Shout Out to Chilean Food

I want to take a minute to acknowledge just how good the food is here. When I was leaving Canada, I was a bit nervous about what I would eat here. I have been known to be a bit picky in my eating habits at home, so I had no idea what to expect when coming to Chile. In the past, I have been pleasantly surprised by the food in a certain country (Costa Rican fried plantains, anyone?), frustrated (salad that was too spicy to eat in India), to downright horrified (meats of every animal you can imagine in Vietnam).

Luckily, Chile has been a fantastic experience when it comes to food. The fruits and vegetables here are much sweeter and better tasting than back home. At the market, everything smells fresh. I could just eat raw fruits and veggies here and I'd be happy. But then there's the bread. Oh my god, the bread. We get it with every meal, so you'd think I would be sick of it. Yeah, right. I feel sick at the thought of not eating it! I don't know if it's tastier here, or just a different texture, but I think I've gained ten pounds just on bread alone.

And then there's my host mom's cooking. She makes the best meals: empanadas with chicken, turkey burgers, quiche with egg, spinach, and carrot, lentil stew, and so many more. I haven't been disappointed once. In fact, often when I am finishing a meal, I am completely full, but already looking forward to the next one! (That's not an exaggeration. I was excited about breakfast as I was finishing dinner last night.)

Sadly, I fear I may have to learn to cook. Either that, or I will be going through some serious withdrawal when I get back home!

Randoms from the week

There is a café next to work. The price of coffee and hot chocolate changes depending on who takes your order.

One of the nuns at the hogar gave me a rosary and is teaching me prayers in Spanish.

I have been getting travel advice from this amazing lady, who happens to be my best friend at work.

We had a mystery meal at someone's house. It was pretty good, but did not in any way compare to our host mom's food.

We may have had some Chilean wine.

Going out

Guess who got dressed up (i.e., brushed her hair) for dinner?

We're Not in Canada Anymore, Toto

Chile is awesome. 

Today, while walking home from work, we happened to pass by the house of a woman who works (part time) at the nursing home. (We didn't know she lived there.) She just happened to be outside, and after introducing us to her family, invited us to come over for dinner tomorrow night. Totally normal, apparently. So tomorrow, after Spanish lessons, we get to go out for dinner. She is Venezuelan, and has promised to make some traditional Venezuelan food for us. Very exciting! 

We should really do more of this kind of thing in Canada.

Starting Over

Yesterday was Jenn's first day at the nursing home. It felt like it was my first day, too, because it was really different. (Not better or worse, just different.) When I started, I had to figure out how I fit in there, and what I was able to do, without making more work for the staff there. And it took a few days, but then it got a bit more comfortable, and there was a rhythm to the day.

Now we're trying to figure out how Jenn fits in there, so there has been a shift, and I feel like I have to find my place there again, too. Change is a bit overwhelming at times for me, but it's a good thing, because it forces me out of my comfort zone. (This whole trip so far has forced me way out of my comfort zone. It hasn't been easy, but the experience is invaluable.)

Rest assured, we will have found a rhythm again within a couple of days. I'm sure of it!

So, This Happened...

Chile just got a whole lot louder. And more Canadian.

We took about a million photos last night, and this was one of the better ones, believe it or not. Off to see some penguins today!

Things Said to Me at the Nursing Home

These are some of the things the abuelos have said to me this week. (They've said a lot more, but I still struggle to understand a lot of it!) I have kindly decided to translate all phrases into English for you. (You're welcome!)

"Miss, when will I get bread? You have such a pretty face. I like looking at it. And I'm really hungry."

"Why the hell am I sitting here by myself?! Did you forget me?!"

"The pope is cool. He's from Argentina. But he lives in Rome."

"You speak English? My breakfast here!" **

"If you don't want to be elbowed in the face, stop trying to make me eat!"

"Clap your hands, Gringa!"

"Are you studying to be a nun?"

"Does your Spanish dictionary translate into Chilean?"

"Americans are all criminals. Are you American?"

**I did not have to translate this. A very angry abuela yelled it at me this morning.

And now, for a moment of zen. Brought to you by Lisa.