Human Rights and Aconcagua Valley

Throughout the past couple days, we have explored the numerous human rights violations that have occured throughout Chile. We began by studying the horrors endured during Pinochet's reign by touring numerous sights with a survivor of one of the most notorious torture centers, Villa Grimaldi. Afterwards, we journeyed to the site of Villa Grimaldi and meandered through the park designed to memorialze the victims. Our guide explained the significance of much of the memorial and the realities found in each spot before Pinochet destroyed the evidence of the horrors. After visiting the park, we journeyed to the city's official cemetary. It is currently home to upwards of five million corpses, arranged by social class. Ironically, the tomb of Salvador Allende can be found those of Santiago's aristocracy. We also observed the graves of the unknown desaparecidos and a moving tribute to all who needlessly slaughtered by dictator Pinochet.

Saturday, we left behind the horrors of past human rights violations in the city and journeyed to the Aconcagua Valley, rwhich is known for its fruit farms and viewsof the Andes. We began by meeting with a labor organizer and some temporary workers on the farms, who explained that many human rights violations still occur there today. Rather than being orchastrated by a dictator, these are inflicted by companies who often cheat workers of their wages or refuse to pay. We then took the temporary workers to a tradition peasant lunch of chicken and potatoes in an almond broth. Not only did the workers seem to enjoy meeting us and speaking in Spanish, but the also enjoyed the chance to eat at a restaurant previously beyond their means. Following the meal, we travelled to a nearby hill to enjoy beautiful vistas of the valley and the Andes. Such contrasted sharply with the shanties of those actually living there. We briefly walked amongst their houses before stopping at the local Chicheria for some locally brewed chicha. This drink, which could be considered mix of beer and apple cider, is often considered one of Chile's many national drinks. Before leaving, we quickly stopped at the Local Mapuche Leadership Center and the class demonstrated some traditional music and dancing.

AND THE MOST EXCITING PART OF MY POST...

I am FINALLY posting pictures available at the following links:

In and Around Santiago (Days 1-5): http://picasaweb.google.com/ChristyChile/GalletasAndCharlasChilePart1#
The University of Chile Metro Station: http://picasaweb.google.com/ChristyChile/TheUniversityOfChileMural#
The Memorial at Paine: http://picasaweb.google.com/ChristyChile/TheMemorialToLosDesaparecidosAtPaineChile#
Santa Rita Vineyard: http://picasaweb.google.com/ChristyChile/SantaRitaVineyard#
Villa Grimaldi Park: http://picasaweb.google.com/ChristyChile/VillaGrimaldi#
The City's Cemetary:http://picasaweb.google.com/ChristyChile/TheCityCemetary#
Aconcagua Valley: Coming Soon

A bit of a picture overload...but what can I say? I love my camera.