Chilling on Chiloe

Well, the job is not really working out. That little job description about the algae is just a project that Paola, my host mom, is trying to start. I have no idea what ELI was planning that I do when they sent me here. I have been making the best of it though. My host mom Paola has hooked me up with the company she is working with to start the project in the municipal health office. The man Paola is working with, Jaime, is a doctor that travels to smaller communities to set up clinics there. I went to a consultation with him on Friday. I was also able to sit down and talk with the social worker there too, Erica, but she needs to speak with her boss until I can really come and be of any help to her. In terms of me ´working´ so far, that is the extent of it after a week and a half. It is little disappointing but it is hard to be upset when I am having such a terrific time anyway.

Just because the job isn’t working, doesn’t mean I am not loving the island. I have already made some good friends here. Most are extensions from the family but that is OK with me. My `uncle` has offered to be my mini tour guide so we have gone out on little adventures around the island. Also, Paola has introduced me to a neighbour who is really big into kayaking. We have only gone out once so far but we are planning more trips to spots around the island. I signed myself up for a girl’s soccer team here with a woman from the office. That starts next week which should be fun to be a part of a team and continue staying active. I walk a lot here I have must admit that I have been indulging a bit in all the little snacks lying around the house for the kids.

The only thing is that only 1 of these people is under the age of 30 other than me. I do kind of stand out as the young one but I definitely hold my own! I would like to meet some younger people but I must say that it might be weird now just because I have become accustomed to an older crowd.

Chiloe itself is beautiful. I have lucked out with beautiful, bright, sunny weather every day so far. The city of Castro is great as well. It has everything I would every need but it is still tiny and low-key just like the rest of the island. It is right on the water and is known for the houses that are on stilts plus this great church in the plaza. I constantly forget that I am on the ocean until the tide moves out. I think the best part though is the people. Everyone has been so friendly and helpful; it is also really safe. You never really need to worry about being robbed; you can leave your bike out on the street without an worries. Also hitchhiking is the way to go here, it is part of the culture which I think just goes to show how relaxed it is here. Another thing that I love about the people is how proud they are to be Chilote. I have learned so much from people just being eager to talk about their culture. The stilt houses, the make their boats by hand out of wood, myths, places to go, and so much traditional foods!! It will be really easy to spend a month here.

I am proud to announce that I have my OWN first house! Ah I feel like an adult! EEEEeee! J ! It is green on the outside and orange on the inside. It has a bathroom, and a kitchen, and an entry room (I don’t know what it is called) and my bedroom with a smaller room attached. I have this great sky window directly above my bed to look at the stars before I go to sleep. I have big windows that look out to my apple tree and garden. It is perfect! I am next door neighbours to my family, less than 50 meters away. (FYI- I think in meters and stuff now). It is great because I have a nice, large, quiet space to myself. Then I just walk next door for meals etc. I am only missing a dresser. My little sister came in today and she commented on how my room was a little messy because all of my clothes were on the floor. She just didn’t realize that they were in organized piles on the floor.

The next awesome item on the list is my family. Together we are seven. 2 moms (sisters), 1 foreigner*, 1 ten yr old girl, and 3 feisty six yr olds (a twin boy and girl, and a cousin). Just by stepping out the front door, I can hear the screams coming from the house. They are a handful; but also very sweet and loving. I love getting my goodnight hugs and kisses. My moms are so cool. They are 39 & 36 and so freaking hip. They are really relaxed and friendly. As you may have noticed, I did not mention any pops. They both separated very shortly after giving birth to the twins so they have been living together helping each other out. It is easy to recognize that these are both very strong women. It is a happy household but it is hard on them. Still they are extremely social. There is a group of about 5 people who cycle through the house daily. Now referring to the ´*´. One of them is this complete hippy German guy named Alex. He passes through here every year and has been friends of the moms for years. For the last week he has been sleeping on the floor of my entry room. He spends his mornings sleeping, afternoons making jewellery, and nights selling the jewellery. We get along great; I am sad to think he is moving out next week. We also have a dog and 2 cats. One of the cats had a litter before I came so we have had 6 little fur balls crawling around the house getting tortured by the kids but we are slowly giving them away.

If it weren’t for an awesome location and an ideal host family I think my spirits would be a bit lower about the job. But in all honestly I am having too much fun!