School blog #1

So for school I have to write blogs based on my experiences here. In order to ensure that they have substance, the school has outlined prompts for us. One of them, on which I will be commenting, is below.

3. What have you done to learn about your host-country’s culture? What parts of the

culture are you learning about? What do you feel you are missing? What can you do to

explore the parts you feel you are missing? What parts of the host culture do you enjoy the most? What are the least enjoyable parts? Why do you dislike these aspects of the culture?

What am I doing to learn about my host-country's culture? This is a hard question to answer without being obvious. 1.) I am living with a family. I eat almuerzo with whoever is home at the same time as me. I've mostly gotten over my discomfort at having a hired person bring me my food, and I think my stomach is adjusting to dinner in the middle of the day. I watch movies in bed with my host mom, and let my nana fuss over my clothes. I talk about school and interests with my brothers. 2.) I'm going to school here. I'm in class every day with Chileans, observing and participating in the school system. I have a 1/2 hour commute each way, so I spend one or two hours a day on the bus, surrounded by people talking, laughing, and going about their business. During my free time I like to walk around the city, buy food from street vendors, hang out with the street dogs. 3.) I have some awesome Chilean friends. I spend as much time with them as possible and they take me along on their adventures. I have seen cities, churches, barbeques, families, and views with them. They are always teaching me new vocabulary and correcting my grammar.

Based on these sources, I'm really only seeing the middle-class side of Chile, with a little bit of whatever is in the street. It's been difficult to go beyond the middle-class buffer zone, especially when the Chileans are constantly warning me about danger. I have, however gotten increasingly good at carrying very little with me, which feels a little safer, and opens up a few more possibilities for destinations. My gringa friend Kacie and I recently wandered into a few unknown neighborhoods, and while the increased risk is noticeable, sometimes the locations are worth a walk-through. My host mom offered to help me find work volunteering in an under-privileged school, and I told her I'd be up for it. I miss children, and would appreciate the extra socialization. So far most of the people I have encountered here have been very friendly. I feel comfortable in Chile.