La Jac Goes to South America.: "¡Tanto tiempo!"

Our first weekend outing with the new group was to the archipelago of Chiloé, famous for its churches, folklore and seafood—a curious mix. It is very charming and very drizzly. I had the luck of spending a few days there a month ago, and absolutely LOVED IT. I was there all by my lonesome, so it was different to go back in a big group. We more or less followed the same route: after taking the ferry over to the main island, we stayed the first night in Ancud. Although first we stopped at something of a bird reserve where there were lots and lots of black-necked swans. In Ancud I took part in a pre-dinner exploration of the beach, enjoyed some famous Chiloé potatoes, and then finished the evening by moderating some wild and crazy cribbage.

The next morning we headed south to Castro, home to vibrant palafitos (stilt houses), no doubt painted so vividly to ward off the rainy day blues. I had also gone last month, and during our free time I wandered around by myself. It was super fun to revisit the bakery with the delicious trufas and tea. When I walked into the café where I had spent a few nights reading, I was greeted with “tanto tiempo!” I never thought I would be recognized as a returning customer in café in southern SOUTHERN Chile. What a strange, fuzzy feeling.

Back in Valdivia, I´ve got my red galoshes on. Going to class today I used my matching red umbrella. I wore my teal raincoat (yes, that one) and a favorite scarf. The wind was swirling, taking leaves and small dogs with it. There are a few really logical ways to get to school, but I don´t usually take them. I like trying to find new ways; I like to look at all the houses and plants and I know where to find the best yard cuttings on yard waste pickup day. And also where all the cutest dogs that watch from house windows live. Today my very favorite one was acting up when I walked past his window. I´m always so curious about his family and today I saw them, because their cab had just pulled up, which I think was what had created all his commotion.

Other important recent events include swing dance lessons for my Chileans friends (they learn fast!), a day trip to Niebla, and button shopping. Squash and pumpkins are in season, and I found what I believe to be possibly the only real pumpkin in Valdiva. (Around here people eat their squash, they don´t carve it and put candles in it.) Anyway, my Chilean friends and family were confused and awed by my carved pumpkin, and also by their first experience with roasted pumpkin seeds. This semester I finally switched my keyboard over to Spanish. (Copying and pasting accents was getting pretty old, and if you say you have “25 años” without that little squiggly thing above the n, it does not mean 25 years). One night I went to A Midsummer Night’s Dream, as performed by Chileans, in English. That was something, for sure. And I´ve been slowly becoming a regular all over again at my old favorite café. Running into people (not literally) and catching up with friends has been fun.