week EIGHT

 FELICES FIESTAS PATRIAS!!

This week in Chile we celebrated their independence day ALL WEEK LONG. Us international students had no classes, which was a nice break (from my very difficult challenging schedule than I normally have...). 

I spent the first few days resting after my trip with dad, and waiting for all my friends to come back from the Atacama. I did some trip planning, took a few long walks on the beaches, gave myself a little haircut, and got to catch up on Ted Lasso.

Once everyone was back home, the party began. Near my house, there is a horse racetrack called Sporting. It was completely transformed to a fair/carnival to celebrate, and hundreds of people went. I met up with a bunch of international students, and met some new Chilean friends!

There were rides, mini tiendas (where I bought a new sweater), a concert with traditional Chilean bands, and lots of food. I had some delicious anticuchos (meat skewers), some kettle corn, and of course, their traditional drink, Terremotos (white wine, a splash of pisco, grenadine, and pineapple ice cream). I spent two days enjoying the parties here!

Saturday, my host mom Gilda invited me and Alaina to her sister's house. Alaina's host mom and sister came along too, and we met my host sister and her boyfriend there, and their three huge dogs. Alaina and I were in charge of decorating. 

We spent all afternoon eating and drinking (the abuelas kept giving us lots of drinks, despite our protests...), while Patrick and Carolina barbequed TONS of carne asado. Gilda and the rest of the abuelas were in the kitchen preparing the rest of the dishes. They all refused our help when we tried, as abuelas do, and we were told to sit and drink more. 

A few hours later, we enjoyed a tremendous dinner. There was enough food to feed all of Chile: two types of steak, chorizos, and pork ribs. An avocado celery apple salad, green bean salad, potatoes, tomatoes, and more. And of course, more beer, wine and sangria. Our meal lasted approximately 3 hours. To finish it off, we had a blueberry cheesecake and berry cake for dessert, with tea and coffee. When I got home, Gilda offered me Cola de Mono (coffee, milk and a spirit), which I politely declined, as it was already in my bed and didn't need a drop more of alcohol.

What a wild week. Lots and lots of celebrating- Chileans take their independence day (more like week) very seriously. I loved getting to see everyone's spirit and passion for their country, and was so excited to participate in lots of their traditions. Viva Chile!

Chao from me and Pepa!