For May 19, 2011
With today being the last actual full day we have in Chile, we were free until noon. I got up a couple minutes before 10am so I could try to get a good warm shower. A group of us planned to leave around 10:30 so we could visit some local shops and the flea market again. At the market, I got more jewelry and a handcrafted napkin holder inscribed with Vina del Mar. I had a good time speaking in Spanish with the vendors, and one even recognized me from my previous visit. I was walking into the far end of the building. As I was walking past him, I heard "Good morning." It took a second to register, so a couple feet past him, I turned around as found him looking at me, smiling. I was caught off guard, but I smiled and greeted him likewise. That's cool.
Once we were all done, we headed to find a sports store so that Morgan could find soccer paraphernalia. That was unsuccessful. We all just headed to a bakery. There I looked at all the goods that looked delicious to me. I ended up getting a calzon roto: a fried dough treat like a donut with less sugar and a little powdered sugar, a rosca glace something like a less sweet cinnamon bun and a good that's a cross between a plain cake and a cookie with a shell of sprinkle covered chocolate on top - out of the three, this was my favorite.
Soon, we got back to the hotel and gathered so we could board the bus. We arrived at USM . First, we were going to eat lunch there. On our way to the cafeteria, we saw people in traditional costumes dancing in the quad. There we many onlookers. We all stopped and watched. There were three pairs of girls and guys dressed in green, yellow and red who represented Brazil through their outfits and traditional dance. After them were the students who did the same for Chile and cueca, the traditional dance here. Through talking with Connie, a student here we've all come to love, I found out that the dancers were there just as a way to break up the day while everyone took a break.
Soon, we went to have lunch. On the menu?? There was baked fresh fish (mine even still had fin and I believe there was an option of battered & fried fish) on a bed of seasoned white rice with 2 thick slices of tomato topped garnished with cilantro and a side of really yummy saffron seasoned white potatoes. From the selection of pepsi, 7up, Bilz and Pap (Chilean soda, cherry and papaya, respectively), I chose Bilz. There was a kind of chicken noodle soup (didn't get it), I think, and flan for dessert (didn't really like it). This was the best school lunch I'd had while there. Ryan, Marcus and I ended up sitting at a table packed with Chilean students. I tried to read the students' responses. I think that they were mostly just a little surprised to have foreigners at their table. Eventually, one girl asked about where we were from. Another girl asked us if we spoke Spanish. She wondered why we were here on foreign exchange as such a large group. Then we had a nice conversation with her about school. Everyone else in our group had returned their trays and were waiting outside. We chatted a little longer so we didn't abruptly end the conversation, but soon she said that she had to eat quickly so that she could study. We got up, followed suit by putting our trays away and stepped outside.
When we got outside the group began to go to a room where we would have a final lecture. It ended up not really being a lecture. Instead, it was an informative session about studying at USM for a longer period of time. To give her view and summary of her experience was a Belgian girl named Stephanie. She talked about her love for culture and language that brought her to Chile. She also mentioned her rule about never saying never or no to new opportunities. She gave us pointers and drew contrasts between home and her 2 months there. She kind of gave me more reason to study abroad for a longer time like a year. It's exciting and so unique.
After that, we went outside and prepared to play soccer with the Chilean students. I kept suggesting that we play "soccetball" and game mixed between soccer and basketball. After waiting some time for a court to clear, we separated into teams. Sarah and I were on a team with the Chileans while Marcus, Ryan, Pat, Jon, Christine, Burt and Matt played on "Team Gringo." It was pretty fun though I wasn't dressed for it. Then we switched to basketball. That's when most of group left with Jorge to go back to the hotel. I stayed to play basketball, but after I crappy pass to the other team I was permanently subbed out. :) Bypassers would stop and watch us. Overall, that was cool, and we made more Chilean associates who played with us. It was really fun. They were great athletes.
Then Chris gathered us all up and sweaty, we began to head to the bus stop. Pat wanted to go to the school shop for merchandise so Connie took us. The shop had lots of actual school supplies. They did have coffee mugs and cardholders, but we all just decided to pass. Then we left.
I got back and took a hot shower. I felt like just chilling afterward, but Morgan's energetic packing influenced me to do the same. I rolled and packed most of my stuff. I actually felt more tame and organized after that.
The entire group - Pitt and USM - had dinner together at Diego Pizza. Once we got there, we dived into the pizzas and beverage. It was nice to have a big group dinner. We all chatted it up and ate well. Between Burt, Ryan, Chris and I, there weren't many dull moments. Towards the end, Werner stood and gave us a short speech about our time in Chile. Then he and a couple students handed out these awesome royal blue USM sweatshirts. We really had hoped we'd get these. I will proudly wear mine! Next, Chris and Jorge gave our hosts various Pitt gifts. We all exchanged thank-yous.
We're going to go out to Hollywood Pub and a discoteca near the fancy Sheraton we didn't stay at.
It is hard to believe that tonight is my last night! I've loved it here. I won't miss the hotel, but I'll miss the people, the freedom, the excitement, the late nights, the exploration and the utter beauty of the past 2 weeks.
I'm lovin it.
~Briana
Day 11
For May 18, 2011
Today, we are going to Bolsa de Comercio de Santiago or the Santiago Stock Exchange. This is my group's (Chelsea, Jon and me) "business." We were up bright and early for our nearly 2 hour bus ride to Santiago. This was the first time since we were at the airport that we in Santiago, Chile's capital. It seemed like as soon as I was seated, I fell asleep. We all kinda did. I woke up as we were being driven around Chile. We were warned not to look totally "touristy" because we could get our cameras stolen among other things. Soon we got off the bus and walked for a couple blocks. The streets were crowded with all sorts of people - some lined up a long counters at coffee bars with coffee makers scattered throughout the room for coffee breaks for the local business people, some resting on benches, some selling newspapers or crafts, some briskly walking to get to their next location. We passed several enticing coffee / pastry shops.
Once we got to Bolsa. It seemed kind of demure. We got in, took an elevator, and filed into a plush conference room fitted with a projection screen and prominent flags at the head table. A woman who works in the Planning and Development Department introduced herself and the company. She apologized for the fact that we would not be able to visit the trading floor due to it being under construction. Her presentation wasn't long at all. She also introduced an engineer who was there to answer our questions. At the end, we took a picture with a picture of the trading floor and went down to the lobby. Camilo talked to the guard to see if we could just take a peak at the trading floor, but the door we locked with chains to so we could open the doors just enough to see maids cleaning. Just like that our company tour was over. We feel uneasy about whether we have enough information to pull off a good presentation and poster. All in all, we did learn about the stock exchange. The most interesting thing, for me, was the (online) electronic trading platforms they use. Because of them, many traders choose to do their business elsewhere like in their office, but some traders still come to Bolsa to conduct their business. I can see that Bolsa wants to be the best at their game . It will do that by seizing expansion opportunities and constantly trying to improve.
We went on a mini tour of the local area including La Moneda (where presidents stay, comparable to the White House), Catedral Metropolitana de Santiago (Metropolitan Cathedral of Santiago) and el Museo Historico Nacional (the National History Museum). We couldn't go inside La Moneda, but we definitely took pictures outside, near the fountains and guards. Dozens of middle school-aged kids wanted to take pictures with our group. They were especially excited to interact with us. I can understand why though, they are not familiar with foreigners and it is exciting. They have the same excitement as I do when I walk around snapping photos and falling in love with cultural aspects different from mine...though I don't go snapping pictures with / of strangers... The cathedral was really ornate. There were various rooms for prayer, and so many statues and things. The National History Museum was alright kind of rigid and antiquated. I liked the clothes like a woman's dress from the 18th century and some military jackets. They are quite fashionable.
Santiago seems like a much faster paced city than Valparaiso and Vina. It wasn't hard to tell that millions of people live there. I would have liked to experience more of it. Javier, a USM student, said that the nightclubs there are much more fun, but things become more dangerous and more people who target tourists are there.
Soon, we went to Mercado Central (the Central Market). Walking in, we stepped in two puddles of seawater from the tons of fresh seafood vendors had in crates on tables. About 15 feet later, through a narrow hall, we reached a huge room where restaurants, dining tables, stands and kiosks filled my line of vision. They were everywhere. We went to Donde Augusto. It is a hotspot so much that they have a display case for things signed and left behind by many famous people. It was nice. I ordered the grilled Chilean sea bass with pure (mashed potatoes). While waiting, I dived into the fresh bread and pebre, a Chilean salsa made of finely diced onion, tomato, coriander/cilantro, olive oil, garlic and aji peppers (we had it almost eveywhere). It all was delicious!!
Soon we all got back on the bus and went back to the hotel. What a day!
Of course, we all got ready and went out all night!! I actually went back early. I'm tired!!
Well, good night / morning!
~Briana
Today, we are going to Bolsa de Comercio de Santiago or the Santiago Stock Exchange. This is my group's (Chelsea, Jon and me) "business." We were up bright and early for our nearly 2 hour bus ride to Santiago. This was the first time since we were at the airport that we in Santiago, Chile's capital. It seemed like as soon as I was seated, I fell asleep. We all kinda did. I woke up as we were being driven around Chile. We were warned not to look totally "touristy" because we could get our cameras stolen among other things. Soon we got off the bus and walked for a couple blocks. The streets were crowded with all sorts of people - some lined up a long counters at coffee bars with coffee makers scattered throughout the room for coffee breaks for the local business people, some resting on benches, some selling newspapers or crafts, some briskly walking to get to their next location. We passed several enticing coffee / pastry shops.
Once we got to Bolsa. It seemed kind of demure. We got in, took an elevator, and filed into a plush conference room fitted with a projection screen and prominent flags at the head table. A woman who works in the Planning and Development Department introduced herself and the company. She apologized for the fact that we would not be able to visit the trading floor due to it being under construction. Her presentation wasn't long at all. She also introduced an engineer who was there to answer our questions. At the end, we took a picture with a picture of the trading floor and went down to the lobby. Camilo talked to the guard to see if we could just take a peak at the trading floor, but the door we locked with chains to so we could open the doors just enough to see maids cleaning. Just like that our company tour was over. We feel uneasy about whether we have enough information to pull off a good presentation and poster. All in all, we did learn about the stock exchange. The most interesting thing, for me, was the (online) electronic trading platforms they use. Because of them, many traders choose to do their business elsewhere like in their office, but some traders still come to Bolsa to conduct their business. I can see that Bolsa wants to be the best at their game . It will do that by seizing expansion opportunities and constantly trying to improve.
We went on a mini tour of the local area including La Moneda (where presidents stay, comparable to the White House), Catedral Metropolitana de Santiago (Metropolitan Cathedral of Santiago) and el Museo Historico Nacional (the National History Museum). We couldn't go inside La Moneda, but we definitely took pictures outside, near the fountains and guards. Dozens of middle school-aged kids wanted to take pictures with our group. They were especially excited to interact with us. I can understand why though, they are not familiar with foreigners and it is exciting. They have the same excitement as I do when I walk around snapping photos and falling in love with cultural aspects different from mine...though I don't go snapping pictures with / of strangers... The cathedral was really ornate. There were various rooms for prayer, and so many statues and things. The National History Museum was alright kind of rigid and antiquated. I liked the clothes like a woman's dress from the 18th century and some military jackets. They are quite fashionable.
Santiago seems like a much faster paced city than Valparaiso and Vina. It wasn't hard to tell that millions of people live there. I would have liked to experience more of it. Javier, a USM student, said that the nightclubs there are much more fun, but things become more dangerous and more people who target tourists are there.
Soon, we went to Mercado Central (the Central Market). Walking in, we stepped in two puddles of seawater from the tons of fresh seafood vendors had in crates on tables. About 15 feet later, through a narrow hall, we reached a huge room where restaurants, dining tables, stands and kiosks filled my line of vision. They were everywhere. We went to Donde Augusto. It is a hotspot so much that they have a display case for things signed and left behind by many famous people. It was nice. I ordered the grilled Chilean sea bass with pure (mashed potatoes). While waiting, I dived into the fresh bread and pebre, a Chilean salsa made of finely diced onion, tomato, coriander/cilantro, olive oil, garlic and aji peppers (we had it almost eveywhere). It all was delicious!!
Soon we all got back on the bus and went back to the hotel. What a day!
Of course, we all got ready and went out all night!! I actually went back early. I'm tired!!
Well, good night / morning!
~Briana
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