"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.

It's Always Funny After the Fact.

Well as someone told me, my life is not normal here. It's a little more crazy, highly memorable and in the end always funny. So buckle up ladies and gentlemen. The funny stories are about to roll like wheels on a bus.

It starts with the other day, in which I thought my Chilean host, Lorena, was asking to use my balsamic vinegar that I had brought back from Argentina. I thought she wanted to use it to cook with, so I gave it to her. She looked at the bottle for a moment, then at me. She seemed a tad confused and asked again for "balsamo" to which I said "Si" with assurance. I was a little too confident. Needless to say, I thought she wanted the balsamic or "balsamico" which is very similar to hair conditioner or "balsamo." Yep, I tried to give her balsamic vinegar for hair conditioner. If you didn't know it works wonders for the scalp. So embarrassing, but definitely funny after the fact.

Hopefully I haven't bored you to death, but if you are. You can join me for a nap on the bus ride home. It's a great place to snooze after you pulled an all-nighter to finish papers, projects and presentations. It was a rough night and a full day of classes. I tried so hard to keep my eyes open all day long, but I just couldn't help it at times. Finally the time came where I was able to head home to eat and sleep. I slept a little too soon. The consequence of falling asleep on the bus ride home was that I missed my bus stop. When I woke up I had no clue where I was in relation to my house. I tried to play it cool, thinking the bus would surely double-back at my stop, so I'd just wait patiently.

Little did I know, this was the last run for my bus driver. As we pulled into the bus depot, he asked me where I needed to go. After telling him that Miraflores was my stop and I missed it because I was sleeping, he couldn't stop the laughter. Thankfully there was another bus driver about to start his route, but I definitely had to make the walk of shame out of the bus and across the way to the new bus. Along the way, I received several whistles, laughs and cheers for my humiliating situation.

The jokes kept coming once I waited for the new bus driver to get the heck out of there, which I didn't even know where the heck out of there was. My new bus driver was laughing as well and asked if any of his buddies standing outside wanted to ride with the "gringa" or wanted my number. Let's just say I am infamous there now. So what usually is a 25-30 minute bus ride to get home, it took me a whopping one and a half hours. Not kidding you, when I got home and they opened the door I collapsed on the floor in relief and laughter. I was scared spit less when I woke up with no clue as to where I was, changed buses in the sketchiest of places and frustrated with an hour and half bus ride home, but I can laugh about it all now. Certainly funny after the fact.

Long time, no post.

Sorry, I am not good at the blogging thing unfortunately. I think I have a lot of ground to cover, but I will try and address it all little by little. Let's start with Fiestas Patrias which was a way, long time ago.

I have never eaten so many empanadas and grilled meat in my life! It was delicious and I had a blast with the whole family. We watched two great fireworks shows over the bay and enjoed time with the whole family. It started with Diego's school program where they danced the traditional dances of Chile. It was precious! On the actual day we went to the Botanical Gardens here with the entire family. We had 4 grills for all the meat and empanadas we could eat. We played traditional Chilean games, which are the same as in the states like 3-legged races, sack races and tug-of-war. I flew a kite for the first time in ages as well! Here are a few random sampling of pictures from the day.



This would be the men's sack race. I love it! There are the cheaters in the background pushing and shoving, and then Ariel, a cousin, taking the lead!



The little guys trying to do the three-legged-race.



Vicente, my cousin's son, in his precious "huaso" or Chilean cowboy outfit.



At the Botanical Gardens and people everywhere.



The tons of meat and grills we had.



Also to note there was a lot of Cueca, their national dance. Many people were wearing the traditional "country" or fockloric get-up for the celebrations, but even if you weren't everyone danced it practically. I did try my hand at the Cueca as well. It was quite hilarious and embarrassing, as I had no idea what my cousin was doing. He had no clue how to dance the Cueca making it harder for me. My uncle the second time round did know and it went a lot better. He joked that everyone had to dance with the "gringa" but thankfully that didn't happen.

Two days later we watched the Naval Review, which is a neat tradition where all of the naval fleets pass through the bay for inspection. Even the navy ships from other countries participated.




After all the festivities we rested and ate nothing. I couldn't even look at another piece of meat after everything was said and done. However, it was fun to experience their Independence day(s) here. They definitely went all out for their Bicentennial year and certainly know how to celebrate with the family. A good time had by all.

Mendoza, Argentina

Well folks, just got back from Argentina. Spent this last weekend in Mendoza, which is about an 8 hour bus ride east through the Andes Mountains. It was such a neat experience and fun time! Too many stories and jokes to tell!

The view on the way was incredible as we all marveled at the Andes Mountains, and joked about how we have the same picture about 20 different ways. Going through the customs/immigration into Argentina was no problem at all.






Surprisingly, there is a big difference between Argentina and Chile. I didn't think there would be a significant difference at least between Mendoza and Chile, but there was. Argentinians seem more put togther, more calm and laid back. They definitely have more a European, rather than indigenous look, speak slower and better than Chileans, and things are CHEAP there! I think the other shocker was not to be living so crowded or on top of each other. We weren't on a hill, but it a nice plain with space to move around.

The next day we took a bike tour throughout the countryside of Mendoza. Someone likened Mendoza to the Wine Country in California. It has many vineyards and farmers in the area. It was such a beautiful ride to different vineyards and an olive oil plantation/factory that had a delicious sampling of chocolates, marmalaides, olive oils and olives. This one was by far our favorite. It was a cute, mom-and-pop, antique feel. Here's an artsy-craftsy shots of it.





It's a toss up whether we looked like the circus was coming to town or a bike gang.


From there we biked to a restaurant in the middle-of-nowhere to eat some tasty empanadas in the countryside sitting on a bail of hay. What fun but exhausting time biking around! After the bike tour, a few of us ventured to a eat Argentinian steak. We were told that they have good and very cheap steaks! For the first time ever, I, Allison Johnston, ordered a steak dinner. I enjoyed it as well!





Sunday, we decided to walk. All morning long three of us, walked to 3 of the plazas that were named and gifted from different countries. The fourth is named after a founding father, but they are situated in a square shape with a major plaza, Plaza Independencia, in the middel of them. There is a 6-7 block radius between the 4 out-lying plazas. Needless to say, it was lot of walking but a good time exploring the plazas and a famous chocolate shop in Argentina.

We came to the conclusion that Plaza Italia was the best plaza, complete with teeter-totters, slides swings and a spinny-thingy. Plaza Espana was the second best with beautiful tiling and fountain, as well as, a decent playground. Plaza Chile, however, disappointed us dearly. The fountain didn't work, the playground was minimal and that's about it. A bust for sure.

After our unsaid battle of the plazas, we met the rest of the group in the massive public park in Mendoza. It holds a lake, their zoo, soccer stadium and much more. It was a gorgeous and massive park. We finally rested a bit, ate empanadas and explored the park grounds. It is here that we came upon a display by the government of Mendoza/Argentina, I think to promote the park, with the police band playing and traditional folkloric dancers. It was quite entertaining to watch! The little boy below in the pink shirt was my favorite! The one with the sweet pants and beret was also up there! They were precious dancing around with ladies almost 2 feet taller than themselves! After the police band came the boy scouts. Who knew they were international?!











Following the park, we passed the time shopping in art markets. We topped the night of splitting a kilo of ice cream together for a splendid trip to Argentina! The next morning we traveled back to Chile on a double-decker bus! We were excited about that and once again took some more Andes Mountains pictures.






After spending nearly 2 hours trying to enter back into the country at Chilean Customs and Immigration, we made through. Chile sure is a stickler on their border protection/control. It was an intense process, but it was good time to marvel at the snow that we were standing in?! Such extreme weather changes.





All in all, it was a great trip to Argentina. I truly loved Mendoza! However I am excited to back in Chile as the festivities kick up for Fiesta Patrias. Flags were out in full-swing on our bus ride back making us eager for the many days of activities and celebrations to come!

Pesos por Besos

So after a lovely evening at Union Cristiana a group of 15 Americans and Chileans went to eat empanadas. We couldn't find a place that could take us, thus we went to Pizza Hut. While there a wandering musical group of students dressed like "Robin Hood Men in Tights" characters came into the restaurant to entertain us for with their witty and charming musical show.

One guy was leaping and bounding while kicking his tambourine. Impressive to say the least and comical. After their little show, we all gave a few pesos out of courtesy. [By the way, it's normal for something like this to happen. Musicians or vendors coming in to sell things in restaurants, buses, anywhere! Cultural difference.]

Moving along. I jokingly made the mistake after I thought the band had left the restaurant to my Chilean friends, "No besos?!" To which my fine Chilean friends ran out the restaurant after them. I stood up to get away, but it was too late. I was trapped in between everyone. So I was standing there laughing and mortified in front of everyone in Pizza Hut, as two of the 5 guys came waltzing in. They were quite excited and eager, I must say, waiting to give me a beso.

I resisted for awhile, until one of them proposed a hug, sparking a friend to shove me into him. This picture is of the resistance, but him encouraging me as well as a friend pushing me from behind.



I finally got over the humiliation and sucked it up. I didn't want to disappoint either. It's customary in Chile to greet with a kiss on the cheek anyways, so what's the big deal! I went ahead and gave in, allowing the first guy to give me a kiss of the cheek. Applause roared. Then, the second guy quickly moved in. He was gutsy though and asked for two! One on each cheek! This is the two-for guy...




It was a hilarious night of laughter, humiliation and fun! No big deal, just giving some pesos por besos.