Food of Chile by Nick Janzen

South Louisiana is certainly no stranger to good food. Some might argue we have the best in the world: red beans and rice, char-grilled oysters, BBQ shrimp…the list goes on and on and it doesn’t even include all our fabulous restaurants. While I love Cajun cooking as much as the next guy, Chilean cuisine definitely gives LA a run for its money.

A lot of us have written about food on this blog, mostly because everything we’ve eaten has been delicious. But food is also intimately tied to culture, and part of experiencing a new place includes trying new foods. So below are some of the foods I’ve enjoyed during my stay in Chile. The food itself is not so different from what I eat in the States, but it’s prepared with a special, “Chilean” style.

Our Los Pollos meal, served in a delightful yellow box.

The "before" photo…only the bones were left in the "after" photo.

I try to avoid fast food as much as possible when I travel; after all, fast food is pretty much the same everywhere, right? But one day my family and I succumbed to Los Pollos. As the name suggests it’s a chicken joint, and you have only four options: whole chicken, half chicken, quarter chicken, and with or without papas fritas (fries). The chicken is slow cooked throughout the day on a giant rotisserie. You can choose how you want yours cooked, from lightly roasted to fully scorched. And it’s absolutely amazing. Los Pollos definitely puts KFC to shame (maybe not Popeyes, though).

Asado in the making…Watch out!

We're almost there...

Perfection

Here, we find the crown jewel of Chilean cooking: asado. This is barbecue, Chilean style. And like BBQ, asado refers both to the method of cooking (grilling) and the event during which the grilling takes places. My first meal in Chile was a “welcome asado” and one of my last was a “farewell asado. ” Typically, you cook steak, chicken, and longenisa (sausage) for an asado, but other meats can be included, too (in more traditional, elaborate asados, sweetbread and other organs are included). When it comes to cooking meat, Chileans have developed a masterful patience. They’ll let the coals sit for hours to lower the temperature (asado is never done with a propane grill; sorry, Hank Hill). This technique ensures the meat isn’t overcooked and it also allows for more ole fashioned, around-the-grill fun.  

Not quite at Cafe du Monde level, but a valiant first effort.

What's this? Beignets? Surely, that’s not a Chilean food. And you’re right; it’s not (although sopapillas, a Chilean staple, are essentially beignets minus the powdered sugar). But what trip would be complete without sharing a little of your own culture with those who have so generously shared their own?Thursday night my family and I went over to Kenny’s house, whose family is friends with mine. We had a Louisiana night: Kenny cooked jambalaya, and I made beignets for dessert with a box of Café du Monde mix I had brought from New Orleans. Both dishes were surprisingly tasty. To be honest I was a little nervous about Kenny’s jambalaya. After all, he’s not a Louisiana native and had never made the dish before. But Kenny’s meal really impressed—it was almost as good as my Momma’s. When dessert time rolled around, it was Kenny’s turn to be nervous. Beignets are notoriously difficult to cook and I had never made them before. But with a little help from Kenny’s “mom,” they turned out wonderfully.

The night was filled with delicious food, good conversation, and great friends. It was the perfect way to wind down the trip. Friday was Chile’s first World Cup match and Saturday I was leaving for the airport. So, while it wasn’t billed this way, I considered this the farewell party. I actually preferred it this way: we had the chance to be together freely, without the specter of emotional farewells hanging over our heads. 

My time in Chile was amazing, an experience I'll never forget. I met amazing people, forged close friendships, and made wonderful memories. I already miss my adoptive country and hope to return soon.

Week 4 Santiago-By Morgan Walker

Santiago was very different from Concepcion. My first day in Santiago was similar to my first day in Concepcion because it was long, but it was a fun and interesting day. I was slightly nervous about living with a new family but right when I walked out of the airport I heard my name "Morgan". After that it was smooth sailing. Soledad, Martin and Damian met me at the airport. This encounter was very different from Concepcion because the parents and children spoke English.

It was raining when we got in so we went on a tour of the city in the car. Santiago is such a beautiful city, from the architecture with the influence of the spanish to being surrounded by the Andes mountains I never got bored looking at the city.

La Moneda Palace

My bedroom view on a rainy day

School was very different. I was with the third and forth grade classes. The school started at kindergarden and went to 12th grade. This school also had a lunch period because school didn't get out until 4:00pm; it was a long day. I really enjoyed being with third and forth grade that age is so fun. One of my host brothers Martin was in the third grade class. I was with Ms. Josefina and she taught math, English and science to third and forth. Many of the students from the school were from other countries. I met students from Canada, South Korea, and the USA. All classes were taught in English with the exception of Spanish.

It snowed at school Thursday and the kids went crazy because it rarely snows and probably because they knew that school would get out early.

My 3rd grade class trying to catch snow flakes

Friday was a very interesting day because it was the first game Chile played in the World Cup and it was my last day at the school. The third graders made cards and read them to me. I choked up a little, the cards were very touching.

Ms. Josefina's 3rd Grade Class

School let out early but it took us 2hrs to get home because of the traffic. Our bus driver was awesome, I'm not sure if I couldn't have maneuvered that traffic as well as he did. 

That night we got together with Edgardo's (my host father) side of the family and watched the game Chile vs. Australia. It was a great game. Chile won! Im not a big Soccer fan but watching the game with everyone was a lot of fun. That night we ate Chilean BBQ and sweets. I miss the good food!

Saturday came so fast. One week is way to short to see Santiago and really get to know and build relationships with people. My experience in Chile was a great one. I had two wonderful families and two totally different but equally great experiences. I would definitely do this trip again!

My Family with Mike (Sara, Martin, Damian, Soledad and photographer Edgardo)

Chao!  

The Long Road Home by Jai Jackson

After four weeks, 1 day, and 2 hours I've finally set forth on the journey back to the states and back home. I never knew that such a short stay could leave such a lasting impression on me. In my time in Chile, I've made several amazing friends, been adopted into two families, and fallen in love with a country and culture unlike my own. I've also begun to really like soccer too! 

The Southern Cross School and LSU

The faculty and staff of the Southern Cross School welcomed the LSU Tigers into their school with very open arms. I had an amazing time with the students, faculty, and staff and each one left lasting impressions on me. 

A special thank you to Paula, my host teacher. She was a very experienced, knowledgable, amazing teacher who taught me more than I could have imagined about teaching, classroom management, and relationship building. I will definitely miss our daily conversations and the random laughs at the expense of my horrible spanish. 

Jai, Kenny, Paula, School Psychologist, and Ken

Several fond memories, experiences, and opportunities that I will never forget. I met some great people, ate some delicious food, and learned about a far off place. The beauty of Chile is only improved by the kindness of the people and the openness of the culture. I can't wait for my next excursion to this beautiful land and hopefully by then I'll know more Spanish than I do now.

Nick, Jai, and Ken

A big thank you to all of the other participants, Ken, Margaret, and Kenny for being great partners in our exploration of Chile. We stumbled a few times but we never allowed any of us to fall. We started together as 25 strangers and left as 25 friends/family members. I can't wait to see you all stateside and I look forward to many new adventures with you all.

Until next time... Ciao!

Coming Home by Meghan Charbonnet

Upon my return, it took some adjusting. I was very sad to leave my Chilean family. I had become so comfortable with them, and I knew it would be a hard to say goodbye. Our goodbye was not forever. It is just until we meet again, but we all cried as I left to get on my plane. They had welcomed me with open arms, and I am very grateful for their hospitality.

Reentering the United States was bittersweet. I knew the experience was over, but I was excited to take everything I had learned in the Chilean school and incorporate it into my studies in the U.S. Among the things I will incorporate will be:
1) Let children be children. Even though the students in the Chilean school were often talkative during school and would have been considered borderline disrespectful to an American teacher, they are allowed to express themselves freely. In the U.S. children become robots at such a young age. We teach them to listen and sit still which completely goes against the natural free spirit of most children. I hope I will allot at least some time for my students to be young and free.
2) Be flexible as a teacher. In the schools I have observed, teachers follow a very regimented schedule. They are sensitive to the fact that not everything works out as planned. They have back up plans when their students do not respond well to a lesson or when they finish a lesson early. Teachers must be flexible. There is no way to predict what a classroom of children will do. We need to prepare to change our schedules if it will benefit our students.
3) Though this one may a be a bit difficult, teachers must express affection to their students. In Chile, students are allowed to hug their teachers. Though thins is kind of affection is frowned upon in the U.S. it is important for teachers to show their affection in other ways. We can use more words of affirmation, write encouraging notes, or use other methods of reinforcement to show children we are proud of them and love them. This creates a positive learning environment and is important for the child's self esteem.

Traveling to Chile was the experience of a lifetime. I am so happy I was privileged enough to go on thins is trip. I will never forget the people I have met on this journey, and it hope to see many of then soon!

It's official... I am an unofficial Chilean by Kelvin Jones

This week in Santiago has been simply amazing!!!

It all started when I left from the amazing family in Concepción and was picked up by another AMAZING family in Santiago at the airport! I am quite sure I was the luckiest person from LSU on this trip to be placed with another incredible family for another week in Chile (I know, maybe a slight bit of bias), but this family is amazing just like in Concepción.

First sight leaving baggage claim

My Santiago familia

From the moment I met my new host family at the airport, I have felt nothing but love and true sincerity from every member, as if I was a family member of theirs all along. We went to a popular Chilean restaurant in the downtown area, atop a hill that overlooked the city (that even the Pope himself came and blessed), and went to a nice coffee shop (where I had tea of course, lol)... That was all on day one and it was nonstop from there!

Lunch at a popular place in town called Galindo

Striking a Pose on the hill...

The school, Southern Cross, we worked at was equally generous and hospitable. I literally started teaching from day one and not just with high school kids, but everyone from Pre-K to 12th grade, and it was amazing! The music students were very excited to have someone from the states to come work and play for them. They even had a sign up sheet for students to work with the 'Professor of Music from Louisiana' (I'm quite sure they were disappointed when they found out it was just me, lol). But we had good times learning about Louisiana culture and music, all the way from New Orleans Second line brass bands to Saturday nights in Tiger Stadium.... It even snowed one day at the school (I know, in June, in South America of all places!).

LSU group at Southern Cross in Santiago... Top left is my major professor Dr. Byo (really cool being around him in another country)

The extremely nice music teacher I worked with, Javiera Barros

Literally the view at the school

Having fun in the snow

I have eaten so much food that I should probably officially join Food network or Travel TV. Since being in Chile I have eaten (all delicious by the way): cow tongue, octopus, squid, cow intestines, sea-weed, mucho avocado, and a lot of other things that I do not know how to spell, lol. I also for the first have eaten a lot of Peruvian cuisine and most say that it is some of the most delicious food I've ever had (next to my grandmothers' cooking that is... I do have to go home eventually).

A Chilean dish called Cazuela at Galindo

Pastel de cholo inside a bowl that literally keeps the food hot for over 20 minutes

But the total value of this trip was worth one trip in particular. My host father, Mauricio (who is literally one of the nicest and most gracious person I have ever met), took me and his two youngest kids atop the snow covered Andes Mountains. The views from this place are worth every penny and energy spent on this trip (just see below)! 

I am forever indebted to my professors Jane Cassidy and James Byo for making this trip possible, amazing colleagues I've had the opportunity to work with in Chile, my incredible host families, every gracious Chilean I've met (and stayed with) on this trip, and lastly my beautiful and compassionate wife who allowed me to spend a month away from Louisiana to partake in this trip. 

Thank you for all making Chile a place I can now call my new casa! 

Views from the Andes

At the Andes Mountains

The snow man, Elvis, created atop the mountains

Watching Chile's opening World Cup Match #VivaChile
Until next time!!!

Goodbye Hello by Nick Janzen

Leaving Concepción proved difficult. I’ve grown attached to my friends and family there, even though we’ve known each other for only a short period of time. Everyone was so kind and generous to us that it’s impossible not to miss them.

Camila (left) and Gumor, my translator (right), at a farewell dinner Tuesday night.  

Gumor Ignacio Castillo Fonseca was my translator for these past few weeks. Monday through Thursday we spent nearly every moment together. I don’t think I would have gotten anything accomplished without him. He told me what type of presentations the professors wanted me to make and he translated my presentations to the students. I think he probably learned more about wetlands over the past three weeks than he ever wanted to know, but he was always happy to help me. I am incredibly grateful for that.

Leo, Gumor, and I in the teachers' room. Yes, we posed for this photo.

Prof. Willie during our wetlands field trip.

Leonardo and Guillermo were the professors I was assigned to work with. Even though wetland science doesn’t have much to do with geometry and physics (which they teach, respectively), Leo and Willie were generous enough to let me talk about my field. It takes patient, confident teachers to turn their classrooms over to a relative stranger, but both were happy to do so. Wednesday of week two, Willy took Alex, Emily, Camila (Alex’s translator), Gumor, and myself to some wetlands around Concepción; the areas seemed to be used primarily as a swale. It was a really interesting trip for the science people, but it also demonstrated the generosity Willie, and the others at Colegio Concepción San Pedro, showed us during our stay.

The "Power Rangers," in a lake we visited during our wetlands tour with Willie. They were in a straight line before the 2010 earthquake.

Like I said, leaving was hard. Friday night my family went to Alex’s family’s house for a going away dinner. Saturday morning we got up early to go to the airport. I’m spending the next week in Santiago with 10 other LSU students, working at a new school. We were all on the same flight to Santiago, and it was the same scene at the airport for all of us: huddled with our families, waiting until the last possible moment to go through security (which, due to different security regulations, takes MUCH less time than it does in the States).

Panchi, Benja, and my "mom" María at Alex's house for our farewell dinner—a strikingly similar scene to the welcome lunch Alex and I received our first Sunday in Chile.

My "dad," Claudio, wondering what I'm doing with my phone pointed towards him.

The flight to Santiago was strange. Leaving Concepción was sad, but I was really excited to meet my new Santiago family—who are, of course, wonderful. After picking me up from the airport, we went to lunch, and then we took a tour of Pablo Neruda’s house, La Chascona (which is a Chilean word that refers to a woman with a wild mane of hair, in this case Neruda’s third wife, Matilde Urrutia). It was a wonderful day, and I’m very excited for the coming week. I think this week will go by all too fast; come Saturday evening, I’ll be heading back to the States. It’ll be nice to get back home, I guess, but I’m really glad I have this extra week in Santiago.

My new Santiago family at La Chascona: (from left to right) Paulina, Francisca, me, Juan Paulo, and Lorenzo.

Goodbye Concepcion, Hello Santiago by Jordan Bedford

This Saturday marked the end of one journey and the beginning of another. My time in Concepcion ended, and it was hard saying good-bye to half of our group, but even more difficult saying good-bye to my wonderful family. The bonds I made in Concepcion are everlasting, and I know I will stay in touch with my family and the friends I made on the trip. In two short hours I left an amazing family, and met the new family who was hosting me in Santiago. Like my last family, the Merino Espinosa family is great. Veronica and Jorge, as well as their children Valentina, 15, Cristian, 11, and Josefa, 9, welcomed me into their family and made me feel right at home. We were both very excited to meet each other, and since this is my first time in Santiago they showed me around their incredible city. Downtown Santiago is beautiful with the contrast of the hustle and bustle of the city, and the majestic Andes Mountains. Over the weekend I went to two amazing restaurants that served amazing Chilean dishes such as, empanadas, and centolla. The girls took me shopping over the weekend we were able to spend time together talking about our interest and practicing their English and my Spanish.  

La Moneda, Chile's government building.

My family and I at an interactive exhibit about Chile.

Two men serenading us at lunch. 

Lunch at Dona Tina a southern Chile style restaurant. 

We have now spent two days at the school, and it has been a wonderful experience. I am working in a first grade classroom with the sweetest group of children, and a wonderful host teacher, Ms. Ximena. The first graders are learning how to read and speak in English and Spanish, and it is incredible how much English these children know and understand at such an early age, it proves that children are capable of learning and comprehending many things at young ages.  The students receive English, math, and science, in English, and language and social studies in Spanish. I can’t believe that as of tomorrow there will be four more days left in Santiago.

Sopa y Pillas, Country Side Convos, and Chilean Love: Amaris del CarmenGuzman

       

I remember first arriving to the airport of Concepcion three weeks ago and asking myself, how will this experience turn out? How will my Chilean family react when they see me? What kind of food will I eat and what will my experience be like at the school? ... three weeks later I find myself sitting on a plane to Santiago realizing I am no longer the same person I was three weeks ago.  Challenging me in many ways, I was amazed at the process my body went through to adjust to both the climate and food here in Chile.  Let's just say my clothes had found a new way to snuggle slightly closer to me than usual -I was in for the most white flour treats I had ever had in my life. Coming from a no bread or rice diet, I found myself eating more white flour items in Chile including these round "zepolis" looking fluffy bundle of joys that are usually eaten with "palta" and tomatoes or "manjar" called Sopa y Pillas.  My Chilean Pop managed to makes several dozens as a going away dinner item for me and yes I managed to absolutely stuff my face with 4 of those yummy bundles of joy known as Sopa y Pillas. After four I thought no more can fit seriously (HA) while my Chilean parents were asking me to have more and I'm thinking where the heck am I going to fit this 5th one... and I didn't. Heres a photo of this gorgeous little guy below... Enjoy the mouthwatery scenery indeed...

                                    

Dinner during my last evening here allowed me to relive a mouthwatering experience as it had been when my Chilean folks decided to visit the countryside of Santa Clara to visit Grandma. We left in the morning hours to start a journey I thought would be a short distance from San Pedro.  As it turned out, the ride became a long 1 hour and a half ride to the country side.  We mad a pitstop to the "cascadas" or waterfalls nearby and took severals stunning photos of the waterfalls.  Shortly after we kept on driving a few dirt roads until we arrived at a tightly locked gate.  There were two homes and a huge outdoor underground pool in between both.  The land seemed spread out without any TV dishes or other internet like items around.  I braced myself for what would be a day of peace and quiet, of conversations about Chilean history and upbringings with my Chilean Pops' Mother of 70 years-old, and meeting more family members.  Turns out it was one of the most peaceful days of the entire trip.  I love history and love meeting older folks who have undergone different decades and love sharing what their "tiempo" was like during their youth. After a few nescafes, chicken soup, pasta, sopa y pillas, palta, queso fresco, tomatoes, and laughs, I was beyond happy to have visited the beautiful peaceful countryside of Chile. Below is yet another mouthwatering photo of our dinner as well as beautiful scenery of the falls with a bit of my smiles of course...

                           

                           

I have to say my entire trip has been filled with lots of Chilean love and hugs.  As I stood by my family today at the airport, had a few convos, and they dropped me off, I realized that three weeks after their hospitality, Chilean food, and learning of Chilenismos including "cachai," "si po," "no po," "sopaipas" (sopa y pillas shortened), "polola/o," among others, I was going to miss Chile! I was going to miss my family, my new amazing amiga Consuelo -an awesome English tutor and neighbor who welcomed me to Chile and came to visit me any chance she got to ensure I was okay and enjoyed my time in Chile- another sister I leave behind in Chile.  I was going to miss all of it including my time with my favorite classes at Colegio de Concepcion- 4 Medio A, 2 Medio C, 4 Medio D, among others.  I made a really special connection with all of these students during my presentations on Caribbean Indigenous and Empowering Legacies.  I was hoping to connect with one or five in hopes that they learned something from me, and my ancestral lineage.  I noticed during my time at the school that students were also very affectionate. So much so that after many selfies with students I also received several hugs saying I had impacted their life in some way. They also held a going away party for me in my history class for teaching them a bit more on Caribbean history.  This truly made the trip beyond amazing and unique for me! The love in Chile is real and very much out there!

       

Chilenos are beyond carinosos and I was happy to have been welcomed both as a Gringa and a Dominicana with ancestry from the Caribbean Islands-- roots I am beyond proud of and certainly assisted me in communicating with my Chilean family.  I was also excited to help my fellow tigers with translation or "interprete" abilities to help facilitate conversations as the "bilingue" of the group.  I send a huge shout to my Chilean family Denny, Flavio, Benjamin, Flavio, and Nico for opening your home to me and showing me the utmost Chilean love!!!! Now on the plane, I am reminded of the upcoming soccer game at the World Cup, Telenovelas like La Guerrera, and U.S. movies I never had a chance to see but appreciated with my Chilean family. As I travel north, I move my hands swiftly in a fist like manner and say "CHI CHI CHI, LE LE LE, VI VA, Chile!!!!!! Chao....and or how we say in Dominican dialecto- Adio no senore, No vemo depue senore!  

Experiencia con James por Georgina Lavín

Recibir a James en nuestra casa, fue una experiencia enriquecedora e inolvidable. En estas tres semanas aprendimos a conocerlo y a quererlo mucho. Él es una persona muy alegre, amable, cariñosa, lleno de energía y con muchas virtudes que toda persona debería tener. Esperamos que algún día vuelva a visitarnos. No importa el tiempo que pase; pero él debe recordar que nuestra casa es también la de él, siempre habrá un espacio para James en nuestra casa.

Until Next Time, Concepcion by Valerie Thornton

It’s hard to believe that my three weeks in Concepcion are over.  Though it passed by quickly, this last week has been very exciting.  Last weekend my family and I went to Lota, which is an old mining town.  We visited the park, and as soon as I started walking the trails, I was mesmerized.  I saw breathtaking views of the sea and the waves crashing onto the beach.  I even saw a sea lion playing with some surfers.  I was surrounded by nature, and it was so calming.  I didn't get to see all of the park, but I definitely want the opportunity to come back to Chile and spend more time in it.

Lota

On Tuesday we had a farewell dinner this week for the teachers and LSU students.  It was great to have the opportunity to talk with the teachers we worked with in the classroom in a more relaxed setting.  We had a wonderful meal of steaks, chicken, ensalada Chilena, and more. 

Wonderful friends and food!

Thursday was a special day because we attended a barbaque with the administrative team of Colegio Concepcion San Pedro.  The administrators used this time to show us some of the things about Chile that we might not have known about.  The afternoon was filled with typical Chilean festivities.  Two faculty members dressed in cloths typical of the countryside and danced the Cueca, which is the national dance of Chile.  The clothing and the dancing was beautiful.  It was nice to laugh and share good entertainment with our gracious hosts.  I know that they put a lot of effort in to this day for us, and I really enjoyed it. 

In the evening, we attended the Second English Song Festival, in which students from all over Chile travelled to participate and sing English songs.  After the festival, the LSU students and our host families enjoyed a cocktail hour.  We took this time to thank our host families for opening up their homes and hearts to us.

Friday was our last day in the school, and we made the most out of it!  We spent the morning playing sports with the students.  I am by no means athletically inclined, but I chose to participate anyway because I wanted to enjoy the last bit of time with the students.  In the afternoon, we shared the cards that we had made to thank the students and the school.  Some of the students even thanked us for coming, which made me feel like the trip was more than worthwhile.

Reflecting back on my experiences in Concepcion, I am grateful to have been a part of such a great trip.  I want to thank my host family, especially my mom and dad, for graciously opening up their home to a stranger and treating me as one of their own.  They tried hard to communicate with and learn from me, and I feel like we made a lot of progress over the short time I was with them.  We were able to enjoy jokes with one another and have some really fun times.  I also want to thank my nana, Barbara, for all of her hard work and the time she took to goof off with me.  I’m still a little sore from our impromptu dance party.  Rafael and Nicolas were like the brothers I never had, and they even shared their futbol cards with me!  Fernanda gave up her room for me and made sure that I had a way home each day.  They have invited me back into their home anytime I want, and I’m sure that I will be making a trip back to Chile!

The English teachers that I worked with were a big part of making this trip a worthwhile experience.  Miss Margarita and Miss Elizabeth were always enthusiastic and welcoming.  I couldn’t have asked to work with better teachers.  We had productive conversations about some of the similarities and differences in education in the States and in Chile, and I also learned some valuable lessons from them.  Ms. Margarita taught me how to be adaptable and how important it is to be enthusiastic with your students so that they want to be in your class.  Ms. Elizabeth showed me how to smile everyday and gave me practice in making review handouts.  I truly appreciate these ladies for sharing their classrooms with me.

Chile has treated me wonderfully, and I hope I'll have the opportunity to come back.  There is still so much that this country has to offer that I haven't experienced yet!