I've also resigned to the fact that I'll be here in Chile, or rather in South America, a good continent south of what I know for a solid six months more. I think I've passed the majority of the downs that can come with moving to a completely new environment and am happy to report I'm quite content here in Antofagsta. I have a great host family, a good school, a terrific teaching partner and a network of support from the other volunteers and natives I have met here. Oh, and the ocean is a nice touch. I've also been taking advantage of the at times Twilight Zone-like amount of free time I have here to read some acclaimed literature, play the guitar, learn pilates and other exercises and write blogs like this one.
This Friday past, I attended a conference for English teachers in this region of Chile. I picked up on a few pointers and realized what I could do better. I also was blessed to see a few familiar faces as many of the coordinators from the capital traveled here to organize and execute the conference. It was strange, I felt like I was seeing a family member from the States, someone I hadn't seen for a some time, leaving me feeling very blessed, accepted and happy.
We went out that night for a few drinks and the following day we explored the local fish market. You name it, they got it: fresh albacore, squid, mussells, the works. I ordered some delicious seviche, raw fish and shellfish cooked in the citrus juices of limes and served with fresh parsley. An incredible taste. My mouth is watering as I type thinking about it.
We also saw some sea lions in the nearby cove, who, in exchange for a small show for the eager public, live like kings off of the fish innards thrown to them by workers in the market next door. My host family says sometimes sea turtles do the same. Now that's a sight I would love to see. So would my brother, Dillon, I imagine.
There, we were approached by a soft-looking man in his late 30s or 40s asking for some spare change. I told him no, and he replied in his melodic voice asking me if I spoke any English. I said yes, and apparently so did he. We had a friendly conversation about where I was from and what I thought about Chile. He told us that he learned nearly all of his English from watching television, mostly programs on the History and Discovery channels. He spoke really good English and I was thoroughly impressed so I gave him a few coins for the show. Some people just have a natural knack for things I reckon.
So, for the near future I plan on developing some interesting and relevant lesson plans for my students, tackling Cien años de soledad, enjoying the ocean views, and reaching my goal of looking like one of those actors in "300" (only half serious). Thanks for reading. Until next time-
Grant
