Monday July 16th, 2007

Monday, July 16, 2007

After sleeping in till 10:30, I woke up to rain and cold. I didn’t forget to tell Olga “felicidades” (congratulations, more or less) because today was her Feast Day. The Virgin of Carmen is I think the image of the Virgin Mary that appeared in Chile, but I don’t know the whole story exactly. But she is apparently quite a big deal seeing that it was a national holiday! We had breakfast and instead of heading straight to Rino’s for almuerzo, we waited until almost 1:30, hoping the rain would stop. It continued raining, so I guess Olga just gave in. Anyway, we took the metro, then a taxi, then walked to Rino’s house. They live in a new, cookie cutter home in an adorable little neighborhood. Every house is exactly alike, but they have a house, which is a big deal. We got there and instantly I felt at home. Dad in the back barbequing, Mom and Grandma in the kitchen making salad and patatas doradas (golden potatoes), the other adults talking, while the grandson and the new gringa kick the soccer ball in the backyard. Olga’s husband, Mario, gave everyone Mango Sours: mango juice, sugar, water, and the strongest alcohol you could imagine. Delicious except of the boos. I couldn’t drink much of it and when Olga told me that I didn’t have to finish it, I eagerly handed it over. Dinner (lunch) was incredible. Smoked/barbequed pork straight from the country in Southern Chile. I’m talking an entire half of a pig where you had to cut of the skin and fat from your piece and pull of the meat from the bones. Yum…

After we ate we watched some of the pan America games going on in Rio (Brasil). Of course the USA is kicking butt, but a Chilean (Ceasrío) won gold in cycling. Another Chilean won bronze in fencing and I think a few other medals here and there. Then the young ones (Rino, Evan, Miguel and I) went to the Mall close to their house. Evan was really helpful and helped me buy some sweaters (3 for $18!!) and some adorable boots ($20!!). Olga was very pleased that I have more to keep me warm. At the mall, Rino bought everyone ice cream, which apparently every Chilean gets ice cream when they go shopping (heck, they get ice cream when they go anywhere!) And I know why: it was delicious- a mix between ice cream and gelato- and incredible.

Miguel, Olga’s grandson, is absolutely adorable. He is really patient with me and explains things quite well for a six year old. I asked him if he wanted to be my hermanito (little brother) while I am here and his eyes lit up like I’d told him he’d won a million bucks! I hope we get to spend more time with their family.

After we got back from the mall, the old ones (Olga, Rosa, and Mario) were upset with us because we’d taken too much time and Rosa had to catch her bus back home. It didn’t seem to be too urgent though because we ate “once” which consisted of more tea/coffee, pineapple cake, bread, avocados and lunch meat. I managed to get out of the sandwiches but they wouldn’t let me turn down the cake. It was good, but I was totally stuffed. Rino made a comment along the lines of “At home, but bet you are a fatty and an alcoholic” apparently because I don’t eat much (only to their standards) and I didn’t like the Mango Sours. The women all defended me while I just laughed. During “once”, the entire family sang a song for all the saints (in honor of La Virgin de Carmen and Olga’s feast day). While three generations sang the song around the table, I experienced one of those, “I can’t believe I am so blessed enough to witness this moment!” moments.

Rino drove us home after dropping off Mario at the metro station. Later they brought Rosa to the bus while I stayed at the apartment to watch the news (homework) and write my 2 page summary of the weekend/my experiences in Chile. I sat in bed wearing my new parka, new boots, and gloves while I wrote because it was so freezing!