Subtlety

Its kind of a running joke, or fact really, among my gringo friends here, that Chileans lack subtlety. Like a tia asking you within two minutes of meeting you about your polollo (boyfriend). The question is not "Do you have a polollo?", but rather "Who is he? Where does he live? When will you get married?" Answering with "I don't have one" just makes you a liar.

Its kind of refreshing, the directness. As all the new people arrived (our September Class is here, in all their freshfaced glory) and we tried to dish out advice, there was so much to say about talking to the people here, and how it can be confusing. They will call you fat. They will tell you that you look sick. They will make fun of your Spanish. To your face.

Today, the 18th, is a big day in Chile. Its Fiestas Patrias and unfortunately, it cold and gray. Its a day of barbeques, and kites and chicha and general merriment. There are carnivals all over the city, no one is working and the Chilean flag is everywhere. The celebration will last until tomorrow, with many taking the whole week (my school included) as a patriotic vacation. Seeing another country celebrate itself like this is exciting and alienating at the same time. But this is Chile, and the holidays are just as blatant and blunt as the people. Everyone dances, gringas included. Did I ever think I'd be standing in a Chilean bar, listening to traditional music and dancing with anyone and everyone who comes within two feet of me? Not really, as most who know me understand that I'm not so much a dancer. But something about the way that Chile chooses to celebrate feels real. Viva la Chile!

Oh, and I know we've been on the edge of our seats waiting for pics of the Tortugas Ninjas. They are a bit dark, but still completely awesome.