Sunday, December 28, 2008
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Saturday, November 8, 2008
water for christmas
check out my YouTube debut!
(and DONATE FIRST)
go to www.hotflawedmama.blogspot.com for more info.
or www.water4christmas.com
WATER FOR CHRISTMAS
(and DONATE FIRST)
go to www.hotflawedmama.blogspot.com for more info.
or www.water4christmas.com
WATER FOR CHRISTMAS
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
YES. WE. CAN.
and did!
what a beautiful night it was in grant park. and everywhere in the country. and the world.
i got an email from each of my host parents this morning congratulating me, telling me how happy they were for our country. and theirs. and the whole world.
my host mom's email said this: (my translation):
"last night we saw the latest news from chicago, the people gathering in grant park, and we were commenting that our princess surely would be there, in the middle of the multitude. congratulations for the new president of the united states, we think from the bottom of our hearts that obama is going to do very well, not only for the united states but for the whole world. theres a breath of fresh air in international politics, and you can feel in his personality that he will help bring about a world more just, less discriminatory, more visionary, and more modern. we think there will be a 'before and after' in the united states after this election, even though it will be difficult to change this world to a more equal society, with equal opportunities for all."
beautiful, no?
and, finally, pictures!!!!
peace and hope to you!
what a beautiful night it was in grant park. and everywhere in the country. and the world.
i got an email from each of my host parents this morning congratulating me, telling me how happy they were for our country. and theirs. and the whole world.
my host mom's email said this: (my translation):
"last night we saw the latest news from chicago, the people gathering in grant park, and we were commenting that our princess surely would be there, in the middle of the multitude. congratulations for the new president of the united states, we think from the bottom of our hearts that obama is going to do very well, not only for the united states but for the whole world. theres a breath of fresh air in international politics, and you can feel in his personality that he will help bring about a world more just, less discriminatory, more visionary, and more modern. we think there will be a 'before and after' in the united states after this election, even though it will be difficult to change this world to a more equal society, with equal opportunities for all."
beautiful, no?
and, finally, pictures!!!!
peace and hope to you!
Monday, November 3, 2008
at our most basic level, we are just human beings, relating to each other...
we will we allow another rwanda? or, should i say, the same rwanda re-located?
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/03/world/africa/03congo.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin
i challenge us all--what will we do?
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/03/world/africa/03congo.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin
i challenge us all--what will we do?
Sunday, September 21, 2008
domestic tranquility
it's been a while. i'm aware. but, i'm glad. i hope the silence up until this post will cause more people to read it. i hope i can cause some to think, to be angry, to be sad, to be inspired. some may disagree, but i hope it'll be tough. i hope it's as tough to disagree with as saying john mccain is a war hero or barack obama is a gifted speaker.
anyone that knows me even slightly knows that right now, specifically in this election season, international issues are of utmost importance to me. foreign policy/diplomacy is right near, if not at the top of my list of important issues. but in this time of "country first" and american flag lapel pins, i've decided to look inward a bit. to this country. to our country. my country. the country i live in. that i was born and raised in. the country that, chances are, i will spend the majority of my days in. and even if i leave, it is the country i will always represent. and will represent me.
patriotism is a non-partisan issue. every candidate says 'god bless america.' (for example, what if a candidate said 'god bless the world' instead? i think we know what would happen. but, i know, i know, s/he's running for president of the US, not the leader of the..."free"...world. sorry, wrong post.)
back to my point--both conventions were ripe with old glory and red, white, and blue balloon drops. every candidate has worked to prove his/her love for the USA. a lack of patriotism would not only result in a lost campaign, but would be liable to get your future phone calls and emails tapped.
i just went to see a movie called "trouble the water," a documentary about new orleans and katrina, as filmed by a couple who was living in the 9th ward and fought through the storm and are still very much struggling today. i believe every american (and every one else, for that matter) should see it. i wont say much about the details, because i honestly want everyone to see it, but it's exactly what you would imagine--horrible, horrible tragedy. in this country. our country.
and as i watched, and listened (hearing--although some anger--mostly 'this is the lord's work, and he will provide'), i couldn't help but think of both parties' message of "country first" and ask "what country?"
the country in which citizens were told by their federal and state governments to write their social security numbers on their arms so their corpses would be easier to identify?
the country where a group of about 15 people, 6-7 of them children, one disabled, 1-2 elderly, floated themselves to an unused navy base, as directed by the national guard, to get shelter for the night, and had m-16 rifles pointed in their face and told "we have orders not to open the gates. you're on your own. and if you don't leave, we'll shoot."
the country where an american citizen child is separated from his/her 'illegal' mother working 18 hours a day for less than minimum wage because she is classified as a national security threat.
the country where, in some parts of some cities, such as the southside of chicago, the life expectancy of black males is 58. 58 years old.
the country which spends $720 million a day on a war that, at it's most noble cause, is aimed at freeing the citizens of a different country, which comes to $262.8 trillion a year, while the money simply 'committed' to katrina relief was $85 billion, very little of which seems to have been actually provided.
that is this country. that is our country. is that the country we put first? either party, any candidate? what country are we really talking about? a country where all are free? all are given the same opportunities? every life is valued?
i've heard a lot recently, "thank god for the founding fathers for creating the system they did. for creating a system of balance, of freedom." it's tough to argue with. but let's remember that they are the same founding fathers that wrote "all men are created equal," yet owned--bought and sold--human beings.
that is the system they created. the system that still exists, whether we choose to see it or not. a system which may say, write, and even put into law some things, but many of which live in a quite different reality.
i heard an interesting quote by franklin delano roosevelt today in which he said something along the lines of, "you elected me, now organize yourselves and make me act." i truly believe that no matter who is elected on nov 4, he will do nothing drastic/controversial unless forced to do so by his "country." which 'country' that is remains yet to be seen. and i hope my sincere efforts to make this a non-partisan post have proved notable. of course i have my opinions, but to be honest, sometimes i think we all let ourselves get caught up in this argument that we think is of utmost importance, when there are other--much more toxic--things happening all along. as if we're being diverted...
i believe we are in an era of a new red scare. terrorism is the new communism. say you're not proud of this country and you are 'one of them.'
and i understand that some may say, 'you don't like it? get out.' but the fact is, i was born here. any where i go, i am an american. i am the american. i represent this country as much as it represents me. and to leave might be too easy. rather than leave this country because i can't, in good conscience, be proud of it, i'd rather make it a country to be proud of.
i guess my point is recognizing what country it is that we are fighting for. what country our sons and daughters are dying for. is it for you? probably.
but check your arm for your social security number to make sure.
'
as i just biked home from the film, the air was unusually misty/foggy. i couldn't help but recognize it as a very tangible symbol of two things: 1)the fact that i will/would never know in the slightest what the experience of those in new orleans was/is and 2)everything i've grown up knowing is only a misty version of truth. disagree with me as you may (and i'm sure some will), but i mean EVERYthing.
may we find peace.
and god bless us all, if it is right that he should do so.
anyone that knows me even slightly knows that right now, specifically in this election season, international issues are of utmost importance to me. foreign policy/diplomacy is right near, if not at the top of my list of important issues. but in this time of "country first" and american flag lapel pins, i've decided to look inward a bit. to this country. to our country. my country. the country i live in. that i was born and raised in. the country that, chances are, i will spend the majority of my days in. and even if i leave, it is the country i will always represent. and will represent me.
patriotism is a non-partisan issue. every candidate says 'god bless america.' (for example, what if a candidate said 'god bless the world' instead? i think we know what would happen. but, i know, i know, s/he's running for president of the US, not the leader of the..."free"...world. sorry, wrong post.)
back to my point--both conventions were ripe with old glory and red, white, and blue balloon drops. every candidate has worked to prove his/her love for the USA. a lack of patriotism would not only result in a lost campaign, but would be liable to get your future phone calls and emails tapped.
i just went to see a movie called "trouble the water," a documentary about new orleans and katrina, as filmed by a couple who was living in the 9th ward and fought through the storm and are still very much struggling today. i believe every american (and every one else, for that matter) should see it. i wont say much about the details, because i honestly want everyone to see it, but it's exactly what you would imagine--horrible, horrible tragedy. in this country. our country.
and as i watched, and listened (hearing--although some anger--mostly 'this is the lord's work, and he will provide'), i couldn't help but think of both parties' message of "country first" and ask "what country?"
the country in which citizens were told by their federal and state governments to write their social security numbers on their arms so their corpses would be easier to identify?
the country where a group of about 15 people, 6-7 of them children, one disabled, 1-2 elderly, floated themselves to an unused navy base, as directed by the national guard, to get shelter for the night, and had m-16 rifles pointed in their face and told "we have orders not to open the gates. you're on your own. and if you don't leave, we'll shoot."
the country where an american citizen child is separated from his/her 'illegal' mother working 18 hours a day for less than minimum wage because she is classified as a national security threat.
the country where, in some parts of some cities, such as the southside of chicago, the life expectancy of black males is 58. 58 years old.
the country which spends $720 million a day on a war that, at it's most noble cause, is aimed at freeing the citizens of a different country, which comes to $262.8 trillion a year, while the money simply 'committed' to katrina relief was $85 billion, very little of which seems to have been actually provided.
that is this country. that is our country. is that the country we put first? either party, any candidate? what country are we really talking about? a country where all are free? all are given the same opportunities? every life is valued?
i've heard a lot recently, "thank god for the founding fathers for creating the system they did. for creating a system of balance, of freedom." it's tough to argue with. but let's remember that they are the same founding fathers that wrote "all men are created equal," yet owned--bought and sold--human beings.
that is the system they created. the system that still exists, whether we choose to see it or not. a system which may say, write, and even put into law some things, but many of which live in a quite different reality.
i heard an interesting quote by franklin delano roosevelt today in which he said something along the lines of, "you elected me, now organize yourselves and make me act." i truly believe that no matter who is elected on nov 4, he will do nothing drastic/controversial unless forced to do so by his "country." which 'country' that is remains yet to be seen. and i hope my sincere efforts to make this a non-partisan post have proved notable. of course i have my opinions, but to be honest, sometimes i think we all let ourselves get caught up in this argument that we think is of utmost importance, when there are other--much more toxic--things happening all along. as if we're being diverted...
i believe we are in an era of a new red scare. terrorism is the new communism. say you're not proud of this country and you are 'one of them.'
and i understand that some may say, 'you don't like it? get out.' but the fact is, i was born here. any where i go, i am an american. i am the american. i represent this country as much as it represents me. and to leave might be too easy. rather than leave this country because i can't, in good conscience, be proud of it, i'd rather make it a country to be proud of.
i guess my point is recognizing what country it is that we are fighting for. what country our sons and daughters are dying for. is it for you? probably.
but check your arm for your social security number to make sure.
'
as i just biked home from the film, the air was unusually misty/foggy. i couldn't help but recognize it as a very tangible symbol of two things: 1)the fact that i will/would never know in the slightest what the experience of those in new orleans was/is and 2)everything i've grown up knowing is only a misty version of truth. disagree with me as you may (and i'm sure some will), but i mean EVERYthing.
may we find peace.
and god bless us all, if it is right that he should do so.
Monday, August 11, 2008
machu picchu pictures!
Thursday, August 7, 2008
some pictures
okay, well, i got the album of my trip to the north working before i could no longer download fotos.
so, here it is!
el norte
peru pictures soon to come...
so, here it is!
el norte
peru pictures soon to come...
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Saturday, July 12, 2008
machu picch-who?
just wanted to let you all know (all being...my parents and sisters-in-law?) that i will be heading to peru tomorrow with camilo and bernardita, my host brother and sister. we leave tomorrow night and get back the following monday. i will take lots of pictures, and probably post them at the end with my pictures of the north and my last days here in sudamerica.
see you soon.
chao,
kait
see you soon.
chao,
kait
Thursday, June 26, 2008
i just wanted to let everyone know that tomorrow i will be leaving for a week-long trip to san pedro de atacama, a really small town in the north of chile surround by amazing nature, such as the driest desert in the world, the second tallest natural geysers in the world, and one of the best star-gazing places due to the high altitude, low pollution, and low ambient light. i'm extremely excited to go, and i hope to have some amazing pictures when i get back. however, i may not be available for the week, because i'm not sure if the town has an internet cafe. so, if you try to email me, that's why i don't answer!
i had my last day of class today, although i will have a couple finals still when i get back. we also had our goodbye dinner for the program and it was that first small realization that it's almost over, as we all said goodbye. however, i think that because i'm not actually leaving for a few more weeks it hasn't hit me yet. i hope it doesn't for a while...i still have a lot to do!
random note: the other day, i heard a mom speaking native english to her daughter in the supermarket, so i asked where they were from. she was very nice and said they were from alaska and that about 6 months ago, she and her husband decided to move to chile with their two daughters, elementary-school-age, in order to learn spanish and experience a new culture. they are planning on returning before the beginning of the school year in aug/sept. i think that is amazing and super inspiring. i hope that when i have a family i will never be unable/unwilling to pick up and move to a country where i don't speak the language, simply for the experience. that, for me, is living life to the fullest.
peace.
i had my last day of class today, although i will have a couple finals still when i get back. we also had our goodbye dinner for the program and it was that first small realization that it's almost over, as we all said goodbye. however, i think that because i'm not actually leaving for a few more weeks it hasn't hit me yet. i hope it doesn't for a while...i still have a lot to do!
random note: the other day, i heard a mom speaking native english to her daughter in the supermarket, so i asked where they were from. she was very nice and said they were from alaska and that about 6 months ago, she and her husband decided to move to chile with their two daughters, elementary-school-age, in order to learn spanish and experience a new culture. they are planning on returning before the beginning of the school year in aug/sept. i think that is amazing and super inspiring. i hope that when i have a family i will never be unable/unwilling to pick up and move to a country where i don't speak the language, simply for the experience. that, for me, is living life to the fullest.
peace.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
quince paginas
it's done.
the 15-page monster is done.
thanks to my friend felipe for his editing skills, i have officially printed and stopped thinking about this thing that i, literally, spent at least 50 hours working on. including putting on the song "i'd rather dance with you" by kings of convenience and doing a celebration dance in camilos room while it was printing.
then he and i had a good chat about how great it is to feel known by the family to the point that i can dance like a fool when i finish a paper and not feel weird.
then he told me that their new gringa (to live with them next semester) is also named kate and she comes a couple days before i leave. and...how there's just no way she will fit in with the family like me. anyways, i decided that for those couple of overlapping days, i'm going to have my stuff packed up and i'm going to sleep upstairs with the family in my sister's room so we can have some more tight bonding time before i leave. camilo thought it a great idea. and we an talk about the new girl and i can judge her. juuuust kidding. kind of. but anytime any of us start talking about me leaving, we all get sad and decide not to.
i had a conversation the other night with patricio, my host dad, about what its like to live in this state in which i know i'm leaving in a month and i don't know, realistically, when i'll be back. (although i will). it's like i notice everything. like i want to breathe deeper, see everything, remember every detail. and in reality, it's a beautiful way to live. it makes life so much more...alive. the other day it just felt surreal. like my life was a...baz luhrman movie. (moulin rouge---since frank doesn't read this.) a great conversation with my best friend, a smile from a cute boy on the street, a great cup of coffee, a breath-taking view of the andes, and suddenly, a person walking down the street with a huge sword. surreal.
also, a couple of the boys i work with just found out i'm not chilean. and a couple girls in my dance class found out i'm not venezuelan. (i know, right?)
i hope, if anything, i can learn from this. the joy that it is to understand how precious every moment is. the joy of recognizing an expansion of my heart to people and places i never expected. the joy of living amongst mountains! the joy of feeling like i may be able to call myself, gulp, fluent. and the joy of knowing that a random dance party is just as joyous in any continent or language.
besos,
kait
the 15-page monster is done.
thanks to my friend felipe for his editing skills, i have officially printed and stopped thinking about this thing that i, literally, spent at least 50 hours working on. including putting on the song "i'd rather dance with you" by kings of convenience and doing a celebration dance in camilos room while it was printing.
then he and i had a good chat about how great it is to feel known by the family to the point that i can dance like a fool when i finish a paper and not feel weird.
then he told me that their new gringa (to live with them next semester) is also named kate and she comes a couple days before i leave. and...how there's just no way she will fit in with the family like me. anyways, i decided that for those couple of overlapping days, i'm going to have my stuff packed up and i'm going to sleep upstairs with the family in my sister's room so we can have some more tight bonding time before i leave. camilo thought it a great idea. and we an talk about the new girl and i can judge her. juuuust kidding. kind of. but anytime any of us start talking about me leaving, we all get sad and decide not to.
i had a conversation the other night with patricio, my host dad, about what its like to live in this state in which i know i'm leaving in a month and i don't know, realistically, when i'll be back. (although i will). it's like i notice everything. like i want to breathe deeper, see everything, remember every detail. and in reality, it's a beautiful way to live. it makes life so much more...alive. the other day it just felt surreal. like my life was a...baz luhrman movie. (moulin rouge---since frank doesn't read this.) a great conversation with my best friend, a smile from a cute boy on the street, a great cup of coffee, a breath-taking view of the andes, and suddenly, a person walking down the street with a huge sword. surreal.
also, a couple of the boys i work with just found out i'm not chilean. and a couple girls in my dance class found out i'm not venezuelan. (i know, right?)
i hope, if anything, i can learn from this. the joy that it is to understand how precious every moment is. the joy of recognizing an expansion of my heart to people and places i never expected. the joy of living amongst mountains! the joy of feeling like i may be able to call myself, gulp, fluent. and the joy of knowing that a random dance party is just as joyous in any continent or language.
besos,
kait
Sunday, June 15, 2008
la vida
so, just thought i'd give a bit of an update, make the mood a little more light-hearted on the ole blog.
1--i'm in the midst of my big paper, 10-15 pages, the longest i've written in any language! the closest i've come was a 12-pager for a social work class in which i had to write about...myself. needless to say, this one with the working title 'globalization and nationalism: end of the nation-state or resurgence of ethnic nationalism' is proving to be a bit more of a challenge.
2--there was finally a tremor! jaja. i've been hoping to feel one the entire time i've been here, and miraculously, there hasn't been one. which is rare for 5 months. but i was out the other night and suddenly one of the guys we were with said, 'there was just a tremor, did you all feel it?' i didnt feel a thing. however, i got really excited, like maybe an after shock or something, while another one of the girls, a colombian, started freaking. apprently they don't happen in colombia either. so i guess technically experienced one, i just didn't know it.
3--we went out for my best friend here, alejandra's birthday. (night of the tremor.) we went to hear some live reggae, which was pretty cool. but more so, it was great to hang out with her. we were laughing that most people come back to their study abroad country for a boyfriend and i was going to have to come back for her. it was also a cool night because in the group that was there, there were 2 colombians, 1 gringa (yo), 1 cuban, and about 5 chileans. we felt very cosmopolitan.
picture of ale and me--
4--i almost burnt down the house. okay, not really. but, i was drying my hair (which, for the record, i hate doing, but my host dad gives me hard time if i walk around with wet hair. theyre all hypocondriacs here.) anyways, i was drying it, and it had been a while, probably 15 minutes, and i started to smell something. so, i put my head up, and there is a TORRENT of smoke coming out of the power adapter. so, i shut it off, dropped it, and seriously RAN out of my room, thinking for sure it was going to explode. it didnt, luckily, but the torrent continued. so i had to open my window and door and start fanning the smoke with a towel. and keep in mind i'm still in my bath robe. and of course, thats right when my host sister and mom came downstairs. it was pretty embarassing. obviously the power was too much for the adapter, which was melted. it was crazy.
5--i'm going to peru with my host brother and sister!! i'm extremely excited. we finally got everything worked out with the tickets and we'll be going as soon as they get to winter vacation, the second week in july. i'll get back a few days before my flight to the states. we're all reaaaaally excited.
ok, should be getting back to the current ideological and idiomatic mess that is that paper.
chao chao.
1--i'm in the midst of my big paper, 10-15 pages, the longest i've written in any language! the closest i've come was a 12-pager for a social work class in which i had to write about...myself. needless to say, this one with the working title 'globalization and nationalism: end of the nation-state or resurgence of ethnic nationalism' is proving to be a bit more of a challenge.
2--there was finally a tremor! jaja. i've been hoping to feel one the entire time i've been here, and miraculously, there hasn't been one. which is rare for 5 months. but i was out the other night and suddenly one of the guys we were with said, 'there was just a tremor, did you all feel it?' i didnt feel a thing. however, i got really excited, like maybe an after shock or something, while another one of the girls, a colombian, started freaking. apprently they don't happen in colombia either. so i guess technically experienced one, i just didn't know it.
3--we went out for my best friend here, alejandra's birthday. (night of the tremor.) we went to hear some live reggae, which was pretty cool. but more so, it was great to hang out with her. we were laughing that most people come back to their study abroad country for a boyfriend and i was going to have to come back for her. it was also a cool night because in the group that was there, there were 2 colombians, 1 gringa (yo), 1 cuban, and about 5 chileans. we felt very cosmopolitan.
picture of ale and me--
4--i almost burnt down the house. okay, not really. but, i was drying my hair (which, for the record, i hate doing, but my host dad gives me hard time if i walk around with wet hair. theyre all hypocondriacs here.) anyways, i was drying it, and it had been a while, probably 15 minutes, and i started to smell something. so, i put my head up, and there is a TORRENT of smoke coming out of the power adapter. so, i shut it off, dropped it, and seriously RAN out of my room, thinking for sure it was going to explode. it didnt, luckily, but the torrent continued. so i had to open my window and door and start fanning the smoke with a towel. and keep in mind i'm still in my bath robe. and of course, thats right when my host sister and mom came downstairs. it was pretty embarassing. obviously the power was too much for the adapter, which was melted. it was crazy.
5--i'm going to peru with my host brother and sister!! i'm extremely excited. we finally got everything worked out with the tickets and we'll be going as soon as they get to winter vacation, the second week in july. i'll get back a few days before my flight to the states. we're all reaaaaally excited.
ok, should be getting back to the current ideological and idiomatic mess that is that paper.
chao chao.
Friday, June 6, 2008
god bless
i just received an email to which i MUST respond, and i don't know that it would be appropriate to respond to just the person who sent it to me, nor all the people she sent it to, as i don't know the majority, and it would probably GREATLY upset them.
but i MUST respond.
the email was from a good friend while growing up, we've known each other since circa 3rd grade. i'm not going to mention a name, as it's not necessary.
so, the email subject was: beautiful picture. it contained a picture of the "american" (united states) flag with the sun shining through the blue/stars corner, creating the image of a cross in the light. written below was, "for those that prefer to think that God is not watching over us...go ahead and delete this. for the rest of us...pass this on."
how to respond in a way that matches my disgust? i thought of first responding to all with just the word, "deleted." however, that wouldnt explain why i'm upset and would just piss a lot of hard-working people off and maybe get my next phone call or email tapped. so, then i thought about writing, "well, right now, i'm actually living in a different country. so...does that preference extend to us 'americans' on other soil? or do we have to be within the borders to get it?"
or perhaps, "well, my brother and sister-in-law just adopted from ethiopia and another is doing it now, do their children get the benefits? does god honor adoption records?"
or perhaps, "i'll pass it on to my host family here, maybe it'll encourage them to come to the states."
or, "i'll pass it on to the boys i work with in one of the poblaciones (poverty-stricken neighborhoods) here and explain to them that that's why they live in tin huts and have a one-in-a-million chance of going to college. they should think about being born elsewhere next time, or pulling themselves up by their bootstraps."
please, know that i am in no way saying that everyone in the states thinks that way, of course. in fact, if thought anyone who read this blog was really gung-ho on the idea, i probably wouldn't write this. and you can look back at my past blog entries--i have been extremely conscious to not make this a states-bashing blog.
however, as i see/learn the effects that mindsets such as the one presented in that email, it is impossible to ignore. unfortunately, it gives me great fear. i fear for our country, our children, and our world (by OUR world, i mean the world that we all, as human beings share. not the world that the US claims to own through it's violent foreign policy and disregard of international law, to name a few. or it's idea that God has chosen to bless it above all other nations. with prosperity. you know, just like jesus said, "blessed are the rich, because god likes them more.")
rev. wright, the controversial pastor from chicago that some tried to use as a weapon (we love 'em!) against obama, was quoted most often (from what i heard) for saying, during a sermon in which he was talking about the great civil injustices of the past and present in our country, "god bless america? NO! god DAMN america." and of course, you cant say that. we have free speech, so you can SAY it, but you cant SAY it. but the point is, what was he trying to say?
in his speech after winning the nomination (which really was a great speech), obama ended by saying, "god bless america." again, with all above, it was the one thing that really made me cringe. not that i don't want god to bless america, but there's a lot more world out there. maybe we could think about spreading some of the blessing around.
and this example of obama goes to show that there is no answer in a power-suit. i believe change can happen, "change we can believe in," if you will. but it won't come from a 45-year-old guy in washington. (or a...70-year-old?) it has to come from the heart and mind of each individual citizen. and as long as we are passing along emails to remind eachother of how great we are, things won't change.
i hope everyone understands that this post has been written in a fit of passion. not that it doesn't present EXACTLY how i feel, but i usually try to censor myself a bit. and here, i have not. in all it's "anti-patriotic," sarcastic glory.
please, if you have thoughts, i would love to hear them. if you would prefer to email rather than post:
kaitlinrae@gmail.com
oh, and god bless.
post script:::
i decided to respond to the email i described. to the sender, as well as everyone she sent it to, the majority of whom i do not know. the text is as follows:
hello all,
some of you, the majority even, may not know me, but i am a friend of _____'s from WAY back (which means we have choreographed a LOT of dances to spice girls' songs.) my name is kaitlin and i am currently living, studying, and working in santiago, chile. i believe my situation gives me an interesting perspective on the subject of this email. and rather than delete it, as it suggests i do, i thought it might be more interesting and beneficial if i begin a conversation. you may dismiss me and delete this email if you choose, but if you find my thoughts interesting, please respond. i would love to discuss it with you.
i just want to say that as i live with a family and work with at-risk youth who do not bow down to that flag, i have a difficult time accepting the idea that is discussed, the idea of God specifically watching over the united states. as i look into the eyes (unfortunately only through pictures right now) of my new nephew, recently adopted from ethiopia, i again struggle with the idea that i have some type of benefit over him or his biological family.
i do believe that God loves everyone in the united states, a country that is so great in many ways, but i cannot believe that he does so more than in other countries, also great for many reasons. the God i know and love, the God of love, who said, "blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth...blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God...blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy." (matthew 5).
i believe God absolutely does this, to all those that live as such in the united states. as well as elsewhere in the world.
again, i hope you all may understand where i am coming from with these thoughts. one of the greatest things about the US is that we have been taught to think as we may, and that we have the freedom to express that. whether you agree or disagree, i hope this will make you think, and maybe respond.
wishing you peace and blessings, as we all strive to be a little more like what Jesus was describing,
kaitlin
but i MUST respond.
the email was from a good friend while growing up, we've known each other since circa 3rd grade. i'm not going to mention a name, as it's not necessary.
so, the email subject was: beautiful picture. it contained a picture of the "american" (united states) flag with the sun shining through the blue/stars corner, creating the image of a cross in the light. written below was, "for those that prefer to think that God is not watching over us...go ahead and delete this. for the rest of us...pass this on."
how to respond in a way that matches my disgust? i thought of first responding to all with just the word, "deleted." however, that wouldnt explain why i'm upset and would just piss a lot of hard-working people off and maybe get my next phone call or email tapped. so, then i thought about writing, "well, right now, i'm actually living in a different country. so...does that preference extend to us 'americans' on other soil? or do we have to be within the borders to get it?"
or perhaps, "well, my brother and sister-in-law just adopted from ethiopia and another is doing it now, do their children get the benefits? does god honor adoption records?"
or perhaps, "i'll pass it on to my host family here, maybe it'll encourage them to come to the states."
or, "i'll pass it on to the boys i work with in one of the poblaciones (poverty-stricken neighborhoods) here and explain to them that that's why they live in tin huts and have a one-in-a-million chance of going to college. they should think about being born elsewhere next time, or pulling themselves up by their bootstraps."
please, know that i am in no way saying that everyone in the states thinks that way, of course. in fact, if thought anyone who read this blog was really gung-ho on the idea, i probably wouldn't write this. and you can look back at my past blog entries--i have been extremely conscious to not make this a states-bashing blog.
however, as i see/learn the effects that mindsets such as the one presented in that email, it is impossible to ignore. unfortunately, it gives me great fear. i fear for our country, our children, and our world (by OUR world, i mean the world that we all, as human beings share. not the world that the US claims to own through it's violent foreign policy and disregard of international law, to name a few. or it's idea that God has chosen to bless it above all other nations. with prosperity. you know, just like jesus said, "blessed are the rich, because god likes them more.")
rev. wright, the controversial pastor from chicago that some tried to use as a weapon (we love 'em!) against obama, was quoted most often (from what i heard) for saying, during a sermon in which he was talking about the great civil injustices of the past and present in our country, "god bless america? NO! god DAMN america." and of course, you cant say that. we have free speech, so you can SAY it, but you cant SAY it. but the point is, what was he trying to say?
in his speech after winning the nomination (which really was a great speech), obama ended by saying, "god bless america." again, with all above, it was the one thing that really made me cringe. not that i don't want god to bless america, but there's a lot more world out there. maybe we could think about spreading some of the blessing around.
and this example of obama goes to show that there is no answer in a power-suit. i believe change can happen, "change we can believe in," if you will. but it won't come from a 45-year-old guy in washington. (or a...70-year-old?) it has to come from the heart and mind of each individual citizen. and as long as we are passing along emails to remind eachother of how great we are, things won't change.
i hope everyone understands that this post has been written in a fit of passion. not that it doesn't present EXACTLY how i feel, but i usually try to censor myself a bit. and here, i have not. in all it's "anti-patriotic," sarcastic glory.
please, if you have thoughts, i would love to hear them. if you would prefer to email rather than post:
kaitlinrae@gmail.com
oh, and god bless.
post script:::
i decided to respond to the email i described. to the sender, as well as everyone she sent it to, the majority of whom i do not know. the text is as follows:
hello all,
some of you, the majority even, may not know me, but i am a friend of _____'s from WAY back (which means we have choreographed a LOT of dances to spice girls' songs.) my name is kaitlin and i am currently living, studying, and working in santiago, chile. i believe my situation gives me an interesting perspective on the subject of this email. and rather than delete it, as it suggests i do, i thought it might be more interesting and beneficial if i begin a conversation. you may dismiss me and delete this email if you choose, but if you find my thoughts interesting, please respond. i would love to discuss it with you.
i just want to say that as i live with a family and work with at-risk youth who do not bow down to that flag, i have a difficult time accepting the idea that is discussed, the idea of God specifically watching over the united states. as i look into the eyes (unfortunately only through pictures right now) of my new nephew, recently adopted from ethiopia, i again struggle with the idea that i have some type of benefit over him or his biological family.
i do believe that God loves everyone in the united states, a country that is so great in many ways, but i cannot believe that he does so more than in other countries, also great for many reasons. the God i know and love, the God of love, who said, "blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth...blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God...blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy." (matthew 5).
i believe God absolutely does this, to all those that live as such in the united states. as well as elsewhere in the world.
again, i hope you all may understand where i am coming from with these thoughts. one of the greatest things about the US is that we have been taught to think as we may, and that we have the freedom to express that. whether you agree or disagree, i hope this will make you think, and maybe respond.
wishing you peace and blessings, as we all strive to be a little more like what Jesus was describing,
kaitlin
Monday, June 2, 2008
fotos
alo--so, i finally figured out how to put links to my foto albums on facebook here, so they are below.
chao chao.
courtney's visit in santiago
buenos aires
parents visit
chao chao.
courtney's visit in santiago
buenos aires
parents visit
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
update-ito
yea, so i haven't been much for communicating recently. to the few of you that read this, i'm sorry. but with less than two months left here in chile (gulp) i'm trying really hard to just be present here. and avoiding thinking about not being here...
so, heres a few bullet points of an update, purposely with no explanations because i prefer to be 'mysterious.'
--i love santiago. love it.
--i love courtney.
--my hair is purple.
--had my first presentation in front of all chileans and a profesor other than the exchange coordinator. rocked it.
--got back a lit test. didn't rock it, but did...okay. (lest you think the life of an exchange student is one big vacation.)
--was "forced" into performing a mini concert for my host dad's birthday.
--discovered the underground/artistic culture of santiago. and it only took 5 months...
--santiago's sewer system is...less than desirable. 2 days of rain i'm paddling to school.
--i'm trying to learn some new things, none of which i want to mention in case they don't stick by the time i get back. but if they do, you'll know.
--need to sleep, thursdays are my 14+ hour days.
chao chao!
so, heres a few bullet points of an update, purposely with no explanations because i prefer to be 'mysterious.'
--i love santiago. love it.
--i love courtney.
--my hair is purple.
--had my first presentation in front of all chileans and a profesor other than the exchange coordinator. rocked it.
--got back a lit test. didn't rock it, but did...okay. (lest you think the life of an exchange student is one big vacation.)
--was "forced" into performing a mini concert for my host dad's birthday.
--discovered the underground/artistic culture of santiago. and it only took 5 months...
--santiago's sewer system is...less than desirable. 2 days of rain i'm paddling to school.
--i'm trying to learn some new things, none of which i want to mention in case they don't stick by the time i get back. but if they do, you'll know.
--need to sleep, thursdays are my 14+ hour days.
chao chao!
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
buenos aires
hey all--my communication's getting worse and i'm getting busier by the minute. but in the interest of putting off the paper i have to write for a few more minutes, here are some pictures from the week (and i think even a video of tango!).
it was really great. i loved bs as, but it also made me happy i chose santiago and excited to come "home."
this is the widest street in the WORLD! courtney and i thought it was pretty funny that it was an "attraction" listed in the guide book.
these are mothers of some of the thousands of "desaparecidos" or "disappeared ones" from the dictatorship. the gather every thursday to protest various causes. the women with white scarves on actually lost children.
this is a plaza outside in the centro, just love the pic. wish i knew how to rotate it.
this is the view from the apt we stayed in. a great place.
us on the first day and...
us on the last day, on the way to chile! (and i'm wearing the same thing...never a good sign.)
a street antique fair in a neighborhood called san telmo.
a tango group in san telmo called las ranas. we bought their cd.
the cemetery there. it was amazing. this is one of many fotos.
and this is the mausoleum of eva peron. (think "don't cry for me argentina." thank you andrew lloyd webber.)
and, if it works, here is a video of some tango dancers we watched during lunch one day. they were amazing. there were coed couples, but both guys were better, so it was great when they danced together. and that was another thing i loved about bs as, diversity! a short escape from the homophobia of santiago! :)
chao!
it was really great. i loved bs as, but it also made me happy i chose santiago and excited to come "home."
this is the widest street in the WORLD! courtney and i thought it was pretty funny that it was an "attraction" listed in the guide book.
these are mothers of some of the thousands of "desaparecidos" or "disappeared ones" from the dictatorship. the gather every thursday to protest various causes. the women with white scarves on actually lost children.
this is a plaza outside in the centro, just love the pic. wish i knew how to rotate it.
this is the view from the apt we stayed in. a great place.
us on the first day and...
us on the last day, on the way to chile! (and i'm wearing the same thing...never a good sign.)
a street antique fair in a neighborhood called san telmo.
a tango group in san telmo called las ranas. we bought their cd.
the cemetery there. it was amazing. this is one of many fotos.
and this is the mausoleum of eva peron. (think "don't cry for me argentina." thank you andrew lloyd webber.)
and, if it works, here is a video of some tango dancers we watched during lunch one day. they were amazing. there were coed couples, but both guys were better, so it was great when they danced together. and that was another thing i loved about bs as, diversity! a short escape from the homophobia of santiago! :)
chao!
Saturday, May 10, 2008
quick update
haven't written in a while, so just wanted to update a bit.
things are going well, as always. i booked my flight for returning to the states the other day. i'll be getting back friday, the 25th of july. i'll be in iowa for the following week, then to chicago for lollapalooza, then back to iowa. all tentatively. life's pretty unpredictable after all. i'll admit, it was tough to spend so much time thinking about going back. i won't dwell on it now, as i know that everyone who reads this is there, but the fact is that even though i'm incredibly excited to see everyone, i have all my life to live in the states (not that that's the plan) and only two and a half more months to live here now. time is such a tricky thing. how has it been 4 and a half months already?
i went to a jazz club with my host brother last night and it was absolutely wonderful. as i mentioned to camilo, there was something perfect about sitting in the dimly lit jazz club, sipping red wine, listening to great jazz music, and getting to have a conversation in spanish with such a good friend. it reminded me a lot of the green mill in chicago, but with the south american touch, which i couldnt begin to describe. all in all, a wonderful experience, and i will definitely be going back in the next 2 and a half months.
on tuesday i leave for buenos aires. i will be meeting courtney there and i couldn't be more excited. i absolutely cannot wait. we'll spend about 6 days there, then she'll come back to santiago with me and spend about 10 days there before heading off to peru to meet up with her mom. i'm really excited to spend time with her.
but, i'm also (though not equally) excited to see buenos aires. i've heard so many amazing things. i will be sure to post pictures after.
thanks for reading.
chao.
things are going well, as always. i booked my flight for returning to the states the other day. i'll be getting back friday, the 25th of july. i'll be in iowa for the following week, then to chicago for lollapalooza, then back to iowa. all tentatively. life's pretty unpredictable after all. i'll admit, it was tough to spend so much time thinking about going back. i won't dwell on it now, as i know that everyone who reads this is there, but the fact is that even though i'm incredibly excited to see everyone, i have all my life to live in the states (not that that's the plan) and only two and a half more months to live here now. time is such a tricky thing. how has it been 4 and a half months already?
i went to a jazz club with my host brother last night and it was absolutely wonderful. as i mentioned to camilo, there was something perfect about sitting in the dimly lit jazz club, sipping red wine, listening to great jazz music, and getting to have a conversation in spanish with such a good friend. it reminded me a lot of the green mill in chicago, but with the south american touch, which i couldnt begin to describe. all in all, a wonderful experience, and i will definitely be going back in the next 2 and a half months.
on tuesday i leave for buenos aires. i will be meeting courtney there and i couldn't be more excited. i absolutely cannot wait. we'll spend about 6 days there, then she'll come back to santiago with me and spend about 10 days there before heading off to peru to meet up with her mom. i'm really excited to spend time with her.
but, i'm also (though not equally) excited to see buenos aires. i've heard so many amazing things. i will be sure to post pictures after.
thanks for reading.
chao.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
the 'rents came to visit! (and the phrase "it's chilly in chile!" never got old...)
so, i couldn't keep you all in suspense for too long. since it'll take my dad a good 3 months to put these on a cd, i thought i'd pick out a few good ones to show. plus, it means i get to put off catching up on my studying for another couple hours.
overall it was a GREAT visit. it was really wonderful to have them here and get to let them in on this world of mine.
the highlight was definitely having my parents meet my host family. it was such a beautiful moment. when my parents first met my host dad on the day they arrived, just to stop by the house, i think my 'dads' hugged about 15 times, no exaggeration. it was really beautiful to see. because they couldn't communicate verbally, they communicated...physically? (that sounds dirty, but you know what i mean.)
the day after we had dinner together, (while i was recovering from 3 hours of translating and my mom was recovering from the 3 pisco sours my host dad served her) with my parents, they were raving about the family. how loving they are, and how well they take care of me. and then the next day, after my parents left, my host family was doing the same thing about them. how affectionate and kind they are, not what they expected. i had to clarify that my family didn't really hold to the 'personal space' rule that i had talked about most united stateseans having.
anyway--the question remains, how do you pick 'a few good pictures' from the 430 my dad took during 6 days? i'll try to guide you all a bit.
the garden at my house
jake and leslie sent me real coffee!!!! yay!!!!
a few shots of valparaiso
dad next to the virgen at cerro san cristobal
a unique chilean treat. called 'mote con huesillos"
this is the parents on the WAY to the day of wine-tasting
a couple at the vineyard
me with my host family! por fin!!!
all my parents and me
one of my favorite shots from the hotel balcony
my mom, teresa (my nana and now good friend) and me
la moneda--the chilean capital building
this is alejandra, my colombian friend, and quite possibly my favorite person that i've met here
my cafe!
sarah and pipe went to dinner with us one night. they, too, are amazing people.
and my other favorite shot of the city
ok, enjoy!
overall it was a GREAT visit. it was really wonderful to have them here and get to let them in on this world of mine.
the highlight was definitely having my parents meet my host family. it was such a beautiful moment. when my parents first met my host dad on the day they arrived, just to stop by the house, i think my 'dads' hugged about 15 times, no exaggeration. it was really beautiful to see. because they couldn't communicate verbally, they communicated...physically? (that sounds dirty, but you know what i mean.)
the day after we had dinner together, (while i was recovering from 3 hours of translating and my mom was recovering from the 3 pisco sours my host dad served her) with my parents, they were raving about the family. how loving they are, and how well they take care of me. and then the next day, after my parents left, my host family was doing the same thing about them. how affectionate and kind they are, not what they expected. i had to clarify that my family didn't really hold to the 'personal space' rule that i had talked about most united stateseans having.
anyway--the question remains, how do you pick 'a few good pictures' from the 430 my dad took during 6 days? i'll try to guide you all a bit.
the garden at my house
jake and leslie sent me real coffee!!!! yay!!!!
a few shots of valparaiso
dad next to the virgen at cerro san cristobal
a unique chilean treat. called 'mote con huesillos"
this is the parents on the WAY to the day of wine-tasting
a couple at the vineyard
me with my host family! por fin!!!
all my parents and me
one of my favorite shots from the hotel balcony
my mom, teresa (my nana and now good friend) and me
la moneda--the chilean capital building
this is alejandra, my colombian friend, and quite possibly my favorite person that i've met here
my cafe!
sarah and pipe went to dinner with us one night. they, too, are amazing people.
and my other favorite shot of the city
ok, enjoy!
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
one jazz hand at a time...
okay, a couple random comments/updates/thoughts/ponderings--
1--i had my first chilean test today, which they call a "control," which is quite ironic, as thats anything but what i was feeling as i studied until 330am last night. the test was hard, but it went well, i think. we'll see. it'll depend on how hard i'm graded, whether at chilean level, or exchange student level. vamos a ver. i learned, however, that it's pretty hard to memorize in spanish. things go in in a mix of spanish and english, no matter which language i'm reading in, and so it makes it more difficult to recall. just another interesting lesson.
2--i had another amazing convo about world politics today with a girl from class after the test. granted, i understand that i keep hanging out with poli sci majors, but seriously, i'm amazed.
3--the other night camilo (my host brother) and i somehow got on the topic of high school activities and i brought up show choir. i decided to youtube it, just in case by chance one of the songs was on it and EVERY song i ever did in high school is on it. (search 'davenport west connection' and watch years 2003, 2004, 2005, if interested). anyways, i showed him about 4/5 and he seemed to enjoy it. he was obviously impressed. the point is i am, single-handedly bring show choir, the pride and joy of the midwest united states (according to some, i'm sure) to the southern hemisphere. you can thank me later.
4--i don't think chilean women wear sports bras. sorry if this makes anyone uncomfortable, but i'm amazed! in my dance class, i'm ALWAYS the only one wearing a sports bra! they all wear their cute little tank tops and real bras! i dont get it.
thats all for now. need to catch up on a bit of sleep and the parents come in a couple days! yay for trying new things!
chao.
1--i had my first chilean test today, which they call a "control," which is quite ironic, as thats anything but what i was feeling as i studied until 330am last night. the test was hard, but it went well, i think. we'll see. it'll depend on how hard i'm graded, whether at chilean level, or exchange student level. vamos a ver. i learned, however, that it's pretty hard to memorize in spanish. things go in in a mix of spanish and english, no matter which language i'm reading in, and so it makes it more difficult to recall. just another interesting lesson.
2--i had another amazing convo about world politics today with a girl from class after the test. granted, i understand that i keep hanging out with poli sci majors, but seriously, i'm amazed.
3--the other night camilo (my host brother) and i somehow got on the topic of high school activities and i brought up show choir. i decided to youtube it, just in case by chance one of the songs was on it and EVERY song i ever did in high school is on it. (search 'davenport west connection' and watch years 2003, 2004, 2005, if interested). anyways, i showed him about 4/5 and he seemed to enjoy it. he was obviously impressed. the point is i am, single-handedly bring show choir, the pride and joy of the midwest united states (according to some, i'm sure) to the southern hemisphere. you can thank me later.
4--i don't think chilean women wear sports bras. sorry if this makes anyone uncomfortable, but i'm amazed! in my dance class, i'm ALWAYS the only one wearing a sports bra! they all wear their cute little tank tops and real bras! i dont get it.
thats all for now. need to catch up on a bit of sleep and the parents come in a couple days! yay for trying new things!
chao.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
reader beware
i´m writing from a computer at the university because i haven´t gone home yet, so these thoughts are fresh on my mind/heart.
i´ve been relatively moody/emotional today anyways. i think the crazy weather here is screwing with me.
so with those things in mind, know that this may be a charged post. i don´t apologize for a word, but just beware.
the last couple days have been interesting ones. it started with a good conversation with my brother, fresh from his trip to ethiopia, about what true poverty looks like; something we have only had small glimpses of in our lives. last night while volunteering, i had a conversation with a 14-year-old kid about how he wasn´t going to have a party/celebration for his upcoming 15th birthday because the people that would come would just start street-fights, just like the party he went to this weekend. he also talked about how he might start a technical program to become a mechanic next week, as he had dropped out of school to work (selling mp3 players on the street) to help his parents with money. i also saw another 14/15-year-old kid buy weed as he got out of his high school.
this morning, i had my political science class which was, in reality, more of a discussion group as all the students chimed in their opinion about the development of foreign policy in latin america, specifically as it relates to the united states and the USs influence in LA. i, however, sat quietly in the back, hearing for the first time of many of the wars/conflicts, policies, leaders about which the chilean students were so opinionated.
and i just finished watching a video about the disappearances and torture during chile´s dictatorship in the 70s and 80s and couldn´t help but think about the cia report i just read about how aggressively the US supported augusto pinochet, the dictator, politically and financially.
in all honestly, i´m not writing this to focus on misdeeds of certain countries or people. the fact that i am extremely frustrated with right now is the lack of AWARENESS that is so prevelant in the US. i know it´s not just the US, and i know it´s not everyone in the US, but when i think of the common ´american,´ (i use the term ironically as, in fact, central and south americans are also american) i think about people that may have the best intentions, but are simply not aware of what´s actually going on in the world. i include myself in this!
i wonder...
--how many foreign leaders can you name?
--how many conflicts has the US really been involved in in the last 20 years? 30? 40?
--have you ever heard of the dictatorship in chile or argentina that was supported by the US? the us goverment no longer denies it´s involvement, so it´s not a conspiracy theory. it was during the height of the cold war. if you´re interested, go here to read more.
--did you know that the US provides the most weapons of any country, and which countries does it send them to? i believe the top 10 were all in africa. i´m pretty sure ethiopia was near the top.
--have you ever heard of oscar romero? (loyolans, you don´t count.)
again, i honestly say that this is not in an attempt to bash the states. this is a challenge to myself as much as anyone else. i think that´s why it´s hitting me so hard right now. it´s just the fact that, for whatever reason, i feel like we are kept in the dark about what is going on in most of the world, most of the time. and we accept it. i wonder when we´ll start demanding to know what´s actually going on in the world and stop believing what we´re told.
i´ve been relatively moody/emotional today anyways. i think the crazy weather here is screwing with me.
so with those things in mind, know that this may be a charged post. i don´t apologize for a word, but just beware.
the last couple days have been interesting ones. it started with a good conversation with my brother, fresh from his trip to ethiopia, about what true poverty looks like; something we have only had small glimpses of in our lives. last night while volunteering, i had a conversation with a 14-year-old kid about how he wasn´t going to have a party/celebration for his upcoming 15th birthday because the people that would come would just start street-fights, just like the party he went to this weekend. he also talked about how he might start a technical program to become a mechanic next week, as he had dropped out of school to work (selling mp3 players on the street) to help his parents with money. i also saw another 14/15-year-old kid buy weed as he got out of his high school.
this morning, i had my political science class which was, in reality, more of a discussion group as all the students chimed in their opinion about the development of foreign policy in latin america, specifically as it relates to the united states and the USs influence in LA. i, however, sat quietly in the back, hearing for the first time of many of the wars/conflicts, policies, leaders about which the chilean students were so opinionated.
and i just finished watching a video about the disappearances and torture during chile´s dictatorship in the 70s and 80s and couldn´t help but think about the cia report i just read about how aggressively the US supported augusto pinochet, the dictator, politically and financially.
in all honestly, i´m not writing this to focus on misdeeds of certain countries or people. the fact that i am extremely frustrated with right now is the lack of AWARENESS that is so prevelant in the US. i know it´s not just the US, and i know it´s not everyone in the US, but when i think of the common ´american,´ (i use the term ironically as, in fact, central and south americans are also american) i think about people that may have the best intentions, but are simply not aware of what´s actually going on in the world. i include myself in this!
i wonder...
--how many foreign leaders can you name?
--how many conflicts has the US really been involved in in the last 20 years? 30? 40?
--have you ever heard of the dictatorship in chile or argentina that was supported by the US? the us goverment no longer denies it´s involvement, so it´s not a conspiracy theory. it was during the height of the cold war. if you´re interested, go here to read more.
--did you know that the US provides the most weapons of any country, and which countries does it send them to? i believe the top 10 were all in africa. i´m pretty sure ethiopia was near the top.
--have you ever heard of oscar romero? (loyolans, you don´t count.)
again, i honestly say that this is not in an attempt to bash the states. this is a challenge to myself as much as anyone else. i think that´s why it´s hitting me so hard right now. it´s just the fact that, for whatever reason, i feel like we are kept in the dark about what is going on in most of the world, most of the time. and we accept it. i wonder when we´ll start demanding to know what´s actually going on in the world and stop believing what we´re told.
Friday, April 11, 2008
round 2
my first attempt at chocolate chip oatmeal cookies are in the oven right now. i'm pretty nervous. this is a lot of pressure. my family didn't even know what chocolate chips were! (i barely found them in the huge grocery store.)
wish me luck...
and, as i wait in suspense but you all, not so much...
success! they're different again, like the apple cake, but good nonetheless. i will introduce this continent to northamerican baking one sugar-y dish at a time!
wish me luck...
and, as i wait in suspense but you all, not so much...
success! they're different again, like the apple cake, but good nonetheless. i will introduce this continent to northamerican baking one sugar-y dish at a time!
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
good things!
so, it's only about 2pm, but it's been a great day.
1--i was studying at starbucks this morning and i swear to you, the barristas there, and i mean specifically at the one by my house, are the nicest people i've met in santiago. they are all really friendly. when i was getting ready to leave, about 6 of them were sitting down to do a taste test/lesson time with one of the managers. so, they invited me to join them! they were studying their little booklets and sniffing the coffee and tasting little cakes with it and things. it was pretty delightful.
2--i found out that i my application for the provost fellowship at loyola was accepted! it basically means i will be working with my favorite social work professor about 10 hours/week on a mentoring project on chicago's southside with kids who've been involved in the justice system. i'll be on the team that organizes and implements the program.
i'm very excited!
okay, chao!
1--i was studying at starbucks this morning and i swear to you, the barristas there, and i mean specifically at the one by my house, are the nicest people i've met in santiago. they are all really friendly. when i was getting ready to leave, about 6 of them were sitting down to do a taste test/lesson time with one of the managers. so, they invited me to join them! they were studying their little booklets and sniffing the coffee and tasting little cakes with it and things. it was pretty delightful.
2--i found out that i my application for the provost fellowship at loyola was accepted! it basically means i will be working with my favorite social work professor about 10 hours/week on a mentoring project on chicago's southside with kids who've been involved in the justice system. i'll be on the team that organizes and implements the program.
i'm very excited!
okay, chao!
Sunday, April 6, 2008
la vida es bella
have i named a post that before? i guess it's a testament to it's truth.
bueno, so i returned from my 'sabbatical' from english. and it really was a great week. i'll admit, it was not completely english free. it's tougher than you would imagine. the most obvious way is that when the north-americans get together, we speak in english. and i guess i was never ballsy enough to just speak in spanish, but in my defense, bi-lingual conversations are difficult if both parties are not agreed to it.
but more than that, it's hard to escape english because it's almost a regular part of the culture here. that is, i walk around and hear US music. US shows are on tv. some of my class readings are even in english. it was weird to notice how much i was exposed to it without even realizing it.
so, anyways, here are some things i learned/gained from this experience:
--i would say i'm beginning to think more in spanish. it depends on what i was just doing and what i'm thinking about, but if i get in the right mode, it's spanish.
--i need more good running music in spanish. i haven't found my latin lupe fiasco or bloc party yet.
--i made some more spanish-speaking friends. i think in my attempt to avoid gringo-time a little more, i pushed myself to hang out and had some great convos in spanish.
--i got sucked into a chilean teleseries. i'm not sure thats a positive thing, but it is what it is. i'm officially hooked on 'mala conducta.' jajaja.
--cultural activities!
---that is, monday i went to a speaker at the university who is chilean but now lives and teaches at georgetown in the states. he worked in the bill clinton white house and is now working on the hillary campaign. other than that fact, he was great. the point of the speech was to explain how the upcoming election in the US would have significant effects on latin america, but he ran out of time and ended up just talking about the election. it was really interesting to hear. and also to be in a room full of people so interested, asking so many questions. that can be tough to do in the states with US politics, let alone if it was about a different country.
---tuesday i explored the national library of chile, and it was pretty interesting. its an amazing, huge old building, and it had a big study room that took me back to the quiet room at loyola. after, i went to a my good friend sarah's apt and made her speak with me in spanish.
---wednesday i started my volunteer work in a really poor neighborhood called cerro navia. it was amazing, and i'll write more about it in the near future.
--thursday i just had class all day and went out with the gringos. don't judge. jaja
--friday i went to the cultural center to enroll in a modern dance class (yay!) and later went to the national symphony of chile. it was beautiful.
--yesterday i tried to go to a theatre. well, i did go. but when i get there, bought my ticket and went inside, i realized it was a children's theater. so i felt pretty silly. BUT, it's a great example of US influence, because the play had 5 musical numbers in it, and i'm not making this up: 'step by step' by new kids on the block, 'it's raining men,' 'my heart will go on' from titanic, and then the music, but different lyrics from 'baby one more time' by britney spears, 'i'm too sexy' by right said fred, and 'lets get retarded' by the black eyed peas. i was almost crying i was laughing so hard when 'it's raining men' came on. i honestly think they had no idea what the song was about.
--and today, i broke my sabbatical by going to the movies to see the first US movie since i've been here. (i saw 'the darjeeling limited' and LOVED it. i recommend it if you're at all wes anderson fan. or even if you're not.)
ok, so, obviously, it was a great week. i saw/heard some amazing things, met some great people, gained a nephew (see below), and learned a bit about myself.
bueno, i cant continue to put off my reading anymore. this whole 'not having class on mondays and fridays' thing is a tough temptation.
y por los de uds que me escribieron(/hablaron) en castellano, montones de gracias. aun si todavia no he respondido, me encanto recibirlos.
besitos!
bueno, so i returned from my 'sabbatical' from english. and it really was a great week. i'll admit, it was not completely english free. it's tougher than you would imagine. the most obvious way is that when the north-americans get together, we speak in english. and i guess i was never ballsy enough to just speak in spanish, but in my defense, bi-lingual conversations are difficult if both parties are not agreed to it.
but more than that, it's hard to escape english because it's almost a regular part of the culture here. that is, i walk around and hear US music. US shows are on tv. some of my class readings are even in english. it was weird to notice how much i was exposed to it without even realizing it.
so, anyways, here are some things i learned/gained from this experience:
--i would say i'm beginning to think more in spanish. it depends on what i was just doing and what i'm thinking about, but if i get in the right mode, it's spanish.
--i need more good running music in spanish. i haven't found my latin lupe fiasco or bloc party yet.
--i made some more spanish-speaking friends. i think in my attempt to avoid gringo-time a little more, i pushed myself to hang out and had some great convos in spanish.
--i got sucked into a chilean teleseries. i'm not sure thats a positive thing, but it is what it is. i'm officially hooked on 'mala conducta.' jajaja.
--cultural activities!
---that is, monday i went to a speaker at the university who is chilean but now lives and teaches at georgetown in the states. he worked in the bill clinton white house and is now working on the hillary campaign. other than that fact, he was great. the point of the speech was to explain how the upcoming election in the US would have significant effects on latin america, but he ran out of time and ended up just talking about the election. it was really interesting to hear. and also to be in a room full of people so interested, asking so many questions. that can be tough to do in the states with US politics, let alone if it was about a different country.
---tuesday i explored the national library of chile, and it was pretty interesting. its an amazing, huge old building, and it had a big study room that took me back to the quiet room at loyola. after, i went to a my good friend sarah's apt and made her speak with me in spanish.
---wednesday i started my volunteer work in a really poor neighborhood called cerro navia. it was amazing, and i'll write more about it in the near future.
--thursday i just had class all day and went out with the gringos. don't judge. jaja
--friday i went to the cultural center to enroll in a modern dance class (yay!) and later went to the national symphony of chile. it was beautiful.
--yesterday i tried to go to a theatre. well, i did go. but when i get there, bought my ticket and went inside, i realized it was a children's theater. so i felt pretty silly. BUT, it's a great example of US influence, because the play had 5 musical numbers in it, and i'm not making this up: 'step by step' by new kids on the block, 'it's raining men,' 'my heart will go on' from titanic, and then the music, but different lyrics from 'baby one more time' by britney spears, 'i'm too sexy' by right said fred, and 'lets get retarded' by the black eyed peas. i was almost crying i was laughing so hard when 'it's raining men' came on. i honestly think they had no idea what the song was about.
--and today, i broke my sabbatical by going to the movies to see the first US movie since i've been here. (i saw 'the darjeeling limited' and LOVED it. i recommend it if you're at all wes anderson fan. or even if you're not.)
ok, so, obviously, it was a great week. i saw/heard some amazing things, met some great people, gained a nephew (see below), and learned a bit about myself.
bueno, i cant continue to put off my reading anymore. this whole 'not having class on mondays and fridays' thing is a tough temptation.
y por los de uds que me escribieron(/hablaron) en castellano, montones de gracias. aun si todavia no he respondido, me encanto recibirlos.
besitos!
Saturday, April 5, 2008
cause for celebration
okay, so the week isn't officially up yet, and it's been going pretty well, but i need to post and i want everyone to be able to read it.
so, as a lot of you may already know, i have a new nephew! my brother zach and his wife tesi are currently in ethiopia to meet him and bring him back to the states.
and may i just say, he is one of the (5) most beautiful children i've ever seen, anywhere on the planet. and keep in mind that latina children are pretty beautiful. i cant believe i have to wait 3 months to hold him!
so, without further ado, i give you:
TARIKU ASAMO XAVIER KLIPSCH. (go to my sis-in-law's blog to see other pictures, equally if not more amazing. www.hotflawedmama.blogspot.com)
so, as a lot of you may already know, i have a new nephew! my brother zach and his wife tesi are currently in ethiopia to meet him and bring him back to the states.
and may i just say, he is one of the (5) most beautiful children i've ever seen, anywhere on the planet. and keep in mind that latina children are pretty beautiful. i cant believe i have to wait 3 months to hold him!
so, without further ado, i give you:
TARIKU ASAMO XAVIER KLIPSCH. (go to my sis-in-law's blog to see other pictures, equally if not more amazing. www.hotflawedmama.blogspot.com)
Sunday, March 30, 2008
a challenge
so, ive decided that i've grown pretty comfortable in my daily life here in santiago. i'm comfortable with my family, my friends, the house, the neighborhood, the city, and even my spanish. but, i realized, this is leaving me feeling a bit, unsatisfied. i think part of the reason that i'm so comfortable is that i'm not challenging myself as much. i'm still being challenged of course, as most conversations are still challenging to understand, but it's not coming from within. maybe i'm a control freak, but i think i need to direct a bit of this.
so, with that said, i've decided to go on a sabbatical from english this week. that means no speaking, reading, (hopefully) thinking, and listening, as much as i can control. of course, i will need to make exceptions here and there, when i speak with people who don't speak spanish. but for the most part, i'm going to try to push myself away from that comfort of english.
this will include reading the new york times online, which is my favorite news to catch up with the states, listening to sufjan stevens or incubus, which are sometimes of dire necessity, and yes, even reading emails from loved ones. hence, one of the main reasons for this post.
if you try to send me an email, don't be offended if i don't write back for a while. and if this sabbatical goes well, i may extend it a bit longer. i love you all, of course, but it's just something i think i need to do.
if you speak spanish (more of you than will admit...polola...) feel free to write in spanish.
otherwise, i will talk with you all later.
love y amor,
kait y katalina.
so, with that said, i've decided to go on a sabbatical from english this week. that means no speaking, reading, (hopefully) thinking, and listening, as much as i can control. of course, i will need to make exceptions here and there, when i speak with people who don't speak spanish. but for the most part, i'm going to try to push myself away from that comfort of english.
this will include reading the new york times online, which is my favorite news to catch up with the states, listening to sufjan stevens or incubus, which are sometimes of dire necessity, and yes, even reading emails from loved ones. hence, one of the main reasons for this post.
if you try to send me an email, don't be offended if i don't write back for a while. and if this sabbatical goes well, i may extend it a bit longer. i love you all, of course, but it's just something i think i need to do.
if you speak spanish (more of you than will admit...polola...) feel free to write in spanish.
otherwise, i will talk with you all later.
love y amor,
kait y katalina.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
a true cultural experience
i've never tackled a recipe with a dictionary in hand, especially for a dish i've made at least 5 times before...
...that is, until now.
i decided that for la pascua/easter, i would make something special for the family for our big family lunch. i knew i wanted to make something that i'd made before so i had at least a little bit of experience. i have two recipes here, my sister-in-law leslie's apple cake, the only way i enjoy apples, and my roommate lacey's oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. looking at the list of ingredients, i realized that the apple cake would be much easier to make as a first go at cooking in south america.
so the first step was to sit down with my spanish-english dictionary and translate the ingredients. strangely enough, i've never had things like baking soda or cinnamon on a vocab test. next, i asked the nana what she uses to measure things.
"if i need a cup of sugar, what do i use?"
and obviously, she handed me a teacup.
"and if i need a teaspoon?"
again, logically enough she hands me a small spoon, used for tea.
the reality is that my host parents don't cook or bake, so the nana is the only one that does. and as it's her job, she does everything by eye. already i knew it would be an interesting experience.
yesterday morning, saturday, i went to the local supermercado to buy the few ingredients lacking in the house. i easily found the huevos(eggs), azucar(sugar), canela(cinnamon), and manzanas(apples.) so far, so good.
i got home, had to convince my host mom that she didnt need to pay me back for the $4US i spent on the ingredients, and got to work. she was eager to help in anyway she could, so i told her all i needed was help turning the oven on. i had, of course, converted the degrees farenheit to celsius, but, she informed me, the oven doesn't have numbers on it.... you have to do it by levels.
"um...lets just start with the lowest level." again, this would be interesting.
so, i mixed and mixed, using my grand approximations. three eggs, 2ish cups of sugar, 1ish cup of oil, 2ish cups of flour, little baby spoonfuls of salt and cinnamon, and then a taste test. another pinch sugar, flour, oil, and then add the manzanas. after another taste test, it seemed okay. it was definitely different than normal, but it tasted good all the same.
they don't have a 9x13 pan, so i used a couple smaller ones instead.
and into the oven of unknown temp they went.
and then the best part, the universal pleasure of baking---licking out the bowl. mmmmm. anyone who knows me knows how much i love it. it's like a sign of love to me. from the beaters my mom let me lick as a kid when she would make cookies, the very bowls of applecake mix from leslie over the past couple years, to the many beaters i have enjoyed in my apartment in chicago thanks to lacey. if you love me, you let me clean your dishes.
anyways, i waited anxiously and took out the cakes when they were a light golden brown. however, that was yesterday, and the meal wasn't until today. so alllll day and night i wondered how they would turn out.
this morning i got up early (that's a lie) to go buy some ice cream to either accompany the cake or replace it if something went horribly wrong.
and....
all went well! it definitely tasted different. i think it was a little heavy on the sugar and salt, and could have used a bit more flour. but, i think i'd like to consider it the south american version of the apple cake. plus, who could possibly have too much sugar?
this week, i'm planning to venture out with the cookies. my nana told me she's never made cookies and i obviously haven't had any since i've been here, so we're going to make them together. i'll keep you updated. wish me luck.
chao, and feliz pascua.
...that is, until now.
i decided that for la pascua/easter, i would make something special for the family for our big family lunch. i knew i wanted to make something that i'd made before so i had at least a little bit of experience. i have two recipes here, my sister-in-law leslie's apple cake, the only way i enjoy apples, and my roommate lacey's oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. looking at the list of ingredients, i realized that the apple cake would be much easier to make as a first go at cooking in south america.
so the first step was to sit down with my spanish-english dictionary and translate the ingredients. strangely enough, i've never had things like baking soda or cinnamon on a vocab test. next, i asked the nana what she uses to measure things.
"if i need a cup of sugar, what do i use?"
and obviously, she handed me a teacup.
"and if i need a teaspoon?"
again, logically enough she hands me a small spoon, used for tea.
the reality is that my host parents don't cook or bake, so the nana is the only one that does. and as it's her job, she does everything by eye. already i knew it would be an interesting experience.
yesterday morning, saturday, i went to the local supermercado to buy the few ingredients lacking in the house. i easily found the huevos(eggs), azucar(sugar), canela(cinnamon), and manzanas(apples.) so far, so good.
i got home, had to convince my host mom that she didnt need to pay me back for the $4US i spent on the ingredients, and got to work. she was eager to help in anyway she could, so i told her all i needed was help turning the oven on. i had, of course, converted the degrees farenheit to celsius, but, she informed me, the oven doesn't have numbers on it.... you have to do it by levels.
"um...lets just start with the lowest level." again, this would be interesting.
so, i mixed and mixed, using my grand approximations. three eggs, 2ish cups of sugar, 1ish cup of oil, 2ish cups of flour, little baby spoonfuls of salt and cinnamon, and then a taste test. another pinch sugar, flour, oil, and then add the manzanas. after another taste test, it seemed okay. it was definitely different than normal, but it tasted good all the same.
they don't have a 9x13 pan, so i used a couple smaller ones instead.
and into the oven of unknown temp they went.
and then the best part, the universal pleasure of baking---licking out the bowl. mmmmm. anyone who knows me knows how much i love it. it's like a sign of love to me. from the beaters my mom let me lick as a kid when she would make cookies, the very bowls of applecake mix from leslie over the past couple years, to the many beaters i have enjoyed in my apartment in chicago thanks to lacey. if you love me, you let me clean your dishes.
anyways, i waited anxiously and took out the cakes when they were a light golden brown. however, that was yesterday, and the meal wasn't until today. so alllll day and night i wondered how they would turn out.
this morning i got up early (that's a lie) to go buy some ice cream to either accompany the cake or replace it if something went horribly wrong.
and....
all went well! it definitely tasted different. i think it was a little heavy on the sugar and salt, and could have used a bit more flour. but, i think i'd like to consider it the south american version of the apple cake. plus, who could possibly have too much sugar?
this week, i'm planning to venture out with the cookies. my nana told me she's never made cookies and i obviously haven't had any since i've been here, so we're going to make them together. i'll keep you updated. wish me luck.
chao, and feliz pascua.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
just your average family day trip...
...into argentina.
that's right. yesterday, at lunch (around 3ish, mind you), my host mom and dad asked if i'd like to go with them and my host sister for a little 'paseo,' which is like a little trip, i guess. they said we we'd be going to 'cajon de maipo,' which i know is about an hour or so away, but i've only heard of people camping there. so, i really had no idea what we were going to be doing.
as it turned out, we were just going for a drive through the andes. it was absolutely beautiful as we drove through, just barely passing into argentinian territory. we saw a volcano, with a glacier covering one part. we left the house at 4ish and ended up getting back at almost 10, just in time for dinner.
not only was it a beautiful view of nature and quality time with the fam, but it was a reinforcement for me of the latin american ethic of relaxation and spontineity. i understand that not everyone is like this, but honestly, the majority is. that is, they just decided during midday, while having lunch with the whole family together, of course, to go for a 6-hour drive for fun. let's be honest, that is foreign to most families in the united states. and, i find it fascinating that they asked me about 45 minutes before leaving and assumed i would accept. in my mind, i had of course planned out the rest of my day! luckily it only included reading, a run, a nap, and more reading, but it was assumed that i hadn't really thought that far in advance.
then today, after family lunch, the kids kind of tried to hurry and leave after about 30/45 minutes to go back to studying in their rooms and my host dad jokingly gave them a hard time, but conceded that since it's not sunday, they could leave the table before we were all done. after they left but before we stayed and talked for another 20 minutes he looked at me and said, "are things always this hurried in the united states?"
i wish.
chao.
that's right. yesterday, at lunch (around 3ish, mind you), my host mom and dad asked if i'd like to go with them and my host sister for a little 'paseo,' which is like a little trip, i guess. they said we we'd be going to 'cajon de maipo,' which i know is about an hour or so away, but i've only heard of people camping there. so, i really had no idea what we were going to be doing.
as it turned out, we were just going for a drive through the andes. it was absolutely beautiful as we drove through, just barely passing into argentinian territory. we saw a volcano, with a glacier covering one part. we left the house at 4ish and ended up getting back at almost 10, just in time for dinner.
not only was it a beautiful view of nature and quality time with the fam, but it was a reinforcement for me of the latin american ethic of relaxation and spontineity. i understand that not everyone is like this, but honestly, the majority is. that is, they just decided during midday, while having lunch with the whole family together, of course, to go for a 6-hour drive for fun. let's be honest, that is foreign to most families in the united states. and, i find it fascinating that they asked me about 45 minutes before leaving and assumed i would accept. in my mind, i had of course planned out the rest of my day! luckily it only included reading, a run, a nap, and more reading, but it was assumed that i hadn't really thought that far in advance.
then today, after family lunch, the kids kind of tried to hurry and leave after about 30/45 minutes to go back to studying in their rooms and my host dad jokingly gave them a hard time, but conceded that since it's not sunday, they could leave the table before we were all done. after they left but before we stayed and talked for another 20 minutes he looked at me and said, "are things always this hurried in the united states?"
i wish.
chao.
Friday, March 14, 2008
a profile
let me give you a brief personal profile of our new nana (live-in maid):
her name is teresa. she is 33, from peru, and has two children there in peru: a daughter 16 and a son 18. they live with their father, whom she said is a good father, but bad husband. they got engaged/married when she was 15 and she obviously had her son then and her daughter when she was 17. her husband had another child by another woman a few later. i'm not sure when exactly they separated, but i dont believe they are officially divorced.
she came to santiago 3 years ago to begin working and sending money back to peru. she has no family here (which is huge for a latin american). she works in our house monday through saturday morning, and has the weekends off. however, since she has no one else to see or stay with, she goes to her old employer's house on saturdays and babysits the kids so the mom can go out until 4/5 in the morning.
she is a happy woman. she doesn't complain, doesn't mope. instead of sadness, i sense a feeling of acceptance. this is her life. all she wants is to make some money and go back to be with her kids.
she doesn't have any pictures of her kids here, i asked.
she tells me i should fall in love, get married, and stay here. (don't worry mom and dad, i'm planning to resist.) or at least, she tells me i should come to peru next year to visit her when she's back.
she also has a "dream" to go to the united states. she has family in texas and virginia, and i've told her if she ever does it, she has to come visit me in chicago.
hers isnt a horrible story. it isnt riddled with sadness and pity. i just think it is so incredibly interesting to think that simply because of the difference in where/when she and i were born, i sit at the table right now as she serves me my lunch and then goes to order my room. i didnt work hard for this type of luxury. undoubtedly she has already worked harder in her 33 years than i may ever work in my life. asi es la vida/thats life. right?
i guess i reflect on this in relation to starting my poverty and development class at the university and beginning to think about those stories that are horrible, and are riddled with sadness. those that literally have nothing, and have no nearby strong country to go work in, or that country is doing everything in its power to keep them out. those without parents, families. those plagued with disease, starvation, thirst . those who will never understand what a bed feels like, or will never know running water.
i don't want to sound preachy or liberal or whatever, but i guess i wonder when we stop thinking, 'thats life,' and start doing something about it.
paz y amor.
her name is teresa. she is 33, from peru, and has two children there in peru: a daughter 16 and a son 18. they live with their father, whom she said is a good father, but bad husband. they got engaged/married when she was 15 and she obviously had her son then and her daughter when she was 17. her husband had another child by another woman a few later. i'm not sure when exactly they separated, but i dont believe they are officially divorced.
she came to santiago 3 years ago to begin working and sending money back to peru. she has no family here (which is huge for a latin american). she works in our house monday through saturday morning, and has the weekends off. however, since she has no one else to see or stay with, she goes to her old employer's house on saturdays and babysits the kids so the mom can go out until 4/5 in the morning.
she is a happy woman. she doesn't complain, doesn't mope. instead of sadness, i sense a feeling of acceptance. this is her life. all she wants is to make some money and go back to be with her kids.
she doesn't have any pictures of her kids here, i asked.
she tells me i should fall in love, get married, and stay here. (don't worry mom and dad, i'm planning to resist.) or at least, she tells me i should come to peru next year to visit her when she's back.
she also has a "dream" to go to the united states. she has family in texas and virginia, and i've told her if she ever does it, she has to come visit me in chicago.
hers isnt a horrible story. it isnt riddled with sadness and pity. i just think it is so incredibly interesting to think that simply because of the difference in where/when she and i were born, i sit at the table right now as she serves me my lunch and then goes to order my room. i didnt work hard for this type of luxury. undoubtedly she has already worked harder in her 33 years than i may ever work in my life. asi es la vida/thats life. right?
i guess i reflect on this in relation to starting my poverty and development class at the university and beginning to think about those stories that are horrible, and are riddled with sadness. those that literally have nothing, and have no nearby strong country to go work in, or that country is doing everything in its power to keep them out. those without parents, families. those plagued with disease, starvation, thirst . those who will never understand what a bed feels like, or will never know running water.
i don't want to sound preachy or liberal or whatever, but i guess i wonder when we stop thinking, 'thats life,' and start doing something about it.
paz y amor.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
don't judge--it's harder than you would think
ok, first, the event:
today, in one day, i found both a dunkin donuts AND a starbucks.
the good news: i resisted both, and went to a cafe specific to santiago and buenos aires.
the bad news: the dnd is really close to my house and i'm afraid i'll end up going there a time or two.
now, as the title says, don't judge me. anyone who knows me knows that 7 days/week, 52 weeks/year, i have a big mug of drip coffee in the morning, and often thats followed with an afternoon serving as well (volleyball days). so, having been in a country dominated by instant coffee for over 2 months now, the thought of my ol' grande coffee of the day no room for creme is sounding pretty amazing. luckily, i found that other cafe, and ordered a double 'expresso' (i know, not espresso, which kills anyone who's ever worked in a cafe). i also ordered a torta de chocolate, not really knowing what a torta was, and it was one of the most delicious slices of chocolate cake i've ever had. they would never have anything that fresh at sbucks. ja.
along these lines, i did find an AMAZING little cafe close to my university. it's kind of hidden, a french emphasis, second floor with a patio looking on a plazita with a fountain. and not too expensive, although i'm sure i'll have to start rationing myself soon. i went there with a new friend yesterday for the first of what i hope will be many enriching, rejuvenating conversations in that cafe.
in other news, the dollar went down again. i guess it's a good reminder that we unitedstatesians are far from invincible and all-powerful.
i'm going to include a picture at the end of a cappuccino i had at my new cafe, cafe tales, when i went there before traveling, about a month ago.
and, i guess since this is the most coffee-flavored post i've ever done, i'll include a fun little element. during my travels (before my camera broke) i started a little tradition of taking fotos of the different coffees i drank. again, note it's importance in my life.
EVERY foto is of instant coffee. one of the restaurantes, they brought the cup with hot water, and a little packet of instant coffee. seriously.
so obviously, this was more for me, but i'm sure some of you will appreciate it:
first, the amazing cappuccino, with real espresso, at tales:
next, a cafe in puerto montt:
out of my thermos on the bus, definitely the most common form throughout the trip:
a hostel, in punta arenas:
and a cafe in punta arenas:
and finally, camping:
so, i think those are a pretty good representation of the different forms i had coffee while traveling: cafes, hostels, bus, and straight-up wilderness, in a huge metal mug.
chao.
today, in one day, i found both a dunkin donuts AND a starbucks.
the good news: i resisted both, and went to a cafe specific to santiago and buenos aires.
the bad news: the dnd is really close to my house and i'm afraid i'll end up going there a time or two.
now, as the title says, don't judge me. anyone who knows me knows that 7 days/week, 52 weeks/year, i have a big mug of drip coffee in the morning, and often thats followed with an afternoon serving as well (volleyball days). so, having been in a country dominated by instant coffee for over 2 months now, the thought of my ol' grande coffee of the day no room for creme is sounding pretty amazing. luckily, i found that other cafe, and ordered a double 'expresso' (i know, not espresso, which kills anyone who's ever worked in a cafe). i also ordered a torta de chocolate, not really knowing what a torta was, and it was one of the most delicious slices of chocolate cake i've ever had. they would never have anything that fresh at sbucks. ja.
along these lines, i did find an AMAZING little cafe close to my university. it's kind of hidden, a french emphasis, second floor with a patio looking on a plazita with a fountain. and not too expensive, although i'm sure i'll have to start rationing myself soon. i went there with a new friend yesterday for the first of what i hope will be many enriching, rejuvenating conversations in that cafe.
in other news, the dollar went down again. i guess it's a good reminder that we unitedstatesians are far from invincible and all-powerful.
i'm going to include a picture at the end of a cappuccino i had at my new cafe, cafe tales, when i went there before traveling, about a month ago.
and, i guess since this is the most coffee-flavored post i've ever done, i'll include a fun little element. during my travels (before my camera broke) i started a little tradition of taking fotos of the different coffees i drank. again, note it's importance in my life.
EVERY foto is of instant coffee. one of the restaurantes, they brought the cup with hot water, and a little packet of instant coffee. seriously.
so obviously, this was more for me, but i'm sure some of you will appreciate it:
first, the amazing cappuccino, with real espresso, at tales:
next, a cafe in puerto montt:
out of my thermos on the bus, definitely the most common form throughout the trip:
a hostel, in punta arenas:
and a cafe in punta arenas:
and finally, camping:
so, i think those are a pretty good representation of the different forms i had coffee while traveling: cafes, hostels, bus, and straight-up wilderness, in a huge metal mug.
chao.
Friday, March 7, 2008
now it works?
canopying--like zip-lining. pretty fun, not too extreme, except when i forgot to stop.
the volcano in pucon
another family pic, but i just think it's funny because it looks like i have midget legs. we were trying to do "unhappy family of the '50s"
the inside and then outside of one of the 18th century wooden churches in chiloe.
outside
glacier grey in torres del paine
touching glacier grey
me next to a waterfall. love it.
our "extreme" family shot before canyoning/rapelling down waterfalls. life lesson here? i LOVE wetsuits. seriously. love them.
me, the girls, and one more from the program we met up with that is simply amazing.
the last family pic.
ok, these are the highlights. enjoy!
chao.
the volcano in pucon
another family pic, but i just think it's funny because it looks like i have midget legs. we were trying to do "unhappy family of the '50s"
the inside and then outside of one of the 18th century wooden churches in chiloe.
outside
glacier grey in torres del paine
touching glacier grey
me next to a waterfall. love it.
our "extreme" family shot before canyoning/rapelling down waterfalls. life lesson here? i LOVE wetsuits. seriously. love them.
me, the girls, and one more from the program we met up with that is simply amazing.
the last family pic.
ok, these are the highlights. enjoy!
chao.
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