Exploring Chile By: Madison Liggio

This past weekend was wonderful. On Friday, I worked with the substitute teacher, Layla, who teaches the students English. For dinner, the family and I had sushi. I tried sushi that had chicken and pork in it, both of which were amazing. On Saturday, we took a trip to the Malliplaza. The host The family and I laughed and talked, going to shop after shop. That night, I saw Alien: Covenant with my family. The setup was similar to Movie Tavern and the movie was in English (I was really nervous that the movie would be in Spanish). On Sunday, we went to the Spa. The spa was wonderful and gave me the relaxation and rest I needed. Valee and I got messages and explored all the elements of the spa together. The lunch and dinner that was served at the spa's restaurant were amazing.

Maliplaza decoration

Sitting area at the Spa

Valee and I at the spa's restaurant

My family and I eating lunch at the spa

On Monday, I was in Huertos school for the whole school day. I am getting better at communicating with the kids because I am slowly learning more Spanish words. Starting out, the language barrier I experienced with the students intimidated me a little, so I would mostly stand back to observe and help out when I could. However, on this day, I made sure to interact and play with the students. For example, I built a fort with a student and played in the dirt with them. After school, I watched Valee practice for gymnastics. This night, as well as many nights, the family and I stay at the dinner table an hour or so after everyone is done to talk and catch up on each others days or to chit chat about a variety of topics.

My little monkeys

A student and I's sand domes

Valee's gymnastic practice

On Tuesday,  the group and I went to the University of Concepcion. The campus is beautiful. I loved the pool with a marble rainbow background(present in a picture) that was present. Also, the legends that are associated with the college, one being the shield that is on the ground when one enters the college. Chile has A LOT of dogs everywhere; the University was no different. Another stop on the tour was the museum of art. The first sight one sees when they walk in is a mural that represents the history of Chile with a phrase written above it. This mural was HUGE and stretched across the whole wall.  Next, we went to two art exhibits. One housed paintings from Chilean artist. The next one was full of weird art that students had made. After school, we talked with teachers about our experiences thus far in the Chilean school and how those compared to the experiences in the United States. It was wonderful to tell them my feedback and hear theirs in return. I attempted to make beignets for my family. The finished products were edible, but I am going to leave the beignet making to the experts, Cafe Du Monde, from now on. The family seemed to like them, and I was glad to share a part of Louisiana with them.

Meseum of Art

Painting at the exhibit of Chilean artist 

Myself in front of mural at Museum of Art

Cool artwork at the University of Concepcion

Forum at University of Concepcion

Group picture that was taken at University of Concepcion

Homemade beignets

On Wednesday, we went to the Chiflon del Diablo, also known as "the Breath of the Devil".  I was scared and intimidated by the name, but I also knew that the experience was one I did not want to miss. I did not see the devil, but I did get to go in an underground mine and learn about a miner's life and experiences in this particular mine. The way to get down to the mine was by a tube cage (the tour guide, a previous miner, words for the contraption that brought us down) that only fits 4-5 people. We traveled 25 meters down and then traveled further by foot through narrow passageways that were a little taller than me. At one point, the miner/tour guide has all of us turn out our lights and phones so we could experience what is was like to be blind. It was very scary to not be able to see anything, but I also experienced for a short duration of time a darkness that is permanent for those who are blind. I also discovered how out of shape I am because the uphill walk and stairs that we took to get back to the surface left me out of breath.

Place where miners slept

Ready to go underneath the Pacific Ocean

Myself in an underwater mine

Myself, Lindsay, Lauren, and Kali in cage tube

Group picture at Chiflon del Diablo

On Thursday, I went to the zoology exhibit at the University of Concepcion with my class and teacher. I think I had as much fun as the kids. The exhibit was like taxidermy on steroids but also very cool. My favorite was an ostrich I named Betty. We also stopped by the forum. I got so many fantastic pictures with the students. I also taught a lesson, the first of many,  that day. I reviewed the body with them and had them make their own x-rays. After school, the family and I went to a recital the school put on. I got to be exposed to so much beautiful music and dances and the history Chile holds.

Valee, Paula, and I at recital

My friend, Betty, and I 

I need a doctor ASAP!!!!!

Two adorable students and I at the forum

The class and I in front of a cool artwork

On Friday, the group and I went to the mountains. Naturally, I made sure to bundle up, so I had on two pairs of pants, two jackets, a scarf, a hat, socks, snow boots, undershirt, and a shirt; I felt like Randy from A Christmas Story. Howerver, I did not need half of the clothes I had on. All complaing aside, I had a wonderful time. The view was absolutely breathtaking because it had mountains covered in snow, hills, and rivers. Also, the thermal pools were beautful and a fascinating experience. It was cool to feel blazing hot in the thermal pools but then get out and feel bitter cold. Next, thr group went to the market for lunch in downtown Chillán. There, I had a chilean version of a shepard's pie. After that, I explored the souvenier shops with other people from the group. For dinner, my family and I went to a Peruvian restaurant. It was amazing. 

The amazing view of Andes mountains

Lauren, Kali, and I 

Myself with an amazing view 

Thermal pool (this was the cooler one)

Just chilling in a pool that is powered by a volcano

I absolutely love my host family. We continue to grow closer every single day. I love to talk to my host sisters. We love to show and laugh about memes or just talk about our days. I have also grown close to my host parents, and I know I can joke and share the day's activities and experiences with them. They are part of my family and nothing can ever change that.