Chilean Music and Theatre

My host mom loves to go to concerts and plays...and I love to tag along. There are a few universities in the city that have free events, so almost every night there is something new to see!

We went to a concert by Paloma del Cerro from Argentina that was unbelievable! Her music is a mixture of electronic, folk, Spanish, Chinese, and indigenous languages.

We also went to a play called "Delirios de Papel". A huge piece of paper hung on the stage and all of the mini acts were acted out by cutting holes in the paper for arms, feet, or faces. They also used spray paint, balloons, and paper puppets to illustrate the scenes. It was like nothing I have ever seen before. At the end, they pulled the sheet down and made a enormous dress for the last act...an interactive wedding! 

Last night, we took a bus to Reñaca to see a choir in a beautiful church on the beach. It really did feel like a sanctuary for me because no one could understand what the choir was saying, not just me! We all could appreciate the music and be moved by it regardless of the language. I could have closed my eyes and been in Michigan. I was able to relax and turn my spanish brain off for a bit which felt good! 

I am so lucky to have a host mom that likes to go out and see things. There is so much to do here and it is nice to have someone who knows where and when and what is going to be good. She says, "We are going to a concert tonight," gives me a ticket, and we go!

First Day of School! First Day of School!

Monday was my first day of Chilean school. Lucky for me, all of my classes are in the same city, on the same street, in the same building, on the same floor. Some of my classmates have to take the Metro or a bus to get to class, but, for me, it is about a twenty minute walk.
This is the Casa Central or main Campus of Pontifica Universidad Catolica de Valparaíso. The architecture, both inside and out, is stunning. Someone told me that they felt like they were studying at Hogwarts.

This is a view of one of the two open air plazas inside the building. I love having my classes here because it is a social hub and there are always people eating lunch, talking, and studying. It is also one of the only times I get to be with Chilean students in an academic setting. Due to the strike last semester, they are all finishing up their classes, so all my classes are with other foreigners. I have some amazing Chilean professors though and in one of my classes there are people from France, Japan, Germany, India, and all over the US.
I am taking classes on cultural geography, contemporary history, international economy, pre-Columbian art and society, and a Spanish course. I am excited for all my classes, but it will be hard to study when all I want to do is explore!

My View

The view from our back windows. The city is beautiful, full of color, gorgeous architecture, and street art. I live in "el plan"(the flat downtown) and behind my apartment are the famous cerros (hills).
¿Que linda, no?

¡Hola!

¡Hola, amigos!

After years of dreaming and months of planning, I am in Chile! 

The blog name "Cachai" is Chilean slang for "you get it?" or "are you following me?" or "ya know?"
People ask me that a lot here and, with Chilean spanish being notoriously fast, with shortened words and lot's of slang, the answer is often "¡No!"...but, I am learning.

I have only been here for a couple of weeks, but I already have so many amazing adventures to tell you all about!

XOXOXO
Kacey