Hours Before Heading Out

As I find myself counting down the hours before I leave to embark on a journey to Chile, I find myself riddled with excitement. From doing all these assignments I find myself thinking of all the ways to explore the country, from the culture all the way to its wines. My biggest dilemma will be where to start, I guess that depends where my group will end up first. Either way I plan to immerse myself in the culture, I might even learn to love it. My only concern is my hair straightener and whether or not it will work or if it will break.

Street Art

I think street art has a huge impact on Chilean culture. It gives a range of people from common people to famous artist a way to express themselves. I would love to see some of this are when we get to Chile. ValaClave would be my choice local artist to find artwork from. I think street art is underrated, because it is seen as "thuggish" in most countries, but in Chile it shows us a different perspective. One is the history of Chile, and the other is the expression of the people.

Chilean Music

    I actually really enjoyed this assignment, I am a huge music buff. One thing that I strongly picked up while researching these different artist such as Victor Jara and Violeta Para is that in a way each song had to do with struggles. In a way it connected to what was happening in Chile with the strong problematic political turmoil. My favorite song from Victor Jara is "El Derecho de vivid en Paz". It spoke to me with it's message that we all deserve to live in peace. These artist were a voice for the people and gave people an outlet during rough times.

Same Struggle For Indigenous Rights

     Much like in the United States, indigenous people in Chile suffer hardships conserving their rights. In the United States the Sioux tribe is in danger of no only losing their source of clean water because of the Dakota Access Pipeline, but part of their sacred land near the Standing rock reservation. In Chile the Mapuche tribe are having issues with their rights being overlooked. Part of their land is being taken away from them and being given to European immigrants. In a way throughout history both in the United States and Chile the government overlooks these people's rights and just do not have a concern or respect for these people and I think that is wrong. These people were here first and we have to respect that.

Bear Story Review

Bear Story Link

8/10 Stars

         I actually really liked this little film, it was easy to understand even though it was a silent film. While I was watching I did find myself sad after the bear was taken away from his family and put in the circus. I was a huge fan by the fact that it was animated and may I say well done with good quality picture. I would like to say that although it might not be a long film it was good for the small amount of time. It had a small message to it and I thought it was well presented. I do not think I would watch it again because it was something I can remember easily. 

Pre-Departure

I have never been a nervous person when it came to traveling to new places, I had always welcomed the new adventure that would lie ahead. With this trip it is a little different. I am a Spanish speaker, but as I watched videos on Chilean culture and slang I felt as if it was a completely different language. Then again that does not bother me, but it only brings more excitement. As a Spanish speaker I get the opportunity to expand my horizons, as well as improve what I may already know. The only thing that frightens me is the food itself, because I am a picky eater, but I am hoping that I will like everything.