Trouble for Gringas

During my time here in Chile there was a huge complicated process about getting a visa. Some programs required their students to obtain a visa before entering the country, while my program allowed us to do it here with our program director. The beginning part was very structured and there was a list of things we had to bring in and it was very specific. But after 3 months I had to go back to the extranera to complete the ridiculous amount of paperwork. This week after going to the extranera AGAIN I had to go to the PDI in Vina and then to the registry to finally to find out there was all this paperwork I had to fill out because there was a new process. When I was there I was given a hard time and noticed another gringa being given a hard time as well. In the USA there is a very structured process for people coming into the country; all the steps are online with a detailed list of the things one needs to complete the process. I believe obtaining my visa here involves Chileans trying to give us a hard time as well as it being an unorganized process. International students need to be more aware, the Chileans should have a more organized system for educating people on the process so that there is an easier entry and stay in the country.

Flights

For my last big trip as an international student here in Chile I wanted to make it into Buenos Aires because it is much cheaper to fly from Chile instead of from Boston! When I am in the US and I want to travel by plane I have to book months in advance in order to get a relatively cheap flight with the dates and times I want. Mind you, all of this is in English. This week when I booked my flight to Buenos Aires, LAN offered numerous excursions to different places throughout Latin America. They included airfare, hotel and transportation. It is cheaper to search on LAN if you put the nationality as a Chilean. As a traveller, it is great to see what the airline has to offer for all inclusive trip because in the US I do not get that option through the airline. In order to get an all inclusive trip one must search for it thoroughly on other websites which can then inclusive airfare. I don't find it easy to find inclusive deals on websites of airlines.

Mendoza

This weekend I made the trip into Mendoza, Argentina. It was a very different scene from Vina; more trees, less traffic, and the Spanish was a lot easier to understand. When going to the artisanal market, I noticed a big difference. They had a larger variety of items ranging from knives to stuffed animals. Although I was only about 6 or 7 hours away from Vina, it was interesting to notice what was popular here in Mendoza. There was rings at almost every vendor as well as earrings. Jewellery was a popular selling item. Here in Vina when I walk from vendor to vendor people are very aggressive about trying to sell their items, but this time I didn't feel as awkward or pressured. It made me feel comfortable to stay standing at their stand for a while so that I could look in peace. When making a purchase, the vendor almost always offered a deal if I bought 2. In general I believe many of the vendors had more patience with foreigners/tourists and were willing to help if necessary.

The same but different

The other night I went to the movie theater to watch a movie but mostly, to experience going to see a movie in a non-English speaking country. It was interesting to search online about movies and there was 3 sections of some movies. Back home, there is only one type: the movie in English. Here, when I was searching I found movies offered in just Spanish, in English with Spanish subtitles and Spanish with English subtitles. Something simple like going to the movies never seemed so complicated. As an international student, it was great to have all those options. When I went to the actual theater I noticed there was mostly people going into the Spanish movie since this is the native language, but I found that a lot of younger Chileans went into the Spanish movie that included English subtitles. I asked one Chilean if he understood any English and he said a little bit but he wants to try to become more fluent which is why he went into a movie with subtitles. As a marketing perspective I think it is awesome to have so many different options whether it is benefiting the locals, international students or even the occasional tourist. Now when I go back home, I am going to look more closely into the movies to see if they have other language options for movie goers in Massachusetts.

Competition between companies

Last week I went into Pucon for a few days. The town is an extremely touristy town. Although we went during the slower season, it was obvious the town prospers on the incoming tourists. After checking in with our hostel we went to the main street to find something to do and WOW immediately we saw signs for canyoning, white water rafting, hiking the volcano, horse back riding and much more. There had to be at least 50 companies throughout the town with almost all the same activities, the only difference is the price and the way the company is run. At first we went to a company that was suggested to us through friends but later on we went through a different company. At the other companies we walked into, thy asked what prices we had paid for things and which company we had already went through during our stay. It was clear to notice the competition and each company wanted a reason for you to pick them. I wanted to go canyoning so I went into AguaVentura (Top Choice on Lonely Planet) and asked what was the best price they could do. Then I went into a similar company and told them AV offered a much lower price and if they were willing to do the same price I would rather go with them. The owner of the company agreed right away! Either I am good at getting a bargain or the owner wanted my business and to prove that he was a better company. In general, I don't know how people decide which companies to choose because they all offer the same things but I did notice some places seemed more legit. As a visitor, I choose a specific company based on a recommendation from a friend along with good reviews from a trusted tourist website.

Weekend getaway

This weekend I went to Chiloe with my study abroad program and it was an obvious culture change even though I was still in Chile. The sounds of micros, collectivos and taxis honking was no longer apparent. The island of Chiloe was noticeable quieter and had a lot smaller amount of inhabitants. After a long day of trekking, our group made our way to a market which had food, clothes and all sorts of different items to sell. I sat and observed how the people here interacted with potential customers. In Chiloe, most of the items have been sewed, knitted or created by the person directly selling to the customers. At the market many of the people were sitting and knitting while people were coming in and out. Being able to see products being made meant more to customers. Almost every time they walked in they commented on how beautiful the handmade items were. I asked other students in my group why those chose to buy a particular item and they said the items had more value knowing that a native from the island is using his/her own resources to create something to sell. Personally I would never have bought slippers as a meaningful gift for my mom, but seeing a woman finishing them in front of me was pretty unique. Although I see vendors in Vina all the time, I would rather buy something that I know is handmade from the seller. This weekend I noticed a different aspect of culture within Chile. The products were extremely different and a few times I found myself buying an item because it was valuable and I knew the money I spent would filter back into their community.

Cultural differences

Being in another country means there are cultural differences. For me, the biggest culture 'shock' is the food. A lot of what they eat is very similar, but it's HOW they eat it. Using extra mayo, lots of avocado and salt with almost anything and everything! When I was at a restaurant this weekend, I took the time to sit and observe how Chileans enjoy a meal. Here in Chile, people can sit and spend hours eating and talking with friends. While I was eating, I ordered my meal and once it came, I ate it right away. But the Chileans didn't order right away, and once they got their meals, they were still focused on another other instead of their food. As an American, going out to dinner is usually a quick process, but it's very noticeable that here in Chile the people are here to talk and enjoy a nice time with their friends. The marketing signs always promote Happy Hour much later because dinner is normal to start around 9pm which is way later than the US. When I eat meals with my host family, we sit and talk for at least an hour each meal and sometimes I feel rude if I have to rush out. Definitely a culture shock for me.