Andean Paradise

Nuff Said

Calendars

If I was to live in a calendar what day would I choose to live?  I mean truly soak up what it is that I'm here for.  So that every part, nook and cranny, is filled to the brim with life.  So much so that a single smile could change an individual and the world at large.  It could be done.  No magic nor spell, just be-ing all that "me" is made to be.  This is unmistakably off the beaten path being such an individualist in so many respects.  But really... What if?  What if all of the days spilled into one; no longer allotting time to mark decisions or points of beginning or end.  Would I  rather  be so immersed in what is or what should be?  Hmmm.  Something that can be considered, refuted, accepted, or placed aside to be dealt with at a later point of convenience.  I'm keeping it tight under my arm.  Running wild with untamed curiosity.  Lending a hand to an enemy and wishing my feet would never regain contact with what I once considered the ground.  New soil.  Fingers intertwine with the richest soil. It bleeds into my skin.  Enriching the soul and spawning growth from the inside out.  I cant imagine what will become of this-- it already is. And so it is.   All is splendid, nothing is.  Yet here "I" am .  Calendar marked, "Day I choose to live".

Moving Forward

Much to be said of the past couple of months here in Santiago.  We experienced a magnitude 8.8 earthquake which shook Santiago real good and destroyed much of the epicenter being Conceptcion.  The short time period afterwards saw Chile and its 17  million inhabitants pulling resources together and lending hands in whatever way possible.  Many of the Universities here allotted the first month of classes towards aiding in the south.  It really was a fantastic display of humanitarian efforts here.  I aided at a High School and was very impressed at the number of youth who stepped up to the plate in their country's distress.  We all worked diligently at accepting donations and then packing them in preparation to be sent to the South.  Hats off to all those who took part in this enormous effort.  As can be assumed, there is still countless volunteers and continued donations needed at this point.  Folks effected the hardest are still living in mock housing, mainly tents and such, with none of their once available comforts.  As for me, well I have it good here in Santiago with no damages to speak of and things returning to normal fairly quickly.  Extremely fortunate and grateful.  Not at all the way Chile was expecting to start the new year and presidency of Pinera.  But from what i've seen this grand obstacle is being met head on and will hopefully only serve as a testimony to Chile's heart and might.

The picture I'm attaching is of the new Titanium Building which now is the tallest in all of South America!  It is an incredible display of Chilean engineering, and rightfully so.  This 55+ story building had but a few windows broken and minor cosmetic damages. "8.8" =  Fuerza Chile!!!

Live performance of Sun Giant / Sun It Rises / Drops In The River by Fleet Foxes

Live performance of Sun Giant / Sun It Rises / Drops In The River by Fleet Foxes

La Gente

Now it has been said "the more the merrier".  Which can be true.  But we all must have a healthy catalogue of what is not so merry about many folks in one place in time.  In my circumstance it is  around 6'sh on well, any given night in the Metro Santiago line #2 aka "yellow" line.  The metro here in Santiago is great and I mean it!  But, and there is a BIG but,  it turns into a real social experiment when everyone is fighting tooth and nail to get on when there is literally only room to breath.   And even that can be a task for most.  I have the fortunate status of being taller than most Chileans'.  So for instance my face isn't implanted in the back of someones latest hairdo.  This for me is a plus and I'm adding to the long list of blessings for sure.

Thankfully body odor isn't a pressing issue due to the liberal use of perfumes/colognes.  This being said though there is always the unexpected sensory stimulus for the nose on occasion.  Once the doors are closed to the metro and the last person has made it in only by squeezing into a spot that fits their personal body type like a glove, every one takes a moment to glance at their new partners in rush hour crime.  Just a subtle glance is all though.  Too long of a look and people get more uncomfortable than they already are.  About 90% are plugged into some kind of "anywhere but here" device to tune out and in to something, anything else…

Very early in my use of the subway I learned the specific places to stand and others that should be avoided at all costs during this period.  I go for the dreamy little nook at the opposite side of the door in use.  It provides back support and needed balance while standing and also yields a descent influx of air from the ever so cracked windows.  Older women and men love their seniority sitting in seats.  I think I've even seen a few grin at the not so attractive show taking place around them.  I would be stoked as well and I can't help but crack a smile when I see this.  As the train runs its course people slowly file out and the load  lessens.  I stretch out a little.  Sometimes I'll step out of my nook and surf the train feet planted in snowboard fashion letting go with  eyes closed,  and what do you know I'm no longer on the train but slashing Pow on a Blue Bird day.  Ahhh-the joys of the mind.

I write this from the position of never having had to use public transportation on a daily basis until my time in Chile.  It has been a welcome experience.  Every day is unique and to me it feels good to be a part of.  We're all one when the day is said and done. Each retiring to his or her own destinations.  hermanos on Metro Santiago.

Karaoke Extremes

 Out to a karaoke bar last night with a few folks I met through my Uncle and Aunt.  I'm always down for a little entertainment at the expense of myself and others.  Anticipating some good down home Chilean music and singing it was a bit of a surprise when upon entering I was amongst in majority non Chileno's. And in fact, the bar ended up being a gringo hot spot mostly representing North America.  This was a confusing sight at first because it literally felt like it all could have been going on right back in the heart of the States.  The initial shock faded away however after I broke into my first song, a tune from the magnificent Stevie Wonder.

It was a fun time and I even managed to meet and greet with a few locals by the end of the night.  But there is still something more to this experience that has me writing at this moment…

I guess it must be that this was not the first Karaoke session I'd had In Chile.  And the other experience was with a warm, loving and generous Chilean family of my cousin Matthew's girlfriend Fran.  This particular Karaoke session with Fran's family occurred during the Chilean Independence celebrations the first weekend I had arrived.  After gorging ourselves all day with Chilean BBQ and conversation,  (which  at this time was very limited on my side) we all gathered around a small table with one microphone some tiny speakers and a computer.  It was on!  Soon everyone there, young and old, were singing aloud the anthems of their culture.  I hadn't a clue what was being said but the smiles, music and laughter that abounded spoke very clearly none the less.  What an amazing privilege to be sharing this with a family I just met on the countries most celebrated day!  They made sure I was not overlooked and kindly picked out a Backstreet Boy's tune that embarrassingly enough I knew all too well.  This is certainly a karaoke session to be remembered.

Not really sure where all of this is going besides seeing the beauty in extremes that life exhibits.  Regardless of race, cultural orientation, or beliefs systems we all are susceptible  to binary experiences to varying degrees.  It's so fascinating.  Happy to take pause and reflect on these particular events.  What about yourself, can you think of  events like this in your life?

Lesson 36 – Coffee Break Spanish

Lesson 36 – Coffee Break Spanish

This is a link to a very helpful Spanish site Coffee Break Spanish.  It has a wonderful assortment of general uses of Spanish that are given in auditory fashion.  The hosts speak very clearly and creatively make comprehension of provided material easy and fun to use at ones leisure.  Me Gusta Mucho!