I’ve been a volunteer for 11 weeks to date, and the ability to now recognize fact from fiction must mean that I’ve almost completed my initiation. I’ve figured out many but here are just a few in the hopes that they might help some other newbies, too:
Avenida Grecia in Santiago, Chile
Fact: You don’t need Spanish to survive the Chilean jungle, necesitas Chilean! The concoction of unique words and phrases gives the language its flair; the sheer speed with which it’s spoken can make it seem like another language for a beginner.
Fiction: Damage sustained by many inner Santiago buildings during the earthquake is superficial only. But if that’s really the case, then why do those who work in the buildings suggest it’s better that you use the stairs?
Fact: The smog is real. Starting from the outskirts of the city, Santiago lies obscured by a smothering blanket of gray. Everyday.
Fiction: A commune is usually associated with religious sects, co-ops and more. While true, a commune in Chile is likewise the name given to the smallest administrative regions.
Fact: Lunch is sacrosanct and the focus of the business day. Whatever you do, don’t miss it or even for a moment suggest that you might.
Fiction: Volunteers are wealthy. Most are more heart and soul than large bank accounts, scrimping and saving wherever they can just to follow, and fight, for what they believe in.
Fact: Chileans do like to dance. The social occasions I’ve made it to have been full of chatty conversation, food and more food, fabulous music, and shaking your groove thing.
Fiction: Banks are a safe bet if you need to exchange some cash. In truth, most banks seem to require a permanent residence and a personal account so the foreign currency exchange is a much better option.
Fact: Every night’s a late night when it comes to shopping – a bit different from back home in New Zealand where late night for stores means 9 p.m. twice a week.
Fiction: The bell sounding means it’s time to start class. More often than not this seems to be regarded as a suggestion to “Finish what you’re doing and when you’re ready, we’ll think about starting”
Fact: When you follow the subway signs saying combinación, you can travel the whole of Santiago swapping metro lines several times for just a single swipe of the bip! card.
Fiction: Only so many people can fit inside a metro at once. Wrong! There’s no such thing as a full metro; you can always cram more in.
Fact: If you jump on the Ruta Rojo during peak times but your stop lies on Ruta Verde, you’ll probably wonder why your destination goes flying past you.
Fiction: Red lights mean stop. Or more realistically, “Stop only if something is coming.”
Fact: Chilean charm abounds. The idiosyncrasies give the country charisma; the oddities, a sense of humor. And nearly everywhere you’ll find a warm and generous spirit – with just the right amount of cheek.
Amanda Patterson is currently teaching English and public speaking as a volunteer with Corporation for the Development of Learning (CDA) in Santiago, Chile.
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Excellent post thanks!
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