When leaving for Chile last month, I hoped to escape the rainy weather plaguing Massachusetts. For a while, I thought I had somehow done so. Wrong. The past few days have been soaking wet. At least, somehow, most seem to find something to laugh about amid the deluge. Gracias al metro. Obviously, thousands of Santiguinos take the metro to work every morning. And by take, I mean cram as many people as possible into each car and then let ten more try to squeeze on. Given the rain, the metro seemed even more crowded than usual today; once abroad, I could barely find enough floor space to put both my feet on the ground at the same time. So, when it lurched unexpectedly and some poor women somehow toppled over, most of the car stumbled as well (gotta love the domino effect). As I started laughing, I glanced around and realized that most of the previously disgruntled faces in the metro had been transformed into smiles...at least temporarily. A surprisingly nice start to a dreary day.
PS...Class was cancelled. I guess the professor didn't want to brave the metro crowds and pouring rain.
As the afternoon approached, the rain continued unabated and I, unfortunately, had to venture back outside to go to an interview for an internship at a community development organzation. The trek aboard the metro and taxi colectivo wasn't too bad, but the walk at the end was a nightmare. Not only did the rain drench our upper bodies, but most of the roads in the comuna of Renca had been transformed into raging rivers which we had to hurdle. Unfortunately, as anyone who saw my highschool pentathlon debut could tell you, hurdling is not exactly one of the strengths, especially when wearing nice shoes for the interview.
The sight may have been slightly hysterical in retrospect, but it actually further highlights the disparity between the wealthy and poor comunas throughout Santiago. Flooded roads and houses are apparently the norms in poorer areas, while more affluent communities enjoy the benefits of adequate drainage systems. Not surprising. What is surprising, unfortunately, is that the richer neighborhoods have constructed a canal to remove excess water from their streets. The canal then runs through several poorer comunas and often floods these regions. Essentially, as I was told by one of my professors, the affluent just dump their unwanted water on the poor.
Anyways, we eventually forded all the "rivers" and arrived at the NGO. Once there, we waited for the director who was currently meeting with some government officials. And waited. And waited. Ultimately, after more than an hour and a half, another women briefly outlined the programs and asking us to return next week to meet with the director. As my host parents said when I told them the story, "Welcome to Chile." Haha.
The NGO, known as the Kairos Organization, does offer numerous community development programs with which I would like to become more involved. So, it looks like I'm trekking to Renca again next Monday. Hopefully sans rainfall next time.
Looking back at the past week, I realize that I haven't blogged much. I haven't had nearly as much time since classes are starting to become slightly more intense. Spring break is, after all, in less than 3 weeks. Anyways, a quick summary of my life lately:
Thursday - Classes. Impromtu Rock Concerts. The Courtyard. During lunchtime, a band performed in the courtyard while several students danced wildly. We watched with enjoyment. After classes, a couple of my gringo friends and I went to the courtyard for what is quickly becoming one of my favorite Chilean traditions: Thursday Courtyards. Every Thursday after class...okay, we've only had two..a few of my gringo friends and I join most of the Chilean students in the courtyard. Lots of singing, laughter, and me struggling to talk to my Chilean classmates in broken Spanish ensues.
Upon arriving home a little after 8, my host brother invited me to his friends apartment-warming party. We arrived incredibly early by Chilean standards...a little after 11:00. Probably a good thing since the Carabineros (Chilean police) broke it up around 11:30. Suddenly, TUPD's disruption of the Spring Track Semi '08 at 11:00 doesn't seem too crazy after all.
Friday - Spent awhile at an interview with the editor of the Revista Revolver, an English-language magazine in Santiago. Starting this week, I'll be reviewing travel destinations, restaurants, and bars for the online publication, which is another great reason for me to keep exploring various spots around the city. Don't look for my byline until October though; they have a backlog of articles that are already ready to be published.
Later, Katrina's birthday celebration starting with a trip to La Piojera...one of my favorite spots in Santiago. Classic Chilean drinks including one made wiith ice cream and lots of Chileans happy to speak Spanish with a bunch of gringos fill the bustling venue. We then journeyed through the rain to some of our more usual spots near Plaza Nunoa.
Saturday - RAIN. Although it poured all day, we ventured to Persa Bio-Bio to explore a gigantic flea market. It stretched for blocks in very direction and had everything imaginable ranging from antiques to knockoff northface fleece. Unfortunately, our soaked clothing combined with the frigid temperatures made browsing a bit uncomfortable after awhile. We left before exploring the entire market, but it's only a few metro stops away so an encore will definately be occuring.
Sunday- Homework and food and Chilean family. In the break between lunch and onces, my family and I meandered through Pueblito Los Dominicos (a little craft market we visited during orientation). While its insanely expensive, it has quickly become one of my favorite places in Santiago.
I also discovered a great place to run along the Mapocho River. The path is similar to that along the Charles. The only difference is that the nearby river at least appears to be even dirtier in Santiago.
Monday -Until my internship starts, I'm not going to be doing much on Monday and Wednesday. I did, however, realize that my mileage is higher than it has ever been in my life....but only if you count walking. On Monday, I ran a little over 6 miles (my usual distance in Santiago) and walked upwards of 7 miles to the Tufts-in-Chile office, class, and home. 13 miles total: not bad.
And then Tuesday -So much rain as previously discussed.
Bed time. Ciao!
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