Reflecting on my first week in Chile and writing this blog has made me imagine a theme or something to organise the disparate excitement, chaos and confusion that comes with being in a new place. Going overseas to another country is very much an act of disconnection, leaving a place that is entirely unfamiliar. Indeed, getting off the plane in Santiago induced the familiar feelings of arrival. What are people saying? It’s so hot and dry; where is safe, and which direction is north? A complete loss of orientation and a connection to place. This week, I wanted to talk about new landscapes, people, and food, and I think it is the disconnection and effort to familiarise myself with a new place that connects these things.
Stepping out of the airport and being hit by how hot and dry the climate is here alongside the city skyline and surrounding hills and mountains feels like a long way from Tāmaki Makaurau. What really struck me, though, was the awa. The Rio Mapocho flows through the city and has been a guiding landmark since our arrival. Driving into the city, it was one of the first things that was pointed out to us. The river section that flows through the city has been straightened and channelised with high concrete sides. Because of this, despite being small, it seems to rush along, forming peaks and rapids. In a sense, it feels alive with chaotic energy, somewhat reflective of the city itself. Political and protest art populates the banks, communicating unknown stories and struggles. Walking through the city, I have found that a good way to navigate and orient myself is relative to the river. Walking home to our accommodation is as simple as following the river.
Connecting and meeting with people has been the most rewarding and exciting part of being here. Hearing about Chilean culture and being shown around by our amazing hosts at the University has helped me feel more at home. An unexpected vehicle of connection has been through sharing and eating food. Going out and getting food here has been a fun and confusing process of trying to navigate and order in broken Spanish. Everyone has been so friendly and patient. We’ve been eating “once” (pronounced on-say) or a light afternoon or evening snack, “empanadas”, and “completos” (hotdogs). Despite munching on heaps of delicious food, the only photos of food I’ve taken are some kamokamo fritters I cooked at the hostel, a way of bringing home here with me.
Looking forward to the next few weeks!