We were celebrating Las Fiestas Patrias, which means lots of asados (barbecues), kites, and cueca, (among many other things). Then again, this is Chile, and I eat much more meat here on a daily basis compared to in the US. The kites were lovely to see, though, and cueca music is really catchy. I met a lot of my extended host family, which was also great.
Where we were staying had a pool, and right next to it, a small field set up with soccer goals. There was almost always a pickup game going of fútbol going on. Teams of 5 would play to 1 goal, and the winner would get to stay on. It was fun to watch, though it made me wish there was pick-up frisbee here. I tossed the frisbee around a few times with my extended family/family friends there, but I miss actually playing frisbee. Although, having Will in La Serena is great because it means I can throw with someone who actually plays frisbee.
A short ~15 minute walk away from the apartments we were staying in found us at la feria artesanal, which is essentially an artisan fair. There were lots of stands set up with food, typical artisan Chilean goods, and random tourist things. We walked there basically every day, so by the end of our trip I was very familiar with it. It abuts the beach, so each trip was accompanied by lovely views (and we could see all of the kites). I bought a handbag, and my host mother bought a pair of lovely glass earrings for me!
(One of the food stands there - thanks, Google)
At night we usually went to la fonda, either getting a ride from one of the parents there or taking a taxi. Fondas are basically large areas for people to eat, drink, and dance, especially during Las Fiestas Patrias. Chilean parties are much later than at Bowdoin, but since my sleep schedule generally tends towards insomnia and staying up late, as those of you who know me well are probably familiar with, it hasn't been too difficult for me to stay up til 3, 4, 5am etc.
Chile is known for its terremotos (earthquakes) worldwide - but not just in the sense of seismic activity. One of my favorite Chilean drinks is the terremoto, probably named such because it will make you feel shaky after consuming it. For its taste, it is very surprisingly high in alcohol content. It's mainly made from pineapple ice cream and white wine, with other types of alcohol usually added (what is added depends on who makes it). If you are drinking a terremoto, though, be sure to mix the ice cream in before drinking, or else it will taste pretty harsh! As with the real terremoto, it can be dangerous to have multiple in a night, as I discovered.
I was, as per usual, absolutely abysmal about taking photos. One of my favorite parts about the trip, though, is that each night we could see the sunset on the beach... I'm used to being on the Atlantic Ocean rather than the Pacific, so ocean sunsets to me are breathtaking. It was like this but more beautiful every night - more color and vibrance!
(Algarrobo sunset. Again - thanks, Google)
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