Puerto Aysen Radio Interview

After our tour of the Salmon Processing Plant, we were invited to a radio station that is run by one of the local Rotarians. The radio station itself has a long history in the area, boasting one of the oldest stations in the community. Sandy and Joyanne were interviewed in the evening and the interview was broadcast to the community the following morning. As the photo of Amy indicates, there´s always time for fun when visiting a radio station! :)

Part of the interview with the DJ has been included here.

Salmon Industry in Chile

As you already read, we had the opportunity to visit a port where salmon were being harvested and the plant where salmon where being processed for distribution. The name of the port and community is Puerto Aysen. Here are a couple of the photos from our vocational observation.

A portion of the informative lecture we received on how ISA is creating a devasting problem for salmon production and what is being done to solve this problem has been included here.

Food in Chile

Hmmm - Food in Chile! Chile is a land of unique contrasts in both the landscape and the food that is prepared. Chile. A land of "carne asada" (specific type of grilling used to prepare "carne" or meat) and "leche asada" (a dessert like "flan"). Chile is the country where it took some of us over a week to start saying "pebre" for "pico de gallo" (a salsa like mixture traditionally prepared from "tomate," "cebolla"/onions, and cilantro). While for others of us we were asking for "pebre" immediately. Oh, who am I kidding, it´s more than that: PEBRE = Amy. :)

Here are some of the foods we have tried so far. The photo to the right is of "lengua de vaca" (tongue of cow). This meat has a very soft, tender consistency that is enjoyed on special occasions Chile.

The visitor to Chile can enjoy what might be considered more familiar selections for their "plato principal" (main course), like steak or salmon accompanied with potatoes. Other "platos" have a more traditional flair like "pastel de choclo" or "pastel de locos."

"Pastel de Choclo" - Olives, chicken, grapes baked under a thick layer of a corn mixture

Here in Osorno, Team Chile has been able to try a variety of "mariscos" (shellfish) prepared in distinct ways like the "chupe de locos." This dish is a rich combination made primarily of shellfish baked in a bowl with "queso" (cheese) on top.

Here one can see an example of some of the"postres" (desserts) that are enjoyed in Chile. Although by no means a conclusive list, included here are chocolate cake with strawberry sauce and the Chilean favorite of "mote con huesillos." "Mote con huesillos" consists of a whole "durazno" (peach) steeped in a sweet syrup prepared atop "trigo" or "mote" (barley-looking wheat). ¡Qué rico!

National Flower of Chile: Copihue

The Copihue is the national flower of Chile. It grows in the forests in the southern part of Chile. "El Copihue" is an evergreen climbing plant that reaches up to 10 meters high among shrubs and trees (photo above left). The flowers are red, pink or white (see image at right) with six petals. The fruit is said to be an edible berry with numerous small seeds. In the wild the plant is pollinated by hummingbirds. The members of "Team Chile" saw their first Copihue flowers in the city of Osorno.

Parque Aiken del Sur

The national and private parks of Chile are breathtaking. Earlier in our blog, we included photos of the highly acclaimed national park, Torres del Paine, which the group visited on May 1.

Then on Monday, May 4, our team (looking a bit like bananas), had the opportunity to visit Parque Aiken del Sur, a "parque privado."

One of the unique themes that has been an important part of our studies here is the responsibility of humans & human communities in taking care of the land. The two indigenous groups that historically were the caretakers of this part of the Chilean Patagonia were the Chono and the Aiken nations. You will note that the park was named after this second group: the Aiken.

Obviously, it was a wet day, but the sun was shining and we got to see amazing plant and animal life as situated near this river and waterfall. Thanks again for reading and we´ll write more soon! - Joyanne :)

Visiting Rotary Clubs

"Team Chile" receives a warm welcome from Rotary Club Austral and poses with "bandarines" as the members of the team begin their travels in southern Chile. The Austral Rotary Club is one of three clubs located in Punta Arenas.

The image to the right is a photo of the first women´s Rotary club that the team visited. Members of this club live in Coyhaique, Chile. As one can see in the photo, this club arranged a "presentación folclorica" in order for the team to further experience Chilean culture through dance.

The photo above shows the legacy of Rotary in the community of Puerto Aysen.

Members of the Melipulli club share conversation during "la cena" before the formal presentation takes place (above left). The Puerto Montt Rotary Club welcomes "Team Chile" with the National Anthems of both Chile and the United States (photo right).

Wow! Look at all the "bandarines" on the wall to the right as the Rotary club of Puerto Natales sings their Rotary song.

Coyahique and Puerto Aysen

The countryside of Coyhaique is the kind that takes your breath away. Actually, not to bragg, but the whole landscape is very simlair to Colorado and Wyoming in many ways. Crystal clear lakes and rivers, steep, rugged mountains, cows-a-grazin´. You know the look.

We visited with two Rotary Clubs during our stay. The first meeting was that of a gentlemen´s club and was unique as it was held in a quincho (large open-spaced building where people can congrate and cook up huge sides of beef over an open fire) on a hillside, overlooking the town of Coyhaique. The members were very reflective and spoke about the importance of May 1st, or ¨Labor Day¨, as we call it.

The following day we had a wonderful time with the women´s club (1st yet!). The qunicho was absolutely spectacular as was the food, company, and entertainment.

Our stop in the nearby pueblo of Puerto Asyen was short but sweet. We were welcomed warmly, as usual. Field trips included a walk in a temperate rainforst (wow) and a very informative tour of a salmon opertation (farm and processing plant). We were all intrigued not to mention impressed. Chilean salmon is the world´s best.

Planes, trains (actaully, no trains), and automobiles took us to the City of Puerto Montt. I think we rolled in a bit tired, but all three Puerto Montt Clubs took wonderful care of us and proudly showed us their small city including a large shopping mall, the coast and finest restaurants, surrounding quaint pueblos and even a German museum (there are more German descendants, and therefore influence, as we head north). We also all experienced our second vocational visits.

Early this morning, we boarded a bus and were dropped in Osorno. This chapter is to be written in a day or so.... Also, more video clips and pics to come. Oh, one last thing to mention before I hit the hay, we are all very thankful to and for our host families! Surely many there are many more wonderful families to come, but thus far, we have been very fortunate. Muchas gracias!

Traditional Clothing in Chile

Here is a video that shows two types of clothing that have traditionally been worn by Chilean men. The young man on the right is wearing what has typically been considered to be Chilean. The young man who begins the description (standing on the left) is wearing clothing of the region that reflects the influence of Argentina in this part of Chile. The young women in the video can be observed to be wearing traditional dresses for dancing "la Cueca" and "el Chamamé."

National Dance of Chile: La Cueca

Today we enjoyed a lovely presentation of both national and regional dances here in Chile. In the video one can observe the beauty and intrigue of Chile's national dance, "la Cueca." The group that presented this dance also demonstrated "el Chamamé," which, although is part of the rich heritage of Coyhaique, is of the Argentine tradition.

Checking out the interpretive sign

Next stop: Coyhiaque (after several gracious lessons from Carlos, we know now to pronounce it as coy-I-kay)! What an experience so far! Exhuasting at times but worth every second of being tired!!
I truly enjoyed the people we met in Punta Arenas, the perfect place to begin our journey. (And a special thanks to my hosts Enrique and Sara Marchant, my parents away from home!) Amazing people and a rich history, I think we were all a bit sad to leave.
The small club in Puerto Natales was wonderful. We shared an intimate dinner where we were able to share our presentations about ourselves but also hear about each one of them. Yesterday we had the perfect day to visit Torres del Paine. Not a cloud in the sky!!!! We were all so grateful to be able to see the sights and will have plenty of pictures to remember and share the experience. Another Chilean dinner and a tired group last night.
An early day (they all are, we have a lot to fit in) with a bus ride back to Punta Arenas, a flight to Puerto Montt and then final flight to Balmaceda. Once again we were greeted with kisses from our smiling hosts and instantly made to feel welcomed. What a beautiful region. It is currently autumn and you can tell. Orange, yellow, red and green dot the rolling hills up to the large cerros that surround the valley.
More posts to come to, Club meeting and presentations tonight, area tour tomorrow.
Ciao for now!
-Amy

Animals near Puerto Natales

In addition to the "ovejas" (sheep), "zorros" (foxes) and "ñandus" (large ostrich-type birds), we saw several herds of guanacos as we entered the "Torres de Paine" National Park on May 1.

First Vocational Visits

Since our last post, "Team Chile" has been on the go. We successfully completed our first vocational visits and have presented to 3 Rotary clubs so far. Sandy has been a "trooper" and in spite of her injury hasn't missed a beat. For our first vocational visits which occurred on Tuesday, April 28, we observed and networked with professionals in the community of Punta Arenas. Amy networked with the "Director Regional de Turismo," Libby observed a youth and adult correctional facility, and Michelle spent time with the "Director de la Prensa Austral." I was fortunate to spend time with professionals at both the Liceo Nobelius (both an elementary and middle school) and the local university. The students in this photo are using the local newspaper to find examples of the grammatical concept with which they have been working in class. When students finish learning about a concept and are assessed, they earn a grade. Their grades are based on a number scale (1-7) instead of a letter grading system like we use in the U.S. One of my favorite parts of the visit was hearing the students use the term "Tia" instead of "Mrs." or "Senora" in front of their teacher's name.

- Joyanne

Some bad news, some good ¨:-)

We´ve had a few exciting developments since our last post. The first unfortunate of which was Sandy taking a bad fall in her hotel room- she tripped over her suitcase and came down on her wrist fairly hard. A doctor came to the hotel and checked her out and said it was fine, but when we arrived in Punta Arenas it was considerably swollen and some fingers were numb. She had xrays taken at the clinic here and discovered it was broken and needed an operation. The operation was only 30 minutes and went very well. She spent last night in the hospital (after several visits from her team) and is expected to leave today. She was in amazing spìrits and has impressed us all with her braveness and ability to speak Spanish in various drugged states!

While our fearless leader was in the hospital, the rest of the team had a city tour of Punta Arenas. The weather was fairly horrible and I´m surpised there was no hypothermia in the group. However, we saw some amazing sights. This place has a rich and storied history! Today the excitement really begins- we have our first vocational visits and tonight our first presentation to a Rotary club.

Michelle and a statue of a man (and dog) herding Sheep.

And no it´s not cold at all (insert sarcasm here)

Amy and Libby taking photos of the Straights of Magellen from a beautiful vista overlooking the city of Punta Arenas.

Thanks for reading and we promise to update as often as possible!

-Michelle

Pisco Sour tasting - Yum!

Working at the airport - last chance in Atlant to read up and contact friends and family!

We have landed!

Hola todos!
We arrived in Santiago this morning - stiff from our overnight flight on a crowded plane from Atlanta. Thank goodness for the eye masks and my SmartWool socks that were not too smelly as I put them near the head of the passengers in front of me!

We are staying at the Holiday Inn that is within a few steps of the airport complete with fountains in front, a lovely business center in the bar with free WiFi. (Which goes so well with a glass of Chilean red wine)

We ventured out to the City center today and walked at least 10 miles viewing architecture, people, and tasting a bit of the cuisine. As a team I think we are going to do very well - we have established some nicknames for each other...for instance, Libby is "La Guia" - the guide, Joyanne is "La Profesora" - the teacher, Amy is "El Arco Iris" - the rainbow because of her flexible personality, and Michelle is "La Ninita" - the Kid because she is youngest that that's her last name (Kidd). And, of coursed, I am "La Reina" - the Queen, dubbed by a taxi driver - so you know it's gonna stick!

Our experience today had us tasting a Pisco Sour, the official drink of Chile, which was delicious! Don't ask me what's in it, but it tasted sort of like a vodka gimlet with a bit more flavor to it. We also had to sample a little gelato and had a wonderful salsa with bread for our lunch.

The best statue that I saw today was two angels - one of whom is dying while the other stand over it. This was in front of the fine arts museum and was entitled "Unidos en la muerte y la gloria." - United in death and glory.

We will hit the sack early tonight to be prepared for our early flight to Punta Arenas (6:30 a.m.). That is where we will meet our Rotarian hosts for the first time and I am really looking forward to the experiences we will have there!

Hasta luego,
Sandy

Everyone is getting excited!! We leave tomorrow (Friday) for a LONG trip. The group will meet in Denver and fly to Atlanta and on to Santiago together. Then a quick overnight there and an early morning flight to Punta Arenas (where the forecast is 10 days straight of rain!)
We received our itinerary today so we now have more of an idea of what each day will hold. We are excited that a visit to Torres del Paine is included. (picture at left!) as well as many other exciting excursions! The next post will be from Chile! :) Hasta pronto!

MORE PICTURES!!!!

Team member Joyanne and alternate Paul in Fort Collins. Due to poor roads, we conferenced them in via Skype!
















District President Stuart Palmer getting the update from Amy!










Libby, Sandy and Michelle at Q







In uniform!

T minus 1 month until we depart!
We have had 3 team meetings and are almost set. The first meeting was in Steamboat Springs. The team all met for the first time at Rio Grande for dinner. Saturday we had a great morning yoga session and a day of meetings at the beautiful new Steamboat library. Group spaghetti dinner hosted by local Rotarian Jane (group picture).
The second meeting was in Fort Collins. Another fun group dinner at PF Changs started the weekend off. Meetings hosted by Chuck. We picked out team uniforms, discussed presentations etc.
This past weekend we had a small team meeting in Jackson. Due to weather in Fort Collins unfortunately Chuck, Paul, and Joyanne were unable to make the trek to Jackson. We conferenced them in on Skype so they didn't miss much. Practiced our presentations, worked on translations and had a wonderful lunch with District President Stewart Palmer at Betty Rock Cafe.
Team member Libby Foster!