Words of the day:
descomunal- enormous, colossal
traba- barrette, derived from the word trabar, meaning to hold something back. Spanish is such a cool language.
malabarismo- juggling
chispa- spark
Sort of a crazy day. Got up super early to go to Maipu for the Anniversary celebration at El Trampolin. Made a ton of food and got to spend time and talk with a lot of people I hadn't previously interacted with very much. All the adorable kids from the center put on little "acts" which were adorable and usually included at least one child who broke down in tears. And then everyone ate a ton of food.
The event was a little bittersweet though to be honest. There were a lot of people who came, albeit late, but apparently nothing compared with past years. A lot of the staff talked a bit about how the "spark" had gone out of the community, in terms of their involvement and willingness to initiate things. There was a whole picture display which showed the evolution of the community and the center. What struck me the most was the way that, as they described it, material progress hadn't exactly translated into a better sense of community or even better lives. Not to romanticize poverty, but the direness of the initial conditions led to a need to fight in a way that isn't entirely consistent with gated houses on square blocks.
I guess this reality is, well, awkward. When you have an non- profit working in an area, there is an expectation, at least internally, that things will improve in a linear fashion. And when they don't?
Regardless, the staff hung out for a while after and I got to join since my class was cancelled which was fun because I got to see another side of their personalities.
After, I had the last (gasp!) class of salsa and headed home, where I danced more, this time a zumba workout video with 3 year old Martina. Which was hilarious. And then I just hung out for a bit with my host parents and Arturo's sister who is visiting. And played with Martina a lot more- school, dolls, legos...Just as its the little things from home that I miss, I'm going to miss daily life here a lot as well.
Showing posts with label el trampolin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label el trampolin. Show all posts
Thursday, November 18, 2010
November 16: Turning 21 Abroad
Word of the Day: ser harina de otro costal- to be irrelevant, come out of nowhere. Sort of how I feel about my birthday.
Life goes on whether you are there or not. For every amazing moment I’ve had from my study abroad experience, there are so many moments I’m missing. With my family, with my friends at Tufts, with older friends and acquaintances...For everything we gain, we lose a little.
My birthday here was little bittersweet for that reason. I realized today how truly far I am from home. And sometimes, our digital replacements aren’t enough to simulate real togetherness, moreso when internet connections are non-functioning. There is still nothing that can simulate real eye contact, physical presence or touch, the importance of which I’ve come to appreciate more this semester.
My Dad sent me a really beautiful and sweet email this morning, which combined with a few other factors led me to start bawling in the Tufts in Chile office. Thank god the program assistant Loreto was there to comfort me. After a teary attempt at learning about Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in law class, things were finally righted with a run for ice cream from Emporio La Rosa with my friend Regina.
If you’d told me a year or 2 ago I’d be spending my 21st birthday in a Chilean población I probably would have asked what a población is (basically a catch all term for a poor area) and why on earth I would be there on my birthday. But, since this week is the anniversary celebration at El Trampolin, where my internship is, I went in to help decorate the center for a celebration. No reason not to go really. Unfortunately, it took forever to get there after my salsa class so I missed the actual decorating, but arrived in time for the giant gathering of children from the community for music and games. Also unfortunate, I happened to be wearing a white tee shirt, which was good for looking non-descript, but not appropriate for a water balloon fight. (The thermometer reached around 32 C today...) Luckily, I managed to at least keep the front of my shirt from being soaked.
I got to talk and play with a lot of the kids, which was really great on a personal level and eye-opening as to the nature of the challenges of the community on a more academic level.
I finally got home from Maipu 2 hours later and had a frustrated attempt at communicating with my real family via various electronic media. Then, I had a nice dinner and cake with my host family and some friends of theirs who happened to be in town.
After, I met up with fellow Tufts in Chile-ers Molly and Judy and headed to Maestra Vida, an amazingly awesome salsa club in Bellavista, the night district, where Chico Trujillo, an AWESOME cumbia band was playing. It was just a really really good time.
Two things were really great about today, that wouldn’t have been so had I been stateside:
I didn’t recieve any presents. What I did recieve were many hugs and kisses, and beautiful wishes of well-being which were much more wonderful.
I only consumed one alcoholic drink today. Turning 21 in the US has turned into such a ridiculous ritual but since I’ve already been consuming some excellent alcohol over the last few months, there was no need. My host family doesn’t drink, so there was nothing at dinner. Just got a Corona at the bar and that was it, nice and refreshing.
It’s weird to “officially” be an adult though, since my living arrangements are less than independent nor am I financially independent. Not having barriers anymore is sort of scary. I guess I still can’t rent cars or drive stick shift, so that’s a few limits. Thank Goodness.
Life goes on whether you are there or not. For every amazing moment I’ve had from my study abroad experience, there are so many moments I’m missing. With my family, with my friends at Tufts, with older friends and acquaintances...For everything we gain, we lose a little.
My birthday here was little bittersweet for that reason. I realized today how truly far I am from home. And sometimes, our digital replacements aren’t enough to simulate real togetherness, moreso when internet connections are non-functioning. There is still nothing that can simulate real eye contact, physical presence or touch, the importance of which I’ve come to appreciate more this semester.
My Dad sent me a really beautiful and sweet email this morning, which combined with a few other factors led me to start bawling in the Tufts in Chile office. Thank god the program assistant Loreto was there to comfort me. After a teary attempt at learning about Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in law class, things were finally righted with a run for ice cream from Emporio La Rosa with my friend Regina.
If you’d told me a year or 2 ago I’d be spending my 21st birthday in a Chilean población I probably would have asked what a población is (basically a catch all term for a poor area) and why on earth I would be there on my birthday. But, since this week is the anniversary celebration at El Trampolin, where my internship is, I went in to help decorate the center for a celebration. No reason not to go really. Unfortunately, it took forever to get there after my salsa class so I missed the actual decorating, but arrived in time for the giant gathering of children from the community for music and games. Also unfortunate, I happened to be wearing a white tee shirt, which was good for looking non-descript, but not appropriate for a water balloon fight. (The thermometer reached around 32 C today...) Luckily, I managed to at least keep the front of my shirt from being soaked.
I got to talk and play with a lot of the kids, which was really great on a personal level and eye-opening as to the nature of the challenges of the community on a more academic level.
I finally got home from Maipu 2 hours later and had a frustrated attempt at communicating with my real family via various electronic media. Then, I had a nice dinner and cake with my host family and some friends of theirs who happened to be in town.
After, I met up with fellow Tufts in Chile-ers Molly and Judy and headed to Maestra Vida, an amazingly awesome salsa club in Bellavista, the night district, where Chico Trujillo, an AWESOME cumbia band was playing. It was just a really really good time.
Two things were really great about today, that wouldn’t have been so had I been stateside:
I didn’t recieve any presents. What I did recieve were many hugs and kisses, and beautiful wishes of well-being which were much more wonderful.
I only consumed one alcoholic drink today. Turning 21 in the US has turned into such a ridiculous ritual but since I’ve already been consuming some excellent alcohol over the last few months, there was no need. My host family doesn’t drink, so there was nothing at dinner. Just got a Corona at the bar and that was it, nice and refreshing.
It’s weird to “officially” be an adult though, since my living arrangements are less than independent nor am I financially independent. Not having barriers anymore is sort of scary. I guess I still can’t rent cars or drive stick shift, so that’s a few limits. Thank Goodness.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
October 26: ¿Cínica?
Words of the Day: False cognates edition!
cínico/a- In normal Spanish, this means cynical. In Chilensis, it means lying. Easy to remember if you think that cynism is an false worldview.
personalidad jurídica- legal status (a false cognate if I've ever heard one)
Yesterdays post is proof of why I should not blog while trying to figure things out at 2 in the morning. Surprisingly, going to my internship made me feel less cynical today, as much as the zone sometimes depresses me.
I guess yesterday when I was denouncing the notion of "social change" in bold strokes, what I really wanted to say was that I've become disillusioned with the idea of large sweeping change. Change when it ever does roll around comes from the small things. Probably, the work that goes on in El Trampolin and most other NGOs will realistically probably never bring people truly out of poverty, at the very least not in this generation. But that doesnt mean it wont generate tremendous good, albeit on the micro-micro-micro level. For instance, empowering a group of women to stand up to a corrupt local official so that they can use municipal space for an income generating sewing workshop, as they have the right to do. Giving the next generation education and options. Or just building links between people who otherwise would have absolutely nothing in common.
cínico/a- In normal Spanish, this means cynical. In Chilensis, it means lying. Easy to remember if you think that cynism is an false worldview.
personalidad jurídica- legal status (a false cognate if I've ever heard one)
Yesterdays post is proof of why I should not blog while trying to figure things out at 2 in the morning. Surprisingly, going to my internship made me feel less cynical today, as much as the zone sometimes depresses me.
I guess yesterday when I was denouncing the notion of "social change" in bold strokes, what I really wanted to say was that I've become disillusioned with the idea of large sweeping change. Change when it ever does roll around comes from the small things. Probably, the work that goes on in El Trampolin and most other NGOs will realistically probably never bring people truly out of poverty, at the very least not in this generation. But that doesnt mean it wont generate tremendous good, albeit on the micro-micro-micro level. For instance, empowering a group of women to stand up to a corrupt local official so that they can use municipal space for an income generating sewing workshop, as they have the right to do. Giving the next generation education and options. Or just building links between people who otherwise would have absolutely nothing in common.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
October 12: "No te pinta como gringa, pero tus ojos..."
This was a taxi driver telling me I don't look like a gringa, except for my eyes. Hmmm. Not totally sure what that means, but I guess my new Chilean camoflague attire will need to include sunglasses in addition to faded/patched jeans and a keffiyeh (Everyone here wears them, not totally sure if they're even political anymore in this context...) Good to know.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
September 30 (Part 2): "People are Just People, People are Just People, People are Just People Like You"
I realized two important things today while on a visit to the Museo de Bellas Artes (Museum of Fine Arts) today between classes. Art museums generally are reliable for calming me down and this seemed like the perfect remedy after a hectic morning. The museum is still free, I think perhaps because they haven't opened the entire museum still after the quake. It's in a gorgeous and very lavish building built about a century ago. They essentially only had 4 small rooms of art, but it was a nice collection and was very peaceful, at least until a class worth of 14 and 15 year olds were released unattended into the space.
Anyway, the two things I realized were:
1) I freaked out so much earlier because I began to worry that I am picking up the worldview of upper class Chileans a little bit.
Being in Chile has actually made me realize in general how established my views are, at least in this point in my life. But there are certain things about being part of a more upper class family here that I'm worried are becoming incorporated into my thought process a bit too much, ie. the idea that everywhere that isn't above Santiago Center presents a danger, particularly the people you will encounter in those areas. Things like that...
BUT 2) I have been too hard on upper class Chile, in my blog and in general.
I should make it clear that I have recieved nothing but goodwill, hospitality and downright love from my host parents and everyone else's families that I have met. While we may not agree on views, I'm glad in a lot of ways that I have exposure to people who represent a distinct side of Chile. And just because people have a higher level of wealth doesn't mean they aren't conscious of the "other" Chile or unsympathetic to it. I also think a lot about this paradox in every society: so much of what is beautiful physically within a city is the product of concentrated wealth and without it, perhaps our lives in this physical space would be that much duller. Not as good as every child growing up free from hunger or everyone having access to a good education, but sometimes you gotta take what you can get.
Regina Spektor, "Ghost of Corporate Future"- Truly some words to live by.
"And people are just people,
They shouldn't make you nervous.
The world is everlasting,
It's coming and it's going.
If you don't toss your plastic,
The streets won't be so plastic.
And if you kiss somebody,
Then both of you'll get practice."
"The world is everlasting
Put dirtballs in your pocket,
Put dirtballs in your pocket,
And take off both your shoes.
'Cause people are just people,
People are just people,
People are just people like you.
Anyway, the two things I realized were:
1) I freaked out so much earlier because I began to worry that I am picking up the worldview of upper class Chileans a little bit.
Being in Chile has actually made me realize in general how established my views are, at least in this point in my life. But there are certain things about being part of a more upper class family here that I'm worried are becoming incorporated into my thought process a bit too much, ie. the idea that everywhere that isn't above Santiago Center presents a danger, particularly the people you will encounter in those areas. Things like that...
BUT 2) I have been too hard on upper class Chile, in my blog and in general.
I should make it clear that I have recieved nothing but goodwill, hospitality and downright love from my host parents and everyone else's families that I have met. While we may not agree on views, I'm glad in a lot of ways that I have exposure to people who represent a distinct side of Chile. And just because people have a higher level of wealth doesn't mean they aren't conscious of the "other" Chile or unsympathetic to it. I also think a lot about this paradox in every society: so much of what is beautiful physically within a city is the product of concentrated wealth and without it, perhaps our lives in this physical space would be that much duller. Not as good as every child growing up free from hunger or everyone having access to a good education, but sometimes you gotta take what you can get.
Regina Spektor, "Ghost of Corporate Future"- Truly some words to live by.
"And people are just people,
They shouldn't make you nervous.
The world is everlasting,
It's coming and it's going.
If you don't toss your plastic,
The streets won't be so plastic.
And if you kiss somebody,
Then both of you'll get practice."
"The world is everlasting
Put dirtballs in your pocket,
Put dirtballs in your pocket,
And take off both your shoes.
'Cause people are just people,
People are just people,
People are just people like you.
September 30: Excessive Punctuality
Word of the Day:
taco (Chile)- traffic jam
So today has made me feel excessively stupid and sheltered and its not even noon yet. I should just start listing ¨really good at overreacting¨ on my resume.
I woke early up after a night of weird dreams about minature temblores that may actually have been real light seismic activity. Anyway, left my house around 8:30 thinking that would be more than enough time to get to the internship. I had found a different way to go online that wouldnt require a 500 peso ($1, although technically more now that the dollar has been falling a lot) collectivo, a shared taxi. This required taking 2 buses, but seemed a lot simpler. I dont really mind taking the buses even though there are all sorts of class issues involved in public transport. At least til recently, the metro was the more upper class form of transport and much more exclusive. Now, with some extenstions, its much more overcrowded. Generally, wealthy Chileans love to complain about how the metro has been ruined. My host parents were telling last night about how there was a famous skit called Transcagamos, the polite translation of which would be Transscrewedusover. At any rate, by now, I found micros to be much more reasonable. People are nice! Everyone offers seats to babies and old women. Unlike the mad dash to push onto the metro.
Today was the first time I{ve really experienced the wonders of Santiago traffic. It took me 30 minutes to get down Avenida Tobalaba, which is essentially how long it takes me to run the same distance. All in all, my trip took about 2 hours from door to door. Ive gotten to my grandmother{s house in Connecticut, 2 states away!, in less time.
Maipu used to be its own separate town and in a way it still sort of is: its population is around the same as Boston proper. As the city of Santiago grew, the fields separating the two shrank, and it sort of just got incorporated in. There are still a couple fields between all the housing areas, but Im guessing theyre not long for this world with all the development pressure.
While I was on the bus, however, my (hopefully) future boss called me to confirm our interview. I thought I was late, so I told her I was on my way, to which she replied that we were meeting TOMORROW. Silly viernes and jueves, I can never tell you apart!
At this point, I figured I should at least try to find where the internship is. I had freaked out unnecessarily about the neighborhood. I still stuck out like a sore thumb, sure, but there was a supermarket by the bus station whereas I had been expecting Las Turbinas like conditions. Not to say that things looked like home in Ñuñoa or that Id want to hang out there at night, but it definitely allayed at lot of my fears. Im still so incredibly unstreetwise and sheltered. For which I should count myself lucky, but I blister at my own naivete sometimes. Just because a neighborhood may not have the best conditions doesnt mean that people cant live their lives in it in a totally routine fashion.
I wonder how I get percieved by Chileans who see me (without hearing me talk): do they assume Im a gringo or an upper class Las Condes type? Im defintely not really fashionable enough and my complexion is even a little bit olivey for upper class Chile but I hope, but maybe since Im not blonde, that I dont automatically come off as a gringa. In the end, Im not really sure which is better, if either.
One other anecdote for today: the bus I was riding on back to Santiago Centro contained a very demanding clown, who both did some sort of performance while organizing the flow of people on the bus.
taco (Chile)- traffic jam
So today has made me feel excessively stupid and sheltered and its not even noon yet. I should just start listing ¨really good at overreacting¨ on my resume.
I woke early up after a night of weird dreams about minature temblores that may actually have been real light seismic activity. Anyway, left my house around 8:30 thinking that would be more than enough time to get to the internship. I had found a different way to go online that wouldnt require a 500 peso ($1, although technically more now that the dollar has been falling a lot) collectivo, a shared taxi. This required taking 2 buses, but seemed a lot simpler. I dont really mind taking the buses even though there are all sorts of class issues involved in public transport. At least til recently, the metro was the more upper class form of transport and much more exclusive. Now, with some extenstions, its much more overcrowded. Generally, wealthy Chileans love to complain about how the metro has been ruined. My host parents were telling last night about how there was a famous skit called Transcagamos, the polite translation of which would be Transscrewedusover. At any rate, by now, I found micros to be much more reasonable. People are nice! Everyone offers seats to babies and old women. Unlike the mad dash to push onto the metro.
Today was the first time I{ve really experienced the wonders of Santiago traffic. It took me 30 minutes to get down Avenida Tobalaba, which is essentially how long it takes me to run the same distance. All in all, my trip took about 2 hours from door to door. Ive gotten to my grandmother{s house in Connecticut, 2 states away!, in less time.
Maipu used to be its own separate town and in a way it still sort of is: its population is around the same as Boston proper. As the city of Santiago grew, the fields separating the two shrank, and it sort of just got incorporated in. There are still a couple fields between all the housing areas, but Im guessing theyre not long for this world with all the development pressure.
While I was on the bus, however, my (hopefully) future boss called me to confirm our interview. I thought I was late, so I told her I was on my way, to which she replied that we were meeting TOMORROW. Silly viernes and jueves, I can never tell you apart!
At this point, I figured I should at least try to find where the internship is. I had freaked out unnecessarily about the neighborhood. I still stuck out like a sore thumb, sure, but there was a supermarket by the bus station whereas I had been expecting Las Turbinas like conditions. Not to say that things looked like home in Ñuñoa or that Id want to hang out there at night, but it definitely allayed at lot of my fears. Im still so incredibly unstreetwise and sheltered. For which I should count myself lucky, but I blister at my own naivete sometimes. Just because a neighborhood may not have the best conditions doesnt mean that people cant live their lives in it in a totally routine fashion.
I wonder how I get percieved by Chileans who see me (without hearing me talk): do they assume Im a gringo or an upper class Las Condes type? Im defintely not really fashionable enough and my complexion is even a little bit olivey for upper class Chile but I hope, but maybe since Im not blonde, that I dont automatically come off as a gringa. In the end, Im not really sure which is better, if either.
One other anecdote for today: the bus I was riding on back to Santiago Centro contained a very demanding clown, who both did some sort of performance while organizing the flow of people on the bus.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)