We're Famous Now?

Apparently a Chilean blogger who keeps a page dedicated to the cafe we visited in Omue has postedpictures from the night we were there

You may remember my brief post on Olmue, a sleepy town that served as our launching pad for the La Campana hike. I talked mostly about being tired after the hike and frustrated about the lack of busses, but we actually had a pretty interesting experience the night before, too.

Our hostel owner recommended the cafe for dinner, and it turned out to be the only place open in the town that night anyway. When we got in there, they had a TV blaring American songs and music videos from the 90s. It was a blast of welcome nostalgia, as we ended up singing along for most of the dinner. Sad to say, we were slightly disappointed when they turned off the TV and a live Chilean began a set. So much for enjoying the local culture.

In any case, at some point or another this guy starts randomly taking pictures of us. At the time, we assumed it was because Kelsey was a blonde (who are few and far between in Chile). Turns out, he just wanted pictures for his blog! Who woulda' thunk?

If you read the captions and the blurb underneath the photos, somehow they got the (mis) information that we were all from Boston, and were visiting Olmue prior to beginning our studies at the Catholic University in Valparaiso. Not sure where that came from.

Oh, Chile. I'll miss you.

Winter Wonderland

It's nearing mid-June here in Chile, which means winter has entered into full swing. While so far it's been mostly cold and dry, looks like the rains may finally arrive this week. All in all, it's been just like December in Sacramento.

Which, of course, has thrown off my whole mindset. Part of me wants to put on sweats and curl up on the sofa, basking in front of the TV with a glass of hot chocolate. I even feel like I should be inundated with Christmas commercials, the perfect red-and-green antidote to the dreary grey skies outside. Unfortunately (or fortunately, if you're one to hate the crass commercialism of the holiday season) all that is still half a year away. And in only a week, I'll be in the balmy confines of Sacramento, enjoying a week of mere dry heat before heading to the humid Washington DC for the summer. It will all be a shock, I have no doubt.

Taxicab Confessions

An interesting anecdote from the other day: had a great conversation with my cab driver, taking me home from the airport after dropping Avalon off for her flight early Tuesday morning. I had hoped that maybe chatting it up with the guy would save me a few bucks (didn't work) on the ride, or at least provide some interesting insights on the Chilean experience (did work).

While my Spanish was a bit shaky at 4 am, I think he was still happy with my attempts to make the 15-minute ride through the dark, largely abandoned freeways a bit lighter. He turned out to be a funny fellow, hailing from Maipu, one of the poorer sections of town, and quite opinionated about all things Chile (aren't we all).

When I asked him if he liked Santiago, he immedately replied no, because of "drogas." This briefly took me aback, as Chile is largely considered to be clean, modern, and drug free. So far, I hadn't seen that much of a drug
That I found surprising. The same military which produced the proud Pinochet and the strict, authoritarian government that ruled the country from 1973-89? The driver said his brother was in the military, and had problem with drugs, and that corruption was stemming out of control. Surprising stuff.

I then asked about the Caribineros, the civillian police that appear to be the army in everything but name. Apparently the Caribineros are immune, he said. I bet if US citizens were polled on whether they thought the military or police were more corrupt, the police would win (lose?) by a landslide.

Then I went back home and wrote a 10-page econ paper, sleeping from 8 to 9 am. So much for the vacation.

Yes, I'm still here

Loyal readers (if there are any):

Yes, in case you're wondering, I'm still in Chile. I know it has been a while, but after the long weekend in Buenos Aries, I've spent the last week with a paper, group project, and visiting girlfriend all taking priority than blogging. And even though my camera now lies in the murky depths of the Rio de la Plata, I'll be updating several times the next week or so, as I'll be needing some study breaks for finals.

And yes, I'm bummed we actually have to take finals. You mean this wasn't just a quarter-long vacation?