So now I’m three months in to my Chilean adventure, and I don’t know where time has gone!
It’s starting to get considerably hotter, and we’re only at the start of spring…I’m dreading what ‘summer’ will bring! The Chileans still seem to be wearing jeans and coats, where as all the exchange students are already into shorts and t-shirts. And the metro in this heat at rush hour really is something else…
Independence Day, or Las Fiestas Patrias, was the big event of September. It involves almost a week of partying, eating and drinking to celebrate the beginning of freedom from Spanish rule. Patriotism is strong here; by law all public buildings must display the Chilean flag during this period (although I’m not sure how strongly this law is enforced), military parades take place in cities throughout the country, and there is a real feeling of the coming together of the people. Along with my house, we went with large group of extended friends to Algarrobo, a beach resort about 3 hours from Santiago, where we stayed in wooden cabins around a pool. Just as the Chileans do, we spent four days partying and eating as much BBQ food as we could, in order to really embrace the Chilean spirit.
In the evenings we headed over to a Fonda in the town, which is basically a huge fair full of traditional food stalls, fair ground games, bars, traditional dancing and clubs, open until about 4 in the morning. After purchasing our litre jug of Terremoto (a Chilean speciality made from the cheapest white wine on offer, pineapple ice cream and grenadine), we headed off to have a go at some bingo, archery and the coconut shy. I can’t say we were on top form at archery after terremotos! So instead, we got ourselves some sopaipillas (fried pumpkin bread eaten with spicy sauce), completos (the Chilean version of a hot dog) and beef skewers from the BBQ, and headed off to dance the night away in Chilean style.
The next weekend we headed off to Concepción, about 6 hours south of Santiago, for a 5 day get away. Sadly, during the first 24 hours there it rained and rained and rained. Given that in Santiago it rarely rains, this was a nice reminder of the great British weather back home… And so, we took the group decision to take a bus over to the other side of the county (only about 4 hours) and go to Las Trancas, a ski town in the middle of a national park. Sadly due to recent volcanic activity we couldn’t actually go and see the volcano we had wanted to, but we did go on a long hike up to some thermal baths, trekking through the snow and sulphur flats and climbing up some seriously steep hills. However, when we got to the top of the valley, it was clear we weren’t going to be able to get any further due to a lack of crampons and proper gear to trek through the snow! So instead we ate our sandwiches on the hillside and headed back in time for the rock festival. We happened to be in Las Trancas on the day the annual rock festival was in town! In the middle of the Andes with the sun setting, it truly was a surreal but fantastic experience! Not sure I’ll ever be at a festival in such a serene setting again; certainly a weekend to remember!
And finally, a little bit more about uni (as I am actually here to study…!)…
I only have lectures here; I have no seminars or tutorials. The lack of interaction during classes serves as a remarkable difference between uni here and back in the UK. In addition, the structure of assessment differs significantly to how it’s done in Southampton. At La Católica, I have a series of more or less equally weighted pruebas (tests) throughout the term, meaning that for each module, you will have to sit about 4 or 5 tests over the course of the semester. For my geography modules I also have to complete fieldwork and a group project, and in one of these classes, I also have a short essay to write in class every Wednesday on the set reading, so you really do have to do it or you’re pretty screwed! This has meant that I’ve had at least one 20-30% test every week, sometimes 2 or 3, so you do have to keep on top of the work. However, if you get a semester average of over 5 out of 7, with no nota roja (aka a fail – below 4) then you don’t have to sit the final exams. So basically, consistency is key here if you want to avoid the stress of cramming before end of semester exams and get an extra 3 weeks or so of holiday!
Not too dissimilar to Southampton, Wednesday night here is the big student night! Each week the night, Miércoles Po, is held at a different venue, and attracts a large international crowd. Like most clubs out here, girls rarely have to pay, so that’s good for us…unfortunate however for guys. Bellavista is normally the go-to area for drinks or a night out, as here you find most of the cheapest bars and bigger clubs, and you’ll find a mix of English and Reggaeton music.
The student union doesn’t have as prominent a place at La Católica as is does in Southampton, although the organisations run by the university Chapel are pretty visible in everyday uni life. Individual faculties do however have societies, hosting events and learning enhancement opportunities for students. Last week we went to the Business School ball…a free bar all night, free food and dancing until 4am…the Chileans proving yet again they know how to party!
This weekend we’re off to Ultra Music Festival, followed by the Colour Run on Monday (there’s yet another bank holiday!).
Hasta luego,
Beth
