beautiful things you can experience.
It can give you the endurance to write a paper, the fortitude to break off a relationship and the solace to begin an idea. It’s a reason in itself to stay in touch with people. It is one of the most unifying things in the world and also one of the most derisive.
Coffee is personal. A relationship that grows and intensifies. It can begin poorly with bad experiences. Coffee is a cheap whore or an elegant princess, depending on how you treat her. She can be a bland encounter or an intoxicating endeavor. She’s a she because I’m a he who likes shes but coffee can be so much more. It is personal.
She can be pressed, squeezed, dripped, percolated – dressed in lavish costumes of crème and chocolate, while accessorized with sugar. People adore her; artists try to recreate her in chocolate, cakes, and martinis. She is an entity that is not necessary, but after losing her one loses vibrancy.
Coffee is unfair. Through rubbing the coarse grounds in your fingers you can feel the dirt and grit that goes into getting coffee to your cup. Like sacrificial lambs, farmers are growing the crop without reward, a great injustice for the ones bring us this ambrosia. They are the great chiefs that distance permits us to forget rather to respect. A cruel injustice that adds to the bitterness of each sip.
But we are stuck in this never-ending cycle. Coffee is a leech, we love it but at the same time it destroys us. Our benefit comes at someone else’s cost, and coffee reminds us of this with its affect on our system. Only the inexperienced succumb to the effect of the jitters, but everyone falls victim to the effect on the bowels. Coffee’s revenge.
Through all of this, I still court her. She is a mistress I try to master, but am always at a loss. Coffee is wild and free, and no one can bridle her in her truist essence.
So when I come to a country that’s only coffee is INSTANT, a part of me is burnt. Instant coffee is only a shadow. You can’t think with a cup of instant coffee. It’s only purpose is to keep the reader busy. But even though it poses and I look upon it with such disdain, I can’t escape it because it retains a bit of its essence. Instant and Decaf are the bastard children of coffee, corrupted through human meddling. It’s never appreciated, and I hate myself a little bit for drinking such a brutish form, but it reminds me of the real being. Even this vile connection is clung to vehemently; for it is the only connection I have with my elusive lady.
The salt in this wound is this: while cheap coffee can be dressed up with milk and sugar, here there is no real milk. An added insult to my humiliation.
It can give you the endurance to write a paper, the fortitude to break off a relationship and the solace to begin an idea. It’s a reason in itself to stay in touch with people. It is one of the most unifying things in the world and also one of the most derisive.
Coffee is personal. A relationship that grows and intensifies. It can begin poorly with bad experiences. Coffee is a cheap whore or an elegant princess, depending on how you treat her. She can be a bland encounter or an intoxicating endeavor. She’s a she because I’m a he who likes shes but coffee can be so much more. It is personal.
She can be pressed, squeezed, dripped, percolated – dressed in lavish costumes of crème and chocolate, while accessorized with sugar. People adore her; artists try to recreate her in chocolate, cakes, and martinis. She is an entity that is not necessary, but after losing her one loses vibrancy.
Coffee is unfair. Through rubbing the coarse grounds in your fingers you can feel the dirt and grit that goes into getting coffee to your cup. Like sacrificial lambs, farmers are growing the crop without reward, a great injustice for the ones bring us this ambrosia. They are the great chiefs that distance permits us to forget rather to respect. A cruel injustice that adds to the bitterness of each sip.
But we are stuck in this never-ending cycle. Coffee is a leech, we love it but at the same time it destroys us. Our benefit comes at someone else’s cost, and coffee reminds us of this with its affect on our system. Only the inexperienced succumb to the effect of the jitters, but everyone falls victim to the effect on the bowels. Coffee’s revenge.
Through all of this, I still court her. She is a mistress I try to master, but am always at a loss. Coffee is wild and free, and no one can bridle her in her truist essence.
So when I come to a country that’s only coffee is INSTANT, a part of me is burnt. Instant coffee is only a shadow. You can’t think with a cup of instant coffee. It’s only purpose is to keep the reader busy. But even though it poses and I look upon it with such disdain, I can’t escape it because it retains a bit of its essence. Instant and Decaf are the bastard children of coffee, corrupted through human meddling. It’s never appreciated, and I hate myself a little bit for drinking such a brutish form, but it reminds me of the real being. Even this vile connection is clung to vehemently; for it is the only connection I have with my elusive lady.
The salt in this wound is this: while cheap coffee can be dressed up with milk and sugar, here there is no real milk. An added insult to my humiliation.
The Mall
13 September 2010
This afternoon we had a little excursion including giving back a key to an oblate which I accidentally stole and picking up some supplies at a store (where I got some envelopes). Three things jumped out at the Mall that I wanted to give attention to:
1) There was a Dunkin’ Donuts! This is very exciting because of some trivia about me – Dunkin’ Donuts coffee is my favorite coffee at home. It’s what I have on hand by my pot. Unfortunately, all they had to offer was espresso (Chile doesn’t do regular coffee, see blog above). Also, a slogan came to mind: “America runs on Dunkin.’” It looks as though they should change it to Americas run on Dunkin’. However, I feel as though Dunkin’ Donuts means USA when they say American and, if so, then I find this a bit disturbing. You see, in my hometown – Omaha – there no Dunkin’ Donuts. Sure, I can buy the coffee at the store, but I can’t go there. The first time I went to one was in Boston and it felt like I was finally meeting somebody that I knew already but was never introduced properly (happens to me a lot).
So Dunkin’, perhaps before you try to challenge Starbucks globally, maybe you should make good on your slogan and put a store in Omaha.
2) The parking lot was electronic! There were lights at every spot that were green if it was open and red if it was not. And electronic signs at the end of each row to tell you how many spots were open in the section! It was crazy. And Awesome! I think America could benefit from this. It seems a bit excessive so we undoubtedly will adopt it soon.
3) The mannequins all had nipples! It was as if it was very cold in all the display windows. Now here I’m going to have to defer to my female fashion gurus. Is the new style of clothing going to be no bra and skin-tight shirts during the winter? I suppose it makes sense to make a mannequin as accurate as possible, but the fact that they’re not made of flesh already kind of voids this. If they insist on putting nipples on them, shouldn’t they be placing bras on them as well? It felt a little PG13 with these mannequins. I wonder what they’ll start doing with the male mannequins…
Take Care,
This afternoon we had a little excursion including giving back a key to an oblate which I accidentally stole and picking up some supplies at a store (where I got some envelopes). Three things jumped out at the Mall that I wanted to give attention to:
1) There was a Dunkin’ Donuts! This is very exciting because of some trivia about me – Dunkin’ Donuts coffee is my favorite coffee at home. It’s what I have on hand by my pot. Unfortunately, all they had to offer was espresso (Chile doesn’t do regular coffee, see blog above). Also, a slogan came to mind: “America runs on Dunkin.’” It looks as though they should change it to Americas run on Dunkin’. However, I feel as though Dunkin’ Donuts means USA when they say American and, if so, then I find this a bit disturbing. You see, in my hometown – Omaha – there no Dunkin’ Donuts. Sure, I can buy the coffee at the store, but I can’t go there. The first time I went to one was in Boston and it felt like I was finally meeting somebody that I knew already but was never introduced properly (happens to me a lot).
So Dunkin’, perhaps before you try to challenge Starbucks globally, maybe you should make good on your slogan and put a store in Omaha.
2) The parking lot was electronic! There were lights at every spot that were green if it was open and red if it was not. And electronic signs at the end of each row to tell you how many spots were open in the section! It was crazy. And Awesome! I think America could benefit from this. It seems a bit excessive so we undoubtedly will adopt it soon.
3) The mannequins all had nipples! It was as if it was very cold in all the display windows. Now here I’m going to have to defer to my female fashion gurus. Is the new style of clothing going to be no bra and skin-tight shirts during the winter? I suppose it makes sense to make a mannequin as accurate as possible, but the fact that they’re not made of flesh already kind of voids this. If they insist on putting nipples on them, shouldn’t they be placing bras on them as well? It felt a little PG13 with these mannequins. I wonder what they’ll start doing with the male mannequins…
Take Care,
12 September 2010
A Legitimate Post
Well, after catching up on some of my fellow blog writers and their adventures in what they are doing, I became a little embarrassed about my bland explanations on the going-ons in Chile. Apologies. Here, I’ll try to make up for some of that.
I am living with the Manquehue community here in Santiago. It’s not a monastery but a Benedictine community of oblates that live in houses together. There is some difficulty in drawing out the boundaries of the community – it’s not as though we have monastic grounds such as at St. John’s. I believe there are three houses in which the oblates live (possibly more). I live in a nice pink house just north of Santiago with six men of the community, plus Andrew. It’s a two story, with the upstairs having a slight similarity to my house in Homaha: big room with bathroom, hallway, hallway bathroom, two rooms at end of hallway (not three as in Homaha). The rooms are pretty basic: bed, dresser, closet, nightstand. The closet and nightstand are shared – luckily neither Andrew nor I are bothered with the lamp being on if we’re trying to sleep so we don’t have to stay in sync.
Downstairs is complete with a common area, kitchen, dining room, office, and prayer room. We only have one access point to the internet so I’m getting better at loading a bunch of websites and then reading them later – there’s a newspaper here daily but I prefer the English variety.
It is an odd time to arrive in Chile because they are in the midst of preparing for their bicentennial as a country (September 18th). The first week here was spent touring the schools and participating in celebratory events and this next week we have off as everyone is celebrating independence. Today was my first experience at a Chilean barbecue (not for independence, but for two birthdays) where, unbeknownst to me at the time, I help assist in procuring the beer on Wednesday. The party was very nice and I already have several nicknames lovingly given to my be my Chilean friends such as “machinera” (don’t know why), “Senora Gaga” (do know why), and “Ah…si” (also know why). We had a good time and they served a delicious drink mixing white wine and mango. It was a fancy wop, much fancier than American wops anyway. On that note, today I helped explain what shot-gunning a beer meant to one of the oblates (no worries, I didn’t give an example).
So far, our weekdays have been ones of waking up around 6:00, taking turns in the shower (there’s eight of us and 2 showers so we go in 10 minute shifts), going to school at 7:00, working/touring/visiting with the school all day, coming home, free time, eating, compline, bed. Lunches and dinners are later here, one dinner not happening until 11:00pm!
Some highlights:
Got to witness a new member of the community make his oblate vows (pretty cool) and met briefly with the founder of the movement.
Joined the school team that ended up winning the house cup (it was very Harry Potter-esque).
Understanding when someone asks if I understand so I don’t simply stare and say “si” because usually it’s no.
Going on a four hour beer run for the birthday party and getting the nickname “Senora Gaga”
There are, of course, many other things that I could write about, but it’s hard to describe the community with only a week under my belt. The guys I live with are really nice and have done a great job making Andrew and I feel welcome. One has a very good Texas chainsaw impression (inside joke suckas!).
To some degree, it still feels as though I am simply going on a service trip and I don’t think that it has sunk in that I am here for nine months. We’re still feeling/treated like guests here so I would say it’s still the “Honeymoon” phase of the experience. Maybe next big update will be in a month or two to see how it has really sunk in.
I hope all is well with you (yes, I’m speaking to you directly). Despite my earlier claims, I am doing a bit of emailing so drop me a line if you are so inclined. I don’t have any envelopes or stamps yet, but I have three letters sitting on my nightstand so sorry to those who will receive them embarrassingly late. A Dios!
Take Care,
I am living with the Manquehue community here in Santiago. It’s not a monastery but a Benedictine community of oblates that live in houses together. There is some difficulty in drawing out the boundaries of the community – it’s not as though we have monastic grounds such as at St. John’s. I believe there are three houses in which the oblates live (possibly more). I live in a nice pink house just north of Santiago with six men of the community, plus Andrew. It’s a two story, with the upstairs having a slight similarity to my house in Homaha: big room with bathroom, hallway, hallway bathroom, two rooms at end of hallway (not three as in Homaha). The rooms are pretty basic: bed, dresser, closet, nightstand. The closet and nightstand are shared – luckily neither Andrew nor I are bothered with the lamp being on if we’re trying to sleep so we don’t have to stay in sync.
Downstairs is complete with a common area, kitchen, dining room, office, and prayer room. We only have one access point to the internet so I’m getting better at loading a bunch of websites and then reading them later – there’s a newspaper here daily but I prefer the English variety.
It is an odd time to arrive in Chile because they are in the midst of preparing for their bicentennial as a country (September 18th). The first week here was spent touring the schools and participating in celebratory events and this next week we have off as everyone is celebrating independence. Today was my first experience at a Chilean barbecue (not for independence, but for two birthdays) where, unbeknownst to me at the time, I help assist in procuring the beer on Wednesday. The party was very nice and I already have several nicknames lovingly given to my be my Chilean friends such as “machinera” (don’t know why), “Senora Gaga” (do know why), and “Ah…si” (also know why). We had a good time and they served a delicious drink mixing white wine and mango. It was a fancy wop, much fancier than American wops anyway. On that note, today I helped explain what shot-gunning a beer meant to one of the oblates (no worries, I didn’t give an example).
So far, our weekdays have been ones of waking up around 6:00, taking turns in the shower (there’s eight of us and 2 showers so we go in 10 minute shifts), going to school at 7:00, working/touring/visiting with the school all day, coming home, free time, eating, compline, bed. Lunches and dinners are later here, one dinner not happening until 11:00pm!
Some highlights:
Got to witness a new member of the community make his oblate vows (pretty cool) and met briefly with the founder of the movement.
Joined the school team that ended up winning the house cup (it was very Harry Potter-esque).
Understanding when someone asks if I understand so I don’t simply stare and say “si” because usually it’s no.
Going on a four hour beer run for the birthday party and getting the nickname “Senora Gaga”
There are, of course, many other things that I could write about, but it’s hard to describe the community with only a week under my belt. The guys I live with are really nice and have done a great job making Andrew and I feel welcome. One has a very good Texas chainsaw impression (inside joke suckas!).
To some degree, it still feels as though I am simply going on a service trip and I don’t think that it has sunk in that I am here for nine months. We’re still feeling/treated like guests here so I would say it’s still the “Honeymoon” phase of the experience. Maybe next big update will be in a month or two to see how it has really sunk in.
I hope all is well with you (yes, I’m speaking to you directly). Despite my earlier claims, I am doing a bit of emailing so drop me a line if you are so inclined. I don’t have any envelopes or stamps yet, but I have three letters sitting on my nightstand so sorry to those who will receive them embarrassingly late. A Dios!
Take Care,
11 September 2010
Pictures are up!
I put a few new pictures up so feel free to check them out: http://community.webshots.com/user/jpgraney
In total, I think that I have taken over 700 photos in these past two days. But no worries, I only put up about 14, mostly of me and my egocentric self.
In total, I think that I have taken over 700 photos in these past two days. But no worries, I only put up about 14, mostly of me and my egocentric self.
Running
11 September 2010
Went running today. A few variables to account for: The smog. It’s like running with a cigarette. Well, maybe not that bad, perhaps a pipe. The altitude. I’m a little higher than Omaha, but at my easy-going pace, this didn’t seem to be much of a factor. Three, the dogs. I had to stare down three strays as I sauntered by. No altercations to report.
It was a nice little run that I only was lost about once or twice. Granted, it was a bit longer than I had hoped, but I suppose that’s not necessarily bad news.
Went running today. A few variables to account for: The smog. It’s like running with a cigarette. Well, maybe not that bad, perhaps a pipe. The altitude. I’m a little higher than Omaha, but at my easy-going pace, this didn’t seem to be much of a factor. Three, the dogs. I had to stare down three strays as I sauntered by. No altercations to report.
It was a nice little run that I only was lost about once or twice. Granted, it was a bit longer than I had hoped, but I suppose that’s not necessarily bad news.
Week Anniversary
10 September 2010
Tomorrow marks my first week here in Chile. This week has been a bit crazy and has gone by quite quickly. We came at an awesome, yet logistically odd time. Chile’s Independence Day is the 18th, and all of the schools have next week off as holiday. So this week was their last week before break and, naturally, they had a lot of celebrations going on. None of the schools are in a typical schedule so our time has been split between getting orientated with what we’ll be doing this year and having and exchange of expectations, getting to know the students in informal settings (hanging or chilling with them), taking tours of the schools, praying, meeting other oblates and staff, praying, eating, and praying. The days have gone by rather quickly.
Next week I’m not 100% sure on what we will be doing but I think it will include a lot of celebrations. That’s where the oddness of the arrival comes into play. I guess I expected that we would be put right to work, but that is not the case. We have another week here of celebrations, which is good because we get to meet the extended community of Manquehue, but it does feel a bit odd because it’s a service experience with little service thus far. I think I just need to get this mentality out of my head. Start thinking of it more as a living experience. We’re here to experience another culture and community, not to work tirelessly on end. I’m sure after a few months I will love to have another two weeks like this, so best take it for all its worth!
Tomorrow marks my first week here in Chile. This week has been a bit crazy and has gone by quite quickly. We came at an awesome, yet logistically odd time. Chile’s Independence Day is the 18th, and all of the schools have next week off as holiday. So this week was their last week before break and, naturally, they had a lot of celebrations going on. None of the schools are in a typical schedule so our time has been split between getting orientated with what we’ll be doing this year and having and exchange of expectations, getting to know the students in informal settings (hanging or chilling with them), taking tours of the schools, praying, meeting other oblates and staff, praying, eating, and praying. The days have gone by rather quickly.
Next week I’m not 100% sure on what we will be doing but I think it will include a lot of celebrations. That’s where the oddness of the arrival comes into play. I guess I expected that we would be put right to work, but that is not the case. We have another week here of celebrations, which is good because we get to meet the extended community of Manquehue, but it does feel a bit odd because it’s a service experience with little service thus far. I think I just need to get this mentality out of my head. Start thinking of it more as a living experience. We’re here to experience another culture and community, not to work tirelessly on end. I’m sure after a few months I will love to have another two weeks like this, so best take it for all its worth!
07 September 2010
Where is the Apostrophe?
6 September 2010
This morning we got up bright and early to begin our day at the school that we will be working at while on our journey down here. It is called San Lorenzo (a saint that was burned because he wanted to use money directed towards the king for the poor – needless to say, he was in trouble). There is a crest for the Manquehue Movement and each school has a slight variation of this crest, via background color and one emblem. The unique San Lorenzo emblem is a grill, because of the saint. Awesome.
Today was nice to get out of the house a bit and meet the greater community of the Movement. I’ve met many oblates from the different houses and got to practice my Spanish a bit. Everyone is super nice and really make you feel welcome. And they are all very patient with me trying to speak with them. I do have some sneaking suspicions that not many are letting on on how much English they know. I will be careful in what I say…
But as for the Apostrophe; I had to draft up a Curriculum Vitae for our director so he would have some idea on where he could place us in the school. As I was typing this up, I quickly found out that I was using a Spanish keyboard and there were a lot of things that were moved around to make space for the Spanish symbols. It took a bit longer than usual to write it out and I kept using the wrong thing for an apostrophe until I finally figured out where the real upper squiggle was (shift+7). Of course, my comrade was typing in Spanish so he had little trouble. It probably helped him out even!
This morning we got up bright and early to begin our day at the school that we will be working at while on our journey down here. It is called San Lorenzo (a saint that was burned because he wanted to use money directed towards the king for the poor – needless to say, he was in trouble). There is a crest for the Manquehue Movement and each school has a slight variation of this crest, via background color and one emblem. The unique San Lorenzo emblem is a grill, because of the saint. Awesome.
Today was nice to get out of the house a bit and meet the greater community of the Movement. I’ve met many oblates from the different houses and got to practice my Spanish a bit. Everyone is super nice and really make you feel welcome. And they are all very patient with me trying to speak with them. I do have some sneaking suspicions that not many are letting on on how much English they know. I will be careful in what I say…
But as for the Apostrophe; I had to draft up a Curriculum Vitae for our director so he would have some idea on where he could place us in the school. As I was typing this up, I quickly found out that I was using a Spanish keyboard and there were a lot of things that were moved around to make space for the Spanish symbols. It took a bit longer than usual to write it out and I kept using the wrong thing for an apostrophe until I finally figured out where the real upper squiggle was (shift+7). Of course, my comrade was typing in Spanish so he had little trouble. It probably helped him out even!
Typical Gringo
4 September 2010
While at the mall, we got some icecreams. I felt a little overwhelmed with all the people and the language and the options so I pointed to a pink fluffy one that looked like strawberry (I know, real adventurous). Turns out, the flavor that I choose was named “American Strawberry.” And it did taste like the most American Strawberry ice cream that could be made. It’s hard to describe, but there was no other name for that dish. Not even simply Strawberry. It had to be American Strawberry.
At least I know where to go get some comfort food.
While at the mall, we got some icecreams. I felt a little overwhelmed with all the people and the language and the options so I pointed to a pink fluffy one that looked like strawberry (I know, real adventurous). Turns out, the flavor that I choose was named “American Strawberry.” And it did taste like the most American Strawberry ice cream that could be made. It’s hard to describe, but there was no other name for that dish. Not even simply Strawberry. It had to be American Strawberry.
At least I know where to go get some comfort food.
Thank God it’s Friday??
4 Saturday 2010
WTF Friday’s? And what the H Ruby Tuesday? Why are you here?
Let me provide some background (although you have most likely already surmised that I have stumbled across a Ruby Tuesday and TGI Friday’s here in Santiago) information to this gesticulation (you’d have to be here to see said gesticulation):
We arrived in Chile as planned. What was not planned, however, was the $140 we had to pay for coming in and being American. Reciprocity affects the masses most unfortunately. Rodrigo, our director here, picked us up and took us to our house where we will be spending some time. I won’t say my whole experience because the guys here last year moved three times.
After lunches and meet and greets, we spend part of the afternoon unpacking and getting settled before heading out with Rodrigo again to tour a bit of Santiago – we live just north of the city. I will admit, I did snooze a little bit in the back seat (I had been traveling for 30ish hours, give me a break) but was fully awake while in the city. After asking Rodrigo a question about American (United States) influence (or, more loosely, Western influence), he directed us to a mall to see for ourselves. While I wasn’t terribly surprised to see the McDonald’s and some of the stores seemed to make sense with Chile’s geography (North Face, Merrel, etc.) what took me by surprise was the Ruby Tuesday and TGI Friday’s! What are they doing here? I was assured that an Applebee’s was close by as well. These restaurants go beyond typical pervasiveness I think. It’s weird to see them here. Okay, McDonalds and Burger Kings are one thing. They are, in a way, classic fast food or have made themselves so. But Ruby Tuesday? What is classic about this place? I always thought of it as a generic sit in restaurant – one, I might add, that I haven’t frequented since high school. Why is it here? Biggest surprise so far.
WTF Friday’s? And what the H Ruby Tuesday? Why are you here?
Let me provide some background (although you have most likely already surmised that I have stumbled across a Ruby Tuesday and TGI Friday’s here in Santiago) information to this gesticulation (you’d have to be here to see said gesticulation):
We arrived in Chile as planned. What was not planned, however, was the $140 we had to pay for coming in and being American. Reciprocity affects the masses most unfortunately. Rodrigo, our director here, picked us up and took us to our house where we will be spending some time. I won’t say my whole experience because the guys here last year moved three times.
After lunches and meet and greets, we spend part of the afternoon unpacking and getting settled before heading out with Rodrigo again to tour a bit of Santiago – we live just north of the city. I will admit, I did snooze a little bit in the back seat (I had been traveling for 30ish hours, give me a break) but was fully awake while in the city. After asking Rodrigo a question about American (United States) influence (or, more loosely, Western influence), he directed us to a mall to see for ourselves. While I wasn’t terribly surprised to see the McDonald’s and some of the stores seemed to make sense with Chile’s geography (North Face, Merrel, etc.) what took me by surprise was the Ruby Tuesday and TGI Friday’s! What are they doing here? I was assured that an Applebee’s was close by as well. These restaurants go beyond typical pervasiveness I think. It’s weird to see them here. Okay, McDonalds and Burger Kings are one thing. They are, in a way, classic fast food or have made themselves so. But Ruby Tuesday? What is classic about this place? I always thought of it as a generic sit in restaurant – one, I might add, that I haven’t frequented since high school. Why is it here? Biggest surprise so far.
On My Way
3 September 2010
Today began my journey to the South American continent (4 for 7 in eleven hours!) via Spokane. I went up to Spokane on Tuesday for a few days to visit my Australian/African friend who is studying abroad at Gonzaga. Also note that my buddy lives up in Spokane teaching freshman math (get this, his colors are yellow and green plaid and they are the Highlanders – totally Scottish) so it was very nice to spend some time up North visiting before heading down south. Unfortunately, it makes for a long day of travelling – give or take 36 hours all said. I hope you know how much you cost me Nick!
Now that I have been on two of my flights, let me break down the fellow airliners thus far: One the first flight, I sat next to a young woman who was going to grad school. I inquired what for to which she responded – evolutionary biology. Hold the phone! This is awesome – if I went back to school in biology it would have something to do with evolution so I’m pretty excited for this coincidence. Turns out that what she is researching is something that I remember lightly covering in one of my classes and was able to keep pace with the conversation.
I met up with my fellow volunteer in Minneapolis and together we took our voyage down to Miami. Now I have some preconceived notions about people in Miami, but never did I believe that I would be sitting near two passengers who, I can only describe as, the next contestants of Jersey Shore 3. One of these young ladies was about 4’10” and had a uncanny resemblance to Snooki. Both were loud gossips, talking about how this other girl (we’ll call her XX) was upset with them because this boy (XY) was picking them up and that XX and Snooki 2.0 both sort of liked him. I can’t wait for next season!
In other more important news, I’m about an hour away from heading down to Chile. It’s becoming quite real that I’m going now. And I don’t think that I will be able to get out of it anymore. Now yes, I know that it’s going to be quite an experience and that I am going to end up loving it. It’ll be life-changing, awe-inspiring, and difficult experience that’ll make me all the better person for completing it. That being said, I’m having more trouble finding out whether my rational or irrational side is more convincing. Irrational is telling me that this is not a good idea and making me feel all somber for not teaching this Fall. I must admit, that the past week or two, anxiety was running a bit high about this trip. Fortunately, I finished a book that helped calm me a bit. I picked up American on Purpose by Craig Ferguson because 1) He’s my favorite late-night host and 2) I wanted to read it. After hearing his story, I feel as though a little trip down South isn’t the worst thing to do and I’m stealing advice that he received from a previous lady-friend: Between safety and adventure, choose adventure. I don’t feel as though this is the safest choice I could have made post-college so let us hope that it is one great adventure!
Take Care,
Today began my journey to the South American continent (4 for 7 in eleven hours!) via Spokane. I went up to Spokane on Tuesday for a few days to visit my Australian/African friend who is studying abroad at Gonzaga. Also note that my buddy lives up in Spokane teaching freshman math (get this, his colors are yellow and green plaid and they are the Highlanders – totally Scottish) so it was very nice to spend some time up North visiting before heading down south. Unfortunately, it makes for a long day of travelling – give or take 36 hours all said. I hope you know how much you cost me Nick!
Now that I have been on two of my flights, let me break down the fellow airliners thus far: One the first flight, I sat next to a young woman who was going to grad school. I inquired what for to which she responded – evolutionary biology. Hold the phone! This is awesome – if I went back to school in biology it would have something to do with evolution so I’m pretty excited for this coincidence. Turns out that what she is researching is something that I remember lightly covering in one of my classes and was able to keep pace with the conversation.
I met up with my fellow volunteer in Minneapolis and together we took our voyage down to Miami. Now I have some preconceived notions about people in Miami, but never did I believe that I would be sitting near two passengers who, I can only describe as, the next contestants of Jersey Shore 3. One of these young ladies was about 4’10” and had a uncanny resemblance to Snooki. Both were loud gossips, talking about how this other girl (we’ll call her XX) was upset with them because this boy (XY) was picking them up and that XX and Snooki 2.0 both sort of liked him. I can’t wait for next season!
In other more important news, I’m about an hour away from heading down to Chile. It’s becoming quite real that I’m going now. And I don’t think that I will be able to get out of it anymore. Now yes, I know that it’s going to be quite an experience and that I am going to end up loving it. It’ll be life-changing, awe-inspiring, and difficult experience that’ll make me all the better person for completing it. That being said, I’m having more trouble finding out whether my rational or irrational side is more convincing. Irrational is telling me that this is not a good idea and making me feel all somber for not teaching this Fall. I must admit, that the past week or two, anxiety was running a bit high about this trip. Fortunately, I finished a book that helped calm me a bit. I picked up American on Purpose by Craig Ferguson because 1) He’s my favorite late-night host and 2) I wanted to read it. After hearing his story, I feel as though a little trip down South isn’t the worst thing to do and I’m stealing advice that he received from a previous lady-friend: Between safety and adventure, choose adventure. I don’t feel as though this is the safest choice I could have made post-college so let us hope that it is one great adventure!
Take Care,
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