Lebu, etc.

This past weekend we went to Lebu, a small mining and fishing town which is also home to the poet Gonzalo Rojas, a couple hours South of here. This was a mandatory trip organized by the program in order for us to see the poorer, rural side of Chile. We were placed randomly with high school students from Lebu for the weekend-- they guided us around Lebu, and we stayed at our homes. Basically, I think this trip could have been a lot of fun, but my student was a real jerk. He was just incredible immature and inconsiderate, which made the trip very annoying, given that I had to stay with him most of the time. But, parts were fun (mostly the parts without him). We went to the beach there, which is gorgeous and as these amazing caves that open up right on the ocean. Unfortunately, I forgot my camera. We also all went out to a club, which was quite fun too (because all of the students were there). Finally, my student's sister, who was also my roommate, was very nice, and I talked to her for several hours. Overall though, it's not an experience I want to relive much, which is perhaps why I've been delaying writing this block. I think many parts of the experience reminded me roughly of the difference a Chilean would see in visiting UC students and visiting high school students in say, Tappahannock, Virginia (just to refer to somewhere I actually know). But, I must admit I learned a lot.

This week has been pretty busy as I'm settling in. School is getting busier, but more importantly other things are picking up. I am starting to volunteer two days a week in a school for children with Down Syndrome. I went to my orientation on Monday and will start right away. We also now have seminars one or two afternoons a week, discussing various topics about Chile (health, law, etc.). Today I went on a tour of a free community health clinic in a poorer part of Conce-- this is part of a three part tour of this clinic, the public hospital, and a private hospital. The tours are run by the director of this clinic. It was overall very interesting and pointed out what even a poorer country can do if it is committed to public health (as we are not in the US).

This weekend I am staying in Conce, except for a day trip to Lota to conduct interviews for a project. I think I need a break after all my traveling! Anyway, hope this finds all of you well and that Obama wins the debate tonight! FYI, daylight savings has already happened here-- we are now 4 hours ahead of California.