a few things

a few things on my mind...

• one of my new friends, cristian, asked me what i expect from my stay in chile. i told him i wanted to learn about the people of this specific area in the atacama desert: how they live, what they like, what they dislike, ; also, to see the tierra (the land) of chile, the nation of one of the most diverse landscapes in the world... after i had spoken, he proceeded, "chile is a lonely country. perhaps it´s the sea and andes mountains that isolate our country, i don´t know." 

for me, there is so much mystery here, in the people..in the language..the land.. to be situated in a part of the world where it seems the land greatly defines the people. each region so distinct. i am currently situated in the middle of the atacama desert, where the great precipices of sand absorb the heat during the day and cold at night, where rain is virtually non-existent, where the source of copper is the greatest in the world. certainly, this far north second region of Chile out of the fifteen is not a hot tourist spot, apart from San Pedro de Atacama. the copper industry is what sustains the region, what keeps chileans here in the desert. it is evident outsiders aren't streaming in, and to be honest, sometimes i question why i am here and not in perhaps Valparaiso, which i'm told is a unique port city also a lush labyrinth; or Santiago,  a thriving metropolis with its art and incredible view of the andes; or go to the far south of Chile to Punta Arenas that looks across the magellan strait to the Tierra del Fuego. yes, sometimes i wonder why i'm here, in one of the driest deserts in the world... but forget the the stereotypes, forget that its inhabited for its commerce, not so much its natural beauty.. sure i live on a busy highway, but i blasting live minutes away from an ocean where i can feel its breeze during late afternoons outside my home buried in the cliff that overlooks the city. bordered on the east an endless ocean, and the other variegated mounds of sand which stand against the clear blue sky. priceless. 

• NEWS BREAK... 
•  this weekend, a man drove off the cliff on the other side of the street from where i live. i hear he died instantly. every day since, i walk past the broken down fence and despite the 75 degree weather, i can´t help but shiver. life is precious. soon, i expect there will be a memorial for the victim. every so often along the streets in antofagasta, especially on the hilltop where i live, you will see something like a miniature house inside of which contains candles, photos of the deceased person, memorabilia of her/his life. An illuminated statue of Mary stands above the sacred site.   every night family members go to the spot to pray for their husband, wife, daughter, son that has died. 

• today marks the day of two tragic moments in U.S. history as well as in Chilean history. 

September 11, 2001. attacks on the world trade center twin towers in new york city. we lament the deaths of nearly 3,000 innocent men and women as well as heroes who gave their lives to save others. 

September 11, 1973, 35 years ago today, fighter jets blasted the presidential palace         where lived Chile's social reformer and 3 year president Salvador Allende. His legacy of hope for all people and promoting the well-being of the most disadvantaged citizens remains today throughout Chile.

• Chile's birthday is coming up.. let's celebrate! the entire country is preparing for the celebration which lasts at least three days, Sept 17th, 18th, and 19th. flags are strung everywhere, especially on nearly every vehicle in chile, from banners on buses to quieter but no less proud versions on cars. not surprisingly everyone travels during the holiday. me, i have the entire week off of school.. i think i may hop a bus north to San Pedro de Atacama.