October just flew by

So it has been about a month since my last entry and that is just a testament to how busy I have been. Also, now that life in Chile is my normal life, it seems weird to write a blog about it. I think that's why most of my entries have been about the trips I've taken. Anyway, here are a couple highlights from October (that I am now finally writing about in November)

Medicine woman

As one of our cultural activity field trips, I went to see the Mapuche people and learn about their traditions. The Mapuche are Chile's indigenous people and, like the native americans in North America, have had most of their land taken away from them. Where they live now are on even smaller plots of land than most indian reservations. During the dictatorship they were treated especially horribly and masses of their people were abducted, tortured, and killed, just for having Mapuche blood. In the States, most people pride themselves of having even an 8th of native american ancestry, but here it's the complete opposite. No one wants to identify themselves as having indigenous roots because it is seen as inferior. For that reason, there is a decent movement by the Mapuche people to educate people and bring awareness about their culture. The day I was there wasdedicated to learning about their customs and beliefs. We participated in a ritual offering to Madre Tierra, ate some absolutely delicious food, learned about their version of the "medicine woman", and got to explore their rucas (homes).

Another October highlight was my birthday! October 24th was a fun day. It was strange not to have my birthday in the states, and although it was different it was still really fun! I cannot believe that I am no 20 years old, it doesn't seem like I should be that old, not that it's old, but I'm no longer a teenager! At the same time it feels weird to only be turning 20 where everyone around me seems to be 21-25, I've always been the baby. We all went to Hannah's house first and then went out to the clubs to dance the night away. I got to celebrate with some pretty amazing people and I'm so thankful this study abroad experience has introduced me to them!

The bitthday kids; Gabe, Favi, and Me

Some great people

I was really tempted to buy this guy

LA VEGA! In the middle of Santiago's cosmopolitan, consumerist, wannabe American streets, lies La Vega, a truly south american experience. Definitely not strictly an October activity, but it seems to fit here. La Vega is the greatest thing that exists in Santiago. It is a GIANT open air market that sells fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, cheeses, nuts, and pretty much most everything else you would need in terms of groceries. Imagine a farmers market, except WAYYY bigger and 7 days a week. The crowds are out of control, especially on Sundays, and it's really chaotic, but the food is cheap and really fresh. It's fun to just go, even if you aren't gonna buy anything. 


I cannot even believe that it is already November! Time is flying and it makes me so happy that I get to come back for another six months, my time here is just starting. Two more weeks and I am DONE with school and my trip to Patagonia begins! Words cannot express my excitement.