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Two words --> San Cristobal. Almost 1,000 feet above the city of Santiago. 1 hour and 15 minute hike. Amazing views of the city below and although they weren't in sight because of the pollution (Santiago hasn't seen rain in a long time) I knew that the Andes Mountains were somewhere in the distance. We hope to go back up the hill after a good rain so that they are more visible. My battle buddy, Alexia, and I were the only two up for the challenge of the long hike. Our second option was to take a trolly up. This would have gotten us there in 3 minutes. We know because we took it on the way down with the rest of the chicas. But the walk was well worth the long trek. On our way we met a Chilean native, who happened to share my name. She was instrumental in helping us up the hill. What was so crazy to both of us was the speed at which the bicyclists were going up and down the hill. There were not really any railings or walls as we walked...just a straight shot down the side of the hill. Those bicyclists didn't show any fear. Feet and back are hurting & I may have gotten pretty sweaty, what a beautiful afternoon for a hike, I'd choose walking again. Nothing like I've ever seen before. Santiago is a HUGE city.
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First full day in Santiago, Chile & what a learning experience it was. Personally and professionally. We had our first day of Spanish class at ESCELA beginning at 8:00am. I was welcomed with a paper & pencil assessment, followed by an oral exam. No surprises, I wound up in the "beginner" class. We take two classes-grammar and conversation. The teachers are great and I really enjoy both classes. ESCELA hosts people from all over the world. Yes, there are students from Texas, Minnesota, and Wisconsin but there are also students from Canada, Peru, Brazil, and Australia. There are only 4-7 students per class so we have much more time to interact with the teacher. Very helpful to someone like me who struggles! After both classes and some quality time with my girls from Buffalo State, we finally met up with our Chilean pen pals at Universidad Mayor. They welcomed us with open arms, kisses on the cheek and yummy food! They have some amazing adventures planned for us over the next three weeks & I am very excited to explore with them. After spending time at UMayor, we headed back to ESCELA for some dancing and a BBQ. We learned a traditional Chilean dance called "cueca." From what I gathered, it had something to do with mating birds..? A lot of stomping, clapping and dancing in circles. We partnered up with some other ESCELA students and had a blast. Lots of laughing. Here was my ah-ha moment as a classroom teacher. All of us at ESCELA are there to learn the Spanish language. Most of us only understand little. The dance was taught in full, from beginning to end and then we were expected to repeat. Directions were given in Spanish...muy rapido. It was modeled for us, however, was a lot to take in. I am the kind of person who learns in small doses. I needed that dance to be broken down, into more feasible steps. Taking what I've learned in EDU689 about teaching students who are English Learners and what I've experienced in the classroom on a daily basis, I know that teaching students in small steps leads to a greater understanding of the topic. The expectation of the dance instructor and the product she received from us as a group, did not match. She stopped us and realized that we needed more instruction before moving on. Eventually we watched one step, repeated that step. Watched the second step and again repeated...and so on. In the end we got the thumbs up! We ended the night with a welcome BBQ at ESCELA with many of the other students attending class there. If I were home in Buffalo, I'd be spending Memorial Day with my friends and family enjoying a BBQ...it was no different here in Chile. It was a little piece of home. I played ping-pong, attempted conversing in Spanish with some new friends, ate a ton of really good food and tried my first glass of vino. Muy bueno!
One day down. What a whirlwind. We arrived in Santiago, Chile early this morning after a long trip. The plane ride wasn't horrible. It was pretty difficult to find a comfortable position, comfortable enough to get some sleep. Needless to say, mission was not accomplished. The very little sleep I was able to get, was interrupted by turbulence due to a major lightening storm occurring outside the window. Don't get me wrong, it was pretty amazing to see. In complete darkness the sky lit up with each bolt. But it terrified me. It took all I had not to have a complete breakdown. Why wasn't the captain assuring us that everything was going to be okay? Was it safe to fly over open water, in the middle of a storm like this one? Questions still remain unanswered. I got through it. Fast forward to the morning just before landing. Beautiful sunrise replaces scary storm. Sigh of relief. The nine of us cleared through customs with no issues. Thank goodness they didn't confiscate any of the snacks that I brought from home. I didn't realize that bringing peanuts or any nuts of any kind was frowned upon. Peanuts in my trail mix, granola bars with almonds and peanut MnM's...why did I have to purchase snacks full of nuts? & Why is it that salted nuts are not welcome, yet unsalted nuts if sealed (or the other way around...), are okay?
We were welcomed by three representatives from ESCELA. We had a small breakfast in the airport before boarding a van. We were dropped off to our individual host families. OF COURSE my stop was first. If I didn't have Alexia by my side, I would have been freaking out at this point. Heart racing, palms sweaty, weak knees. Our host madre was waiting outside for us, waving as the van pulled up. Already a good sign. She has been nothing by accommodating for us both. She doesn't understand me and I don't understand her, but thanks to Alexia translating, we have been able to manage. I feel a little lost, like a fish out of water, when the two of them are speaking Spanish with one another and a little like a burden when I need to ask, "what did she say?" But it is good. I need to be around it and I need to experience it. I can't learn if I don't put myself out there. That is just what this trip is about. Not just to dip my toes in, but to jump right in. No regrets. Alexia, host madre and I took a walk around the neighborhood. We walked to the park. What a beautiful park it was. So many dogs & children running and playing. An abundance of playground equipment, a guy walking a tightrope (what?!), people boxing, fountains, several bicyclists and runners. Alexia and I have decided this will be our morning run route. Not only are there running paths but there is also "adult" playground equipment for exercising. It looks exactly like the playground equipment but it is in fact arm, leg and ab machines. Amazing motivation to get up and move every morning. Santiago, Chile must take pride in staying active. Not only do they have this beautiful park, but they have bicycle rentals and on weekend mornings they even shut down some of the roads for children to bike on with their parents. Coming from a place where video games have taken over, it is nice to know that somewhere someone still takes the time to get outside, enjoy all that nature has to offer and move. Today got me more excited to explore the city of Santiago. More specifically, trekking up San Cristobal Hill and hiking the Andes Mountains. I can see them both in the distance and can hear them calling my name. Both on my must do list. Keep you posted! What an amazing support system I have. Tonight was my last night home, at least for the next three weeks. This week has been crazy busy with many late, late nights. Tonight was no different. My wonderful husband decided to throw me a "fiesta BBQ" with some of my closest friends and what an incredible way to spend my last night. I am so thankful to have these people in my life and even more thankful that they would come by to send me off with well-wishes. Knowing that I have these people here, at home, rooting for me & so excited for me as I take this journey...makes it all worth it. Now I feel ready. Santiago, Chile...here I come!
...But, not before I finish up some packing. Packing is not my favorite thing. Luckily, I had a friend help me get started. I had no idea what I was doing, where to start, what to bring, how to pack, and so on. We made a pretty big dent in the packing situation, and now I am on my own to finish it up. That's what I get for waiting until last minute to pack for a three week trip. Oops. It is really unbelievable that I leave tomorrow. I am beyond excited. I am looking forward to jumping in, feet first, into something new. Into a whole new country and culture. For that past few days I have been asked "are you ready?" "Are you excited?" I haven't been able to slow things down and really think about the trip, so I simply answered with "yes." I don't think that it is real yet. I don't think that it will be until I land on Sunday morning, but I am ready. There is no turning back now. It feels like just yesterday when I opened my email up to a flier advertising a study abroad opportunity in Santiago, Chile. I am usually the type of person to ignore such emails, deleting them before opening and sending them right to the "trash." Why did I decide to open this one? ...I had just gotten back from my honeymoon in St. Lucia and had the itch to continue traveling, to see the world. Who knew there was so much out there? Not that I want to admit it, but I certainly did not...
It is hard to believe that in just two short weeks I will be more than 5,000 miles away from the one place I've always felt most comfortable; my own little bubble. This is the first time I will be flying outside of the U.S. without a family member occupying the seat next to mine. Yikes! There are so many emotions running through me. I am beyond nervous to travel, to put myself in a completely different country...one that I know little about. I am excited to spend three weeks in a beautiful country and get to know the other girls in the program who I will be traveling with and my host family. I am eager to see all that Chile has to offer, to learn and grow as a person, to meet new people and try new foods. I am so thankful to have already begun making connections and creating relationships with teacher candidates in Chile, especially my pen pal Christine, which helps ease my concerns! Preparations for this opportunity began back in January. I've learned more about Chile, have started to brush up on the Spanish language (which I have not spoken since I was an 8th grader!), and I have began to build a foundation for teaching English learners. And now here we are. 14 more days. Time sure does fly. |
AuthorMy name is Natalie and I am a graduate student at Buffalo State College in the special education program. I have been given this amazing opportunity to really grow not only as a student, but as a teacher and a person. Through this experience my hope is that I get to know myself better as an individual; develop a deeper understanding of the Chilean geography, culture and language; and gain a different perspective on the possibilities within the classroom. I hope that you follow me on this journey and learn right alongside me. ArchivesCategories |