Chilean Culture 101

Ok, so here in Chile people don’t really “think outside the box.” As Americans, we’re used to getting what we want, they way we want it. Not so much here in Chile, especially when it comes to restaurants. When Chileans order food, they rarely ask for something special. So, when we gringos ask for something to be changed, sometimes it is met with resistance, and a lot of times it won’t be done at all. The other day I was at a restaurant and ordered a hamburger. However I was going to share this hamburger with another girl. The other girl wanted cheese. I did not. So, I simply asked the waiter if I could have cheese on the side. The response I got was a blank stare and then a “no.” I thought to myself, “Did I use the wrong word in Spanish?” But I checked and I hadn’t. The waiter just simply couldn’t comprehend cheese on the side. Another example is when we went to Starbucks. Lauren, another intern, ordered chocolate cake and asked if he could heat it up for her. He said, “No, it will melt.” She said, “Even if it’s only for 10 seconds?” The man would not do it. He insisted it would melt and wouldn’t warm up her cake. So much for “the customer is always right.” It just goes to show that we are a product of our culture!

New Pictures

Be sure to check the "My Pictures" link. I added a section of pictures of the University Students. So, I hope you enjoy! And check the link periodically because I'll be adding more pictures as I get them! Have a blessed day!

Vina del Mar

About 2 and a half weeks ago the Aggies for Christ in South America group arrived. Ever since we've been super busy! I'll be posting more about what the Aggies did while they were here later. But for now, here are some pictures from a little trip we took to Vina del Mar. Vina is a city located about an hour and a half from Santiago and it is on the coast. It's a beautiful city and I always enjoy going there!! While we were there we visited the Church of Christ, and did some sight-seeing of Vina and it's neighboring city Vallaparaiso. One of the highlights was taking a boat tour around the port in Vallaparaiso. It was a fun and relaxing time and a great opportunity to get to know the Aggie group!! Whoop!

La Vista

La Vista
Originally uploaded by JWorley28.

I haven't been too many places, but I will say that of all the places I have been the night view of Vina del Mar is the most beautiful I've ever seen!! This picture doesn't even do it justice!

Me and Lauren enjoying the boat ride

Me and Lauren enjoying the boat ride
Originally uploaded by JWorley28.

Gross

Gross
Originally uploaded by JWorley28.

Although I really enjoyed the boat ride around the port in Vallparaiso, the life vests were a little old and mildewy.

Exploring by the ocean

Exploring by the ocean
Originally uploaded by JWorley28.

From left to right: Micah (aggie), Traci (intern/aggie), Rodrigo (University Student), and me!

Ok, so it's spelled AVOCADO

Yeah, as you will read below, I misspelled avocado. Apparently there is no "L" in the word. Seriously, I think I have a speech impediment which causes me to add L's to words. I did it with the word "both" too. Until sixth grade I thought it was spelled "bolth" because that's the way I say it. Anyway, I just wanted you all to realize that I've seen the error of my ways and will be seeing a speech therapist who will hopefully help me take the "L" sound out of words. Hee hee.