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.

Evacuation

Last night I was able to experience being evacuated from my home to a safer place because there had been an earthquake of 8.3 in Northern Chile. Around 9pm my host mom, Orfelina, came into my room and explained there was a terremoto very far from us but we need to move to higher ground because we are so close to the coast. After she explained this to me, she called her friends and family to make sure they were informed. Once we left the apartment building I immediately noticed large groups of people calmly and casually walking towards higher ground as if it was the norm. Once we had reached safety, everyone offered snacks, blankets, water, or even just a good conversation to one another. The culture in Chile is essential to marketing tactics for a business. I noticed people walking up the hill in their uniforms that were from McDonalds and other local restaurants. Businesses closed and allowed their employees to move to safety for precautionary measures. I assume if this were to happen in the USA similar measures would have been taken.  While waiting on the hill many people were being updated through their phones and social media, the police were too preoccupied to advise the abundant amount of people. For a situation like this, technology became an essential tool for communication to the people of Vina del Mar and most likely Chile as a whole. This reminded me of the Boston marathon. I was able to become informed immediately due to social media, phone calls, as well as word of mouth. Technology is one of the most effective ways of reaching out to the people.