All Our Dreams Were Just Early Plans: Narnia

April 23, 2011. The picture was taken in a place called "Cajon del Maipo" a couple hours away from Santiago, Chile at "Termas Colinas" (termas meaning hot springs). We were EXTRAORDINARILY lucky because it rained the night before we went so there was snow, leaving a pristine view reminiscent of Narnia; However, had it rained too much the van would not have been able to make it up the mountain. In the entire year that I lived in Santiago it only rained about 6 times, and all my other friends that visited only had a view of dirt. Changing from 2 pairs of pants, a scarf, hat and mittens into bathing suits was surreal. The luck of everything falling together, and the juxtaposition of snow covered mountains with hot springs was magical.

I Can Still Feel You, Even So Far Away

It's starting to get cold and the leaves have begun to change colors, in honor of Fall. It’s been two months since I arrived to this far away land. Ever since I announced I was moving to Chile, people have been telling me how brave I am. I don’t feel brave, but it makes me feel great knowing that others find courage in my actions, even if it’s only vicarious. I am far away, but I believe that humans can adapt to any circumstance. We are resilient, and if we' let go' things usually fall into place. "Life is like the surf, so give yourself away like the tide" ( La vida es como la espuma, por eso hay que darse como el mar- Y tu mamá también). If there is anything I fear, it’s a stagnant life and that is why I swan dived into this experience. Every single day I wonder, how did I get so lucky? I have great friends spread across the world like a constellation and with that comes love and opportunities. So thank you for all the support and words of encouragement, because without y’all I am nothing.

Ps. If you want me to write about a specific topic, just let me know.

I Found the Sunshine at the End of the Day

1. Am I dreaming? The seasons are backwards, things are upside down and this certainly doesn't feel like real life!

It seemed like a good idea.

The Chilean flag looks just like Texas' flag.

Free zip lining? Of course, I'll do it. WHY NOT? (My life motto)

I met a llama named Carlito, during my first two weeks.

2. How was Lollapalooza? It was the first two day music festival that Chile has ever had. Needless to say, I felt very lucky that I got to attend. I was able to see Cypress Hill, Fat Boy Slim, the Flaming Lips, The National, Sublime w/ Rome, and Kanye West.

The Flaming Lips were amazing of course.

Kanye West put on a better show than I expected. After the show, I felt like I could touch the sky.

The lollapalooza group of gringos

I like the people in my program much more than I would have imagined.

Front and center at Fat Boy Slim, the best show at lollapalooza. These signs are everywhere, and the prego lady always makes me laugh.

In the metro

I live with four dogs, and two of them got stuck together.

Eating a 3 dollar lunch at a nearby restaurant

The HUGE grocery store that I shop at is owned by Walmart.

The market that I walk through on my way to work

3. How do you like teaching?

Well, I'm used to being the student and suddenly I'm "profe" so that's a little strange. I sincerely like teaching. There is a very apparent hierarchy at my school. When secretaries twice my age call me "Usted" (the formal you), I get weirded out. I don't want power because that would imply that I take myself seriously.

Inside a classroom

4. Will you come to a bar with me, Profe?

No. Not until the last day of class. Drawing a line between me and my students is difficult, but it must be done. So I'm trying.

A blurry picture of one of my favorite classes

5. What are some funny things you've heard your students say?

He like very much bear. (It should say he likes beer very much)

Ricky Martin is my husband but doesn't know.

He is dreamy but gay.

My hobbies are sex, sex, sex.

I asked "What are three things you do Saturday morning?"

I have sex.

They love the phrase "eeny meeny miny mo" (cape nane tene tu saliste tu) and "cheers" vs "bless you."

The view from my school

6. You don't have tacos?!

No!!! There isn't a tortilla or Mexican in sight, unlike in Texas . However, I live walking distance from a Sunday morning market. It's like a huge farmer's market, only there are less yuppies. Also, it's much cheaper and filled to the brim with old ladies. You win some you lose some.

7. How is Chilean culture more relaxed than in the US?

This is difficult to put into words, but it's a big reason I love Latin America. When I'm a minute late to class, no one cares. If the computer in my classroom isn't working, it's not big deal. They are less obsessed with time and are usually late. They don't sweat the small stuff. They use their cellphones much less. They have less wrinkles and smile more frequently. They work to live and not the opposite. They take longer to eat, when they have time. Their personal relationships appear stronger. Since I've been here, my computer broke and so did my camera. I didn't get that upset, because the culture is so much more relaxed. I'm really trying to unlearn some of my anxiousness.

8. Is it liberating to be so far away?

Yes and No.

"Everywhere you go there you are"

It feels great to be so far away from the stress of my "normal life," even though it still weighs heavy on my mind, and I feel like I'm living on another planet. I really needed to get away before the stress completely destroyed me. The 6 months that preceded my departure were by far the hardest months of my life. For personal reasons, I was seriously considering canceling my trip to Chile. However, I'm glad I decided to take the leap. I survived and am happy to say that I am now thriving. People here only know what I decide to tell them. I miss people who already know my life story, but at the same time I'm glad I could leave everything behind me. I can now focus on the present and MY future. When I return sometime in February, the same things will be happening; however, I will be a different person. "There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered." Nelson Mandela

Rhymefest wrote "Jesus Walks" and made Kanye West famous...

Ps. I plan to take some better pictures with my Nikon (instead of my point and shoot Sony), when I have time.