Chile is Not a Third-World Country and other impressions

It’s been a busy few weeks. My dear friend (and fellow anthropologist) Kathleen Skoczen and her son Alex were just here for 3 weeks (I also had the Annual Wines of Chile Awards thrown into the middle for good measure). We crammed a lot into their time here and I’ll be updating the blog with stories and pictures as time permits. She’s written a couple of guest posts, and as soon as I have some pics to go with them, I’ll put those up too.

But let’s start with her two hands-down major impressions: Chile is not a third-world country (contrary what Chileans will insist on telling you) and Chile is the dog paradise of the world (again, despite what Chileans say).

Just a little scratch behind the ears there please! Alex in San Pedro de Atacama 2010

I’m not sure what she expected exactly, but this wasn’t it.

Postcard from Chile: Giant Hummingbird in Zapallar

Giant Hummingbird captured in flight near the coast in Zapallar in Central Chile (© M Snook for Cachando Chile)

I made the Post a Week Pledge just 3 weeks ago, and I’m already having a hard time keeping up! But I’m bound and determined to make good on my promise and catch up ASAP! And that means you’ll probably be seeing a few more postcards from me in the near future!

For more on Chile’s Giant Hummingbird and other summer-inspired ramblings, read on!

Insider tips to Chile: Part I

What do you need to know to get your bearings in Chile? This is the first in a series of posts on the basics of getting acquainted with everyday aspects of life in Chile… in other words “Cachando Chile 101.”

I don’t get a lot of visitors from “back home.”
I have to admit—we really aren’t kidding when we say that Chile is at the ends of the Earth! But I am very happy to report that my best friend from grad school, Kathleen Skoczen (now Chair of the Anthropology Dept at Southern Connecticut University) is here for research (and pleasure), and I’m doing my best to bring her up to speed on the do’s and don’t of getting around. It’s not the Spanish that will get her, but rather Chile’s particular quirks.

The following is something of a fast-track Intro to Chile, with some very basic yet vital information about how to get started in Chile, from the airport to your door to the street…

Word Press: I’m In and Taking the Post-A-Week 2011 Pledge!

Post-a-Day Typewriter respectfully borrowed from The Daily Post (WordPress.com)

I’m going for it!
I’m accepting WordPress.com’s challenge and taking the “Post a Week” Pledge!