Sunday, June 6, 2010
Pictures From the Trip
If you would like pictures from the trip, please email. I have had trouble uploading them, but they are available in a word document if desired.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Leaving the Country with All That I Learned (5/21-5/22)
Friday morning was spent packing, including all the souvenirs I had bought during the trip. I intentionally got up early to go shopping one last time, but all of the shops were closed. I found out that it was a Chilean holiday, after I realized that the former and current Chilean presidents were speaking (one of our lecturers had mentioned this earlier in the trip). I was disappointed that I could not shop one last time, but was happy with what I bought. I went back to the hotel to relax since I already packed. As a group, we went out to eat for the last time. We went back to the hamburger restaurant, because the owner recognized us and was very friendly. It would be my last meal in Chile.
Before departing for the airport, a few more students stopped by the hotel to say goodbye. It was weird to think we would never see them again (although some said they planned to visit Pittsburgh, so maybe we will). The bus ride felt unusual. After living in a country for so long, it begins to feel like a second home. At the same time, I was excited to go back to the U.S.
In retrospect, things I will remember from Chile are the abundance of street performers, particularly during traffic lights. That was an aspect I was not expecting, but it was an interesting way to see a variety of talents such as juggling and dancing. Drinking was also a big difference, since students could drink at younger ages.
I also experienced difficulties ordering and shopping. It is hard to communicate with actual Spanish speakers and is something my 8 years of speaking Spanish had not prepared me for. Viña and Santiago both reminded me of a city but on smaller scales. Social differences were minimal, but they had later nights, easily going past four in the morning.
Chileans accepted us and were more than willing to talk to us, even in English if they knew how. My overall experience was a positive one and I look forward to traveling again. I would like to stay in a country for a longer amount of time in order to gain more cultural awareness and to better understand social differences. If I had the chance, I would love to go to Chile again, and hopefully see the incredible students and people that I met.
Before departing for the airport, a few more students stopped by the hotel to say goodbye. It was weird to think we would never see them again (although some said they planned to visit Pittsburgh, so maybe we will). The bus ride felt unusual. After living in a country for so long, it begins to feel like a second home. At the same time, I was excited to go back to the U.S.
In retrospect, things I will remember from Chile are the abundance of street performers, particularly during traffic lights. That was an aspect I was not expecting, but it was an interesting way to see a variety of talents such as juggling and dancing. Drinking was also a big difference, since students could drink at younger ages.
I also experienced difficulties ordering and shopping. It is hard to communicate with actual Spanish speakers and is something my 8 years of speaking Spanish had not prepared me for. Viña and Santiago both reminded me of a city but on smaller scales. Social differences were minimal, but they had later nights, easily going past four in the morning.
Chileans accepted us and were more than willing to talk to us, even in English if they knew how. My overall experience was a positive one and I look forward to traveling again. I would like to stay in a country for a longer amount of time in order to gain more cultural awareness and to better understand social differences. If I had the chance, I would love to go to Chile again, and hopefully see the incredible students and people that I met.
Horseback Riding Through the Scenery and Saying Goodbye (5/20)
Today we went horse riding for several hours. It was my first experience on a horse, but I did not feel overwhelmed. My horse was rather tame and I was able to direct him rather easily. The start of the riding was exciting because we crossed a river on our horses. Despite how high the water was on the horse, it was still able to move with ease. The scenery we passed was beautiful. We were on sand dunes for a while, which was a very smooth ride. Eventually, we got to the beach which was a great view while riding. It was a big, open area that was perfect for galloping. It was scary to go at faster speeds, but still safe as long as you held on. We crossed the river again, but this time the water was moving faster (it was depositing into the ocean). Our guides found an area where the water was not as deep and the water current was minimal. When we passed the river, there were fish that did not get deposited with the water. So, our guides caught and killed one and brought it back for lunch.
After riding, most of us felt pain, particularly in the legs. I did not notice it as much, because I am use to my legs hurting from playing hockey. Still, I was looking forward to lying down later. For lunch, we had a barbecue (with three different types of meat) and sat around a fire. I began to realize that our trip was almost over and we began reflecting on experiences. We noticed that there was nothing that went wrong during the trip and that all experiences were positive.
At the farewell dinner, Werner and several students were there. They gave us hooded sweatshirts from Santa Maria University and we gave them t-shirts from Pitt. It was a nostalgic feeling but still fun to see the students one last time. The pizza was delicious and had even more toppings than expected. It reminded me of Primanti Brothers’ sandwiches, an attribute that the restaurant would be immediately associated with. After we said goodbye to Werner and the Chilean students, we went back to the hotel as a group. When we went to bed, we knew we had to get ready to leave the next day.
After riding, most of us felt pain, particularly in the legs. I did not notice it as much, because I am use to my legs hurting from playing hockey. Still, I was looking forward to lying down later. For lunch, we had a barbecue (with three different types of meat) and sat around a fire. I began to realize that our trip was almost over and we began reflecting on experiences. We noticed that there was nothing that went wrong during the trip and that all experiences were positive.
At the farewell dinner, Werner and several students were there. They gave us hooded sweatshirts from Santa Maria University and we gave them t-shirts from Pitt. It was a nostalgic feeling but still fun to see the students one last time. The pizza was delicious and had even more toppings than expected. It reminded me of Primanti Brothers’ sandwiches, an attribute that the restaurant would be immediately associated with. After we said goodbye to Werner and the Chilean students, we went back to the hotel as a group. When we went to bed, we knew we had to get ready to leave the next day.
Sports on the Beach and Even More Dancing (5/19)
We spent the morning shopping at markets again. It is amazing that no matter how often you shop, you can always find another souvenir to buy. Every vendor will have something unique, which is why the market system thrives. If it were not profitable (although the profits may not be large), then there would not be so many participant sellers in the market. However, if too many enter the market (thinking it is an attractive industry), then profits will lessen, possibly causing people to exit the industry (making it more of an unattractive industry). When we came back for lunch, we went to a restaurant as a group that specialized in empanadas. There were about 50 different kinds that mixed and combined chicken, cheese, meat, sausage, crab, shrimp, vegetables, and sauces. This restaurant was in monopolistic competition, because it specialized in one product (but many varieties of it). However, it was not a focused firm, because there were options for food other than empanadas; though empanadas were the specialty.
In the afternoon, we went to the beach and participated in games with Chilean influence such as sack racing and popping balloons. We also played volleyball and soccer on the beach, which was difficult since there was not as much traction to move. After sports, it was another relaxing day, just sitting on the beach and listening to the ocean. We also met a student from Alaska who was there to translate Spanish for his father who was there on business. This implied how important it is to be able to speak multiple languages, particularly Spanish. It opens up opportunities to travel and to communicate with a larger sector of potential customers.
At night, we had another salsa class. I wanted to learn a different style of dance, such as Reggeaton or modern dances that younger generations enjoyed, but the class was still enjoyable.
In the afternoon, we went to the beach and participated in games with Chilean influence such as sack racing and popping balloons. We also played volleyball and soccer on the beach, which was difficult since there was not as much traction to move. After sports, it was another relaxing day, just sitting on the beach and listening to the ocean. We also met a student from Alaska who was there to translate Spanish for his father who was there on business. This implied how important it is to be able to speak multiple languages, particularly Spanish. It opens up opportunities to travel and to communicate with a larger sector of potential customers.
At night, we had another salsa class. I wanted to learn a different style of dance, such as Reggeaton or modern dances that younger generations enjoyed, but the class was still enjoyable.
An Oceanic Museum and Memorabilia (5/18)
Today, we visited Isla Negra. It was a tour of the house of a former sea captain that was located on the beach. The artwork was beautiful, a house that was entirely a museum. For that reason however, we unfortunately could not take any pictures. However, the house did remind me of the Andy Warhol museum in Pittsburgh (they converted his house into a museum, intentionally left in its original condition, just like Isla Negra was). Here, almost everything was related to the ocean. Artwork included miniature models of ships, tables constructed of ships that had wrecked on the beach, seashells, paintings, and even a bug collection. I was impressed of the good condition of the house, despite how old it appeared to be. It is unusual to think that someone could have lived in the house, but it was unique nonetheless. The view of the ocean was great as usual with larger than normal waves. We ate lunch at the restaurant in Isla Negra and had the option of fish again, but eating it yesterday, most of us had meat. The souvenirs in Isla Negra had an oceanic theme, which I thought was different than most of the shops I had seen.
After the tour, we visited the world’s largest swimming pool. This massive pool spanned about five condos in length and used seawater. My guess is that it combined five Olympic-sized pools, possibly more. For dinner, we ate at the hamburger restaurant again. I did not have it with guacamole this time, but tried their Chilean hot sauce, which was tasty. At night, we went to a bar to communicate with more Chileans.
After the tour, we visited the world’s largest swimming pool. This massive pool spanned about five condos in length and used seawater. My guess is that it combined five Olympic-sized pools, possibly more. For dinner, we ate at the hamburger restaurant again. I did not have it with guacamole this time, but tried their Chilean hot sauce, which was tasty. At night, we went to a bar to communicate with more Chileans.
Chile’s Growing Economy that Continues to Expand, Traveling in the City, and the Fish Market (5/17)
In the morning, we visited Bolsa de Comercio Santiago (the Santiago Stock Exchange). I had high expectations prior to the visit and the entrance resembled what I think the New York Stock Exchange looks like (I have yet to visit to say so for certain). We discussed how capital markets strongly influence Chile’s economy, such as the mining industries that originally mined for nitrate and petroleum but now mine for copper (one of Chile’s chief exports). We talked about how public works projects, such as highway infrastructure, are financed through purchasing bonds. Hence, Chile’s economy enhances through an active investment sector. Additionally, retail thrives through an influx of stock commissions.
What surprised me was that advancements of the Internet have severely altered the stock market and how transactions are conducted. I would expect this in the United States, but was not aware the Internet would be so prevalent in Chilean business. Then again, Chile is one of the most advanced South American countries, so the use of advanced technologies makes sense.
The presentation of the company included a video and power point that had a lot of useful information about the history of the stock market, Chile’s economy, and where it is headed in the future. When we visited the stock floor, it looked very modern but was nearly empty. This is because of the technological influence. However, certain aspects of the floor are now national monuments and cannot be changed. I wish the floor would have been active, so that I could gain the exposure of the rapid transactions occurring that I had expected.
Later, we toured Santiago. I noticed the city was very crowded and that the buildings reminded me of the setup of downtown Pittsburgh. There were street vendors (this open market was becoming a trend) and street performers. The atmosphere was unique and reminded me of a boardwalk near beaches, but with the influence of Chilean culture.
For lunch, we went to a fish market that served many types of fish (most, I do not believe I had eaten before) and were in large portions. With its close vicinity to the Pacific Ocean, Santiago (and most of Chile), had a strong market for fish (and at cheaper prices than they would be in Pennsylvania). After lunch, we took a trolley (like the incline in Pittsburgh) that oversaw the entire city of Santiago. The Andes Mountains were also visible for the first time on the trip, which was an exciting site to see. Naturally, there were many shops for souvenirs, and a giant statue of the Virgin Mary (demonstrating how influential Christianity is in Chilean culture).
For dinner, we went to a small restaurant that served Chinese food, empanadas, and other Chilean influenced food. I had Hawaiian pizza which was a unique combination of flavors. Although I have tried Hawaiian pizza in the United States, it had a distinct taste that I enjoyed. After dinner, most of us stayed in because it had been a busy day.
What surprised me was that advancements of the Internet have severely altered the stock market and how transactions are conducted. I would expect this in the United States, but was not aware the Internet would be so prevalent in Chilean business. Then again, Chile is one of the most advanced South American countries, so the use of advanced technologies makes sense.
The presentation of the company included a video and power point that had a lot of useful information about the history of the stock market, Chile’s economy, and where it is headed in the future. When we visited the stock floor, it looked very modern but was nearly empty. This is because of the technological influence. However, certain aspects of the floor are now national monuments and cannot be changed. I wish the floor would have been active, so that I could gain the exposure of the rapid transactions occurring that I had expected.
Later, we toured Santiago. I noticed the city was very crowded and that the buildings reminded me of the setup of downtown Pittsburgh. There were street vendors (this open market was becoming a trend) and street performers. The atmosphere was unique and reminded me of a boardwalk near beaches, but with the influence of Chilean culture.
For lunch, we went to a fish market that served many types of fish (most, I do not believe I had eaten before) and were in large portions. With its close vicinity to the Pacific Ocean, Santiago (and most of Chile), had a strong market for fish (and at cheaper prices than they would be in Pennsylvania). After lunch, we took a trolley (like the incline in Pittsburgh) that oversaw the entire city of Santiago. The Andes Mountains were also visible for the first time on the trip, which was an exciting site to see. Naturally, there were many shops for souvenirs, and a giant statue of the Virgin Mary (demonstrating how influential Christianity is in Chilean culture).
For dinner, we went to a small restaurant that served Chinese food, empanadas, and other Chilean influenced food. I had Hawaiian pizza which was a unique combination of flavors. Although I have tried Hawaiian pizza in the United States, it had a distinct taste that I enjoyed. After dinner, most of us stayed in because it had been a busy day.
Glorification of Soccer and Italian Cuisine (5/16)
On Sunday, I woke up early to go shopping before the soccer game. In Viña, I realized that not a single shop was open. After walking around, I assumed they were closed because of the game. This implied how important soccer was to the community and Chileans. People who were on the streets were wearing jerseys of the team (including one I had bought when we visited the rock that oversaw the Pacific Ocean). I talked to a few of them, asking where good places to watch the game were. I felt a sense of belonging, because the Chileans were open to communicate with me and willing to share the experience. Again, this broke down the cultural barrier.
For lunch, we went to a Mexican restaurant near our hotel and the waiter said we could not order any Mexican food (Chile was playing against Mexico in the soccer game). The game was exciting and reminded me of watching a game of the World Cup, as I do every four years. However, I do not feel that we obtained the full experience, because we did not watch the game with Chileans. Soccer is an instrumental part of the culture; essentially every game mirrors the Super Bowl in relevance from what I can gather. Better yet, I wish we could have actually gone to the game, but that may have been too much to ask for.
For dinner, we ate at an Italian restaurant as a group. There were not too many choices that had Chilean influence, but the food still met expectations. I had a very Italian-influenced dish (gnocchi), but it tasted like a home-cooked meal would, possibly straight out of Italy (I have not traveled there yet, but I will say it is similar for now). We decided not to go out tonight, because we have an early company visit tomorrow (which I am fine with, because I want to be attentive since it is my company).
For lunch, we went to a Mexican restaurant near our hotel and the waiter said we could not order any Mexican food (Chile was playing against Mexico in the soccer game). The game was exciting and reminded me of watching a game of the World Cup, as I do every four years. However, I do not feel that we obtained the full experience, because we did not watch the game with Chileans. Soccer is an instrumental part of the culture; essentially every game mirrors the Super Bowl in relevance from what I can gather. Better yet, I wish we could have actually gone to the game, but that may have been too much to ask for.
For dinner, we ate at an Italian restaurant as a group. There were not too many choices that had Chilean influence, but the food still met expectations. I had a very Italian-influenced dish (gnocchi), but it tasted like a home-cooked meal would, possibly straight out of Italy (I have not traveled there yet, but I will say it is similar for now). We decided not to go out tonight, because we have an early company visit tomorrow (which I am fine with, because I want to be attentive since it is my company).
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