"Treinta y Tres" Especial [33 Special]

I was fortunate on our way to our surfing extravaganza to visit the Fenix 2, which is the capsule used to rescue the 33 miners stuck for 70 days in the mines of northern Chile. It was mandated that the capsule visit every "Plaza de Armas" or major plaza in honor of famous Chilean battles. Practically every major city has one, thus it stopped in Valparaiso for a few days until it continues its trek to the south of Chile. The goal is to take the capsule the whole of Chile, for all the people to see and celebrate. I find the idea overwhelmingly touching, as they take a very historic piece of their history all over the country, so that the people of Chile can celebrate the miraculous rescue of the 33 miners.



It has been an true honor to be able to watch Chileans from all walks of life come together to support and celebrate the rescue of the 33. It has been funny, too, as 33 is now a very important number. They are definitely heroes here. While my parents visited, we saw in Santiago a massive banner hanging off the side of an apartment building that declared them as heroes. The sermon the following Sunday was titled the "33 y 1" signifying the addition of God with them. People joked and still joke about "33" this or "33" that. An important number for sure. Just the other day, I was microwaving something and stopped it to check on the contents. It so happened to stop on 33 seconds. My chilean brother let out a laugh and pointed to the glowing number saying "33 como los mineros" or "33 just like the miners".

Needless to say, it has been fun to watch people, usually known as being timid and unpatriotic, come out in full force this year. They have certainly beat the stigma, rallied together and could not be more proud of their country, as they are now after recovering from the earthquake, the rescue of the miners and their big Bicentennial celebration of 200 years. I don't think they are timid, yet humble, after everything they have endured. It certainly was fun to be able to witness a piece of their history that represents so much for them. I marveled at the line of people waiting to have their picture taken next to "the capsule", and enjoyed being able to share in their emotions even if I am a gringa or outsider.




I will never forget the days when the miners were being rescued. Each time I watched one come out, I would get goosebumps. Knowing that the majority of Chile and millions around the world were watching the rescue mission, was mind-blowing to me. Such a neat experience! Even in the mall, the TV's were all set to the rescue efforts. It was funny because people would continually walk by, stop for a minute, watch and smile, then move along so someone else could see. An indescribable time and emotion to witness, yet in the end it truly was and is a miracle from God.

Surfin' in Chile!

Went to Quintay two weekends ago with a good friend of mine that I made here in Chile, Casey. We had the urge to go about 45 minutes south of Valparaiso to a small fishing village where they were offering surf lessons. Both of us have wanted to try our hand at it, so we went on our merrily way.





We had no clue about anything, but it turned out to be one of the most fun times around. I think we both surprised ourselves with our ability to get our wetsuits on, then we made a giant accomplishment of getting our knees on the board! Since neither of us were used to wetsuits, it was quite comical to watch us suck ourselves into them.

However I was very proud of both of us for getting on knees on the board, as they told us that usually takes a few lessons for some people to get the hang of, but we got it in one. What can I say? Then, we were able to get our feet on the board. We were not able to fully stand up, but getting the feet planted was good enough for me. While out there one time though, we did have the fortunate opportunity to be a few feet away from a baby sea lion. I did kind of freak out for a moment, but our surf instructor reassured me it was nothing to worry about.

The other funny thing was that after each night, we slept well because of what a great workout it was, but we kept feeling like someone was rocking our beds the entire night. The constant banging a of waves against our bodies never ceased the whole weekend. Each time we got into the water, we shocked our system against the frigid Pacific waters. After getting in for a bit, you get over the numbness and have some fun.





A few more lessons and we'll be pros, I am sure of this. It was still a fun experience take a crack at surfing, visit the gorgeous city and beaches of Quintay and have some tasty meals cooked for us at our cabana.


Quintay is definitely one of those towns where everyone knows everyone. They will say hi to anybody and everybody that passes on the street as well. A rarety in Vina del Mar or Valparaiso. In our taxi ride there, we chatted with two other gentlemen from Quintay. They explained that everyone calls everyone family, and it's a great community to live in. Definitely evident as us gringas walked the streets and were greeted so cordially. For sure enjoyed my get-away trip to Quintay to catch some waves and marvel at the scenery, and the massive bruises I still have are a constant reminder.

Chilean Soccer at its Mildest

I had the privilege of attending the classic match-up soccer game between Vina del Mar Everton and the Santiago Wanderers, who are based in Valparaiso. I did not take my camera, fortunately, so that I would not be robbed, but unfortunately because I wish I could have had pictures of the craziness.

We walked down to the stadium where we passed one police checkpoint, then continued to be circled by half a dozen motorcycle cops. Upon arrival to the final entrance, we were searched at another police check point. Also waiting at the entrance was one of the armored police trucks loaded with a gas cannon. Should have clued me in to the intensity of the situation, but I didn't hit me until we entered the stadium.

The stadium, which was only half full, because they say had suffered structural damage in the earthquake but really shut half of it down for security reasons, was estatic. We sat on the blue and gold Everton side, of which was surrounded on both sides of the fans by police officers. Noticing as well that to separate the two sides was a high wall of chain-link fence, topped with barbed-wire. The green and white side of Wanderers were also surrounded on either side by police officers. There were also about a dozen fully padded police officers on the ground, plus another half-dozen K-9 police dogs roaming around the field. I didn't know if I was at a soccer game or in prison.

The high spirits and enthusiasm of the two sides reminded me that it was all soccer. Both sides sported their colors proudly with banners, flags, streamers and bags that were turned into balloon-like things to wave around. The chants and yells were rampant to the beat of the massive drums located centrally in both stands. To kick off the match they sprayed colored fire extinguishers for their respective teams. It was quite the emotion and an atmosphere like nothing I have ever experienced.

Things got scary at half-time though when the massive rocks started flying onto our side. I heard that we apparently threw a rock first, but I'm not sure about that. Anyways dodging the propelled matter, we watched in dismay as the un-padded police took off running for their safety, and the fully-padded officers came charging in. The crazy Wanderers continued to throw objects at us, despite them winning at this point, and molesting the police officers to the extent of the officers having to beat them away with the batons.

This sparked an all-out tumble from the top of the stands to the bottom, inlcuding a couple of padded officers and several riled-up Wanderers. It was crazy! Never seen anything like it before. After the Wanderers scored again in the second half, they went nuts trying to jump the fences onto the field. That is where the K-9 dogs come in. My side wasn't totally guilt-free as we had a fight break out and they started running through the stands, nearly knocking us all the way down.


After that it calmed down, Everton sadly lost the game, which meant we booked it out of the stadium while the Wanderers celebrated. Trying to get out was another shock to the system though as we faced another entourage of police on motorcycles and four-wheelers, six police officers on horseback and another armored car. All that is to say, Chileans are crazy about their soccer. Latin Americans in general are crazy about soccer. It was definitely an experience of a lifetime and glad that I survived it. Upon arriving to home, however, my Chilean family informed me that the classic match-up between Vina and Valpo is nothing compared to a Colo-Colo game. Apparently it was Chilean soccer at its mildest.