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!

Mans' Best Friend?

This post is for all those dog lovers out there.  Which by the way from my reference point being a "Coloradan" born and raised should be everyone…. I wanted to address an important issue that can't help but be noticed everywhere here in Chile, that being stray and estranged dog's.  Everywhere and I do mean everywhere you look there are dogs walking the streets, sleeping in the middle of side walks and just about anywhere else.  Many have serious health conditions and others are starving and wander in a trance like state from place to place eyes glazed and wanting.  There are so many that you can't help after a certain amount of time building up a sort of tolerance.  It's an extremely sad, inhumane set of affairs here in Chile for these animals.

Now don't get me wrong there are many Chileans who aid and work towards protecting these animals.  My Uncle Greg stated himself that he has seen folks set up small living arrangements and hand feed their canine friends many times over.  I witnessed this myself  as I was entering the grocery store today. There was an elderly gentleman providing some food to some nearby dogs.  I approached him and we chatted for a moment.  I started to speak in one of my beginner forms of Spanish when he just grinned and said in perfect English,"where in the states are you from son?" I was so surprised by this I started to reply in Spanish and then quickly snapped into English  realizing that the conversation would benefit more in my native tongue at this juncture in my limited Spanish acquisition.  He stated that routinely he has fed some of these dogs in the area.  He went further to describe how important an issue this really is for Chile and yet how little attention it draws from the Government.  I nodded in full agreement at what he was saying and left him with a word of gratitude for his generous works and we parted ways.

I currently live with a wonderful little adopted street dog fittingly named, "Chico".  My Aunt and Uncle found him hiding behind a vending machine directly outside their local gym.  He was trying to stay as warm as he could by nestling close to the machines motor.  Something inside them said, "he is ours  now".   And so Chico  has found a permanent loving home.

There is a lot that can be done on an individual basis here whether  adopting or donating time and food  to these animals.  Chile is the fastest developing country in all of Latin America.  Yet like all countries is still plagued by unsightly circumstances.  Government involvement on a large scale must be implemented.  For now the populations keep rising and more often than not these dogs suffer.

La bienvenida a todos!  This is my first time getting involved with the blogger scene.  It is a pretty sweet way to display events and thoughts to all who are curious about, "just what in the heck is going on with that guy"?  

I have been living with my Uncle Greg and Aunt Sylvaine in Santiago/Chile for over a month now.  It's hard to believe it.  I came here with next to no certainty's other than knowing I have a place to stay, some limited funds and well that was about it!  It may sound a bit crazy. And yes it has been a little but it's a perfect opportunity to step out of the norm while gaining some perspective.    

Now the whole deal isn't as fly by the seat of your pants as it may appear.  One of my main purposes for being here at this juncture in my life is to be immersed into a Spanish speaking culture to develop more in the language.  I just finished a month long intensive Spanish course through ECELA which was very beneficial in helping me solidify some basics in composition and comprehension.  I'm still at a beginner level and have a long way to go but it was an excellent start and good way to make connections as well. 

Secondly- and in no particular order, I wanted to explore family ties.  In Chile I have two sets of family. My Aunt and Uncle Sylvaine and Greg whom I live with.  And then my other Uncle Ross and Aunt Sashico who have resided here with their family of three boy's for 20 years.  Both uncles are originally from Beautiful Colorado and came out here with the desire to live and build their businesses in a completely new environment.  And both of them are my birth mother Holly's brothers.  This is a very rich opportunity to explore a side of my family that until now I've had only bits an pieces of contact with throughout the years.  

And what would  any second be without a third.  Drum Roll Please….....  travel, travel, travel... Probably could have guessed this one.  Needless to say I have been afforded many blessings and abilities in my life.  This was one that I simply could not pass up.  Chile is a place drenched in culture and tradition.  Its long slender body encompasses some of the most diverse variety's of environments in the world.  In two hours east or west you can be in towering Andes mountains or taking in the buena vistas of the coast.  To the north of Santiago rests the driest desert in the world and to the south lakes abound with temperate ancient rain-forests.  Very cool!  

So now that the LD has been passed on.  ( "LD" stands for Low Down, for all the geeser's out there :  )   

I'm excited to keep a dialogue through this blog not only with you but as an alternate form of journaling too.  

Blessings and Respect,  
Joshua