Como esta from San Felipe

6/23/2007

I finally had a chance to upload some photos: http://picasaweb.google.com/jackdcarrier

I arrived in San Felipe yesterday to a warm welcome (not temperature wise because very few have heat here) where all the local teachers and host families meet us for lunch. The teachers are really excited to have the volunteers here. The Spanish-English dictionary has been a key communication device.

It is difficult to describe the living situation here but so far I love it. The apartment is very small and was owned by Cecilia's parents. She has lived here her entire life. The 13 year old son, Felipe, moved into the bedroom with his mom so I could have my own room. (As I write this he is watching female pudding wrestling in Spanish). The door is covered with Simpsons stickers and the walls random South American teenage graffiti. From the window there is a great view of the Andes. They do not turn on the single heater downstairs because it is too expensive. They do have all the electronics, stereo, tv, cable, computer (no internet). The front porch is surrounded by metal bars that go to the roof. You have to hit a button to get out. Felipe is an awesome kid that loves soccer and professional wresting (mixed in with some good mud wrestling). He plays the flute and does the traditional Chilean dance dressed as a huaso (cowboy). He is my buddy. Cecilia will not let me help with any dishes..."Soy tu Madre, tu no ayudo..." They are both very patient with the language thing and we are learning a lot constantly. She is very proud to have me as her "mujer". Several times she has said "Yo, tu madre, si!?" with a big smile.

Last night we went to a big family birthday party. It was wild. There were about 20 - 30 people there. Luckily one of the daughters spoke some English, she is majoring in English at the University. One of the first questions I was asked is "Do you believe in God?" A church like service proceeded around the kitchen table with singing, praying, preaching, reading scripture. Evidently they do this every Friday night instead of Sundays. After quite awhile the birthday party started. From the start, especially with all the younger kids, I had celebrity status. They were surrounding me all talking at once trying to hear things in English. One girl sang me a song and made me dance with her to some Reggeatone, popular music here that is kind of like techno and reggea. It was good fun.

As we were leaving the party Felipe got on there computer and turned up the volume to show me this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KiAvmzcZbg

I started teaching yesterday and it is completely wild. I don't think a lot of these students have ever seen a gringo before. So as you can imagine all the students want to hang out with me contantly. If you want to know what it feels like to be a movie star, move to a rural town in Chile volunteer at a school. As I type this message there are about 10 students peering in the window! They brought fruit and candy this morning. All the girls want me to dance with them. It is awesome. I have to go play now or else there will be a riot.

Peace,

Jack