The Trip...
So, I went to the bus station at around about 9 on the morning of the 18th of December, to leave a city that had been so good to me. No problems with the bus, a 6-7 hour trip to La Serena. The trip up was fairly uneventful, the same dry, suprisingly deserty terrain (the cactus were Bacán but nothing else was of interest really).
I arrived in La Serena at around about 4 in the afternoon, found my accomadation just across the road from the bus station, and then went for soemthing to eat, then afterwards for a walk around the beach. I was hopeing to find some 'action' around the beach, some night life, but I guess Mondays don't feature on the social calendars of La Serenaens. So, after a big walk around and a cold sea breeze coming in (I didn't bring a jersey, it's summer, right?). But the next day was great weather, I headed off around 11ish and spent all afternoon at the beach, until I had to catch the bus to Iquique at 6ish. I'd grade La Serena a B- Quite a nice beach (extremly long, which is good in the busy times of year) but it's hard to judge when everything is so quiet, I can tell that around the peak period it'd be great fun, places would actually be open etc.)
The bus to Iquique was one of epic proportions, 18 hours (Demasiado largo yo creo, eso es la razón que no me gusto la viaje) in a Semi Cama bus... But I somehow slept, but it wasn't anything close to what I'd call quality sleep.
So, I arrived in Iquique, famous for its casino, its beaches and for its immense Duty free zone. The first two hostels I tryed to find weren't where the guide said they were, but on the way to the next option I encountered a residencial (kinda like a budget Motel) so I went in there (I had been walking with my heavy bags for around a half an hour, so I just needed to find somewhere) And they gave me a room with like 4 beds and cable for around 15 NZ dollars a night (not bad value I thought). But It didn't have an ensuite unfourtunatly. After that I went off to get a feed, then to the beach! The beach was nice, fairly quite, the weather wasn't amazing but it was nice. So I spent the afternoon there, I went back for a walk in the evening again but still not much was happening (except for a big christmas market thing, where I bought a mean as brazil beach towel) and that I found out that next door to the place I was staying was "las chicas de la Harem" which I hadn't noticed before (as the sigh was higher up and it didn't really grab my attention) and it sounded as if it was fairly busy... and I could hear music when I was in my room- so next time I don't think I'll stay there!) . The thursday was good though, I started by going to the duty free zone, which would have been fun if I had money!
They had like hundreds of little shops selling everything from Electronics, cloths, booze, things for cars- pretty much anything. Afterwards I went to the beach, and the weather was mint! The waves were sooo goood as well. I tryed abit of bodysurfing in the waves, but I didn't have to much luck with that- they were kinda hard to judge and, even though they weren't that high, they were very powerful (I got throw around in some of them, hahaha, great times...)
So, after yet another good day at the beach, I took all my things to the bus station at around about 6.30. My bus was late (only 20 minutes or so) for some reason which was a pain (and the first time i'd encountered that in Chile) so I arrived in Arica later than I wanted. But things didn't work out too bad because just as I left the bus station a man asked in English if I needed a place to stay which worked out good- pretty good value, very close to the station, a host who helped out with some advice and, most importantly, close to one of the beaches. So, I went for a walk around, I had quite possibly one of the most complete completos ever (there buns were quite abit bigger than the usual, so they could load it up with even more avocado, tomato and other fillings) and for the first time on my trip I bumped into a discoteca that was open, so I went in and found out it was really empty. So I waited around for a while, had a few drinks, bumped into a scary dude who had issues and eventually left because it was boring and nothing was happening (and it was a far too old crowd for my liking... traveling by yourself does have quite a few downsides).
The next day was more of the same really, chilling at the beach (it was the roughest out of all of them, but nice all the same) and I headed of to the international terminal to catch a 'collectivo' (a car that, like a bus, has a set route) to Tacna, Peru (Peru baby!). I was thinking that this was gonna be one of those difficult situations where i'd have no idea what I was suppossed to do. However my fears were dispeled when at the entrance alot of drivers were trying to fill up there cars, so they were asking me instead.
I choose to go with this one guy, and while we were waiting for the paperwork/more passengers this guy from China who has been living in NY for the last few years came with us. Which worked out good, esp. for him because he had some problems at the border and he know like, no spanish. So that was abit of a mission. It was funny to see the contrasts in border control between my other border experiance- at the border between Chile and Argentina they had all that declaration rigmarole/ xrays etc. but at the Peru border we walked though the Xray room, and out the other side just to follow protocol, even though the machine was broken! Hahahaha, but that went fairly smoothly. Arriving in Tacna though was another thing. There were alot of people hanging around the bus-station to 'help' of course (and fair enough) for a fee. And I guess that when they saw me they thought 'money', if only that was true hahaha. So this dude helped me get a ticket and a hostel with this other guys hanging around.
It was weird for them I guess because we had a chat and I don;t think they get that very often, and they were like "come out for a drink afterwards" very insistently, like "we'll be here at 8" which kinda spooked me out, and this guy I thought was a fellow passenger said, those guys are crazy, come out with me (which sounded like a far better idea, he seemed really nice) so I went for a few quiets with him and one of the other guys turned up too, and, as it turns out, he worked at the terminal! But things were going ok I thought. But, to make a log story short the guys scammed me by fabricating a bill, and by not having any money to pay there half, and the ran off pretty much leaving me with 75 cents NZ to get back, and that got me really angry (I was ticked during it too, because I could see what they were doing, but I didn't know how to back out- In hind site I do, but thats always 20/20 as they say. But some people at the bar helped me out (some were just as scary hahaha) by giving me another 50 cents to get back home on the taxi. But God was good to me despite what happened... Things could have been worse. I got back safe enough to my hostel, really annoyed at myself. So if you see a Peruvian guy called Victor you know what to do to him...
The next day went a whole lot better, once I found out were to board my bus. I was sitting by this nice guy Rudolfo, and we had a good chat on the way. The problem was that we got a flat tire, so we were over an hour late. But it wasn't too bad in the bus, as they played some movies (including Bruce Poderoso, or Bruce Almighty in English) so they trip wasn't too bad, and there weren't any chickens sitting beside me, or even on the bus! By the time we arrived at the bus station I was getting abit worried, as I had sorted out with Anthony the night before over the phone when I'd arrive- and I was 1.5 hours late. So i got out the bus, and when I didn't find him in the first two minutes started to think of what I would need to do if I couldn't find him (why I didn't get a cellphone number I don't know) anyway, after about 10 minutes I saw him, and everything worked out all right. But suprisingly they had dropped me off at the wrong station (instead of the one across the road) and Anthony was just checking across there just in case. So I arrived, shattered, stopped by at the Greens place before going to my accomadation (down the road with Anthony's brother-in-law and his family- another familia Bacán) so I slept very well that night... If you made it through this post, all power to you- as you can probably see it somewhat served the purpose of letting me get some things off my chest!
Tune in soon for the lowdown on times in Arequipa.
Nos Vemos,
Nathan
see below, as I've kinda just done a double post...
The time just before my trip to Arequipa...
For the Record: Im in Arequipa, all safe, and loving it...
Disclaimer: as I'm writing this on my laptop (not connected to the internet) I'll probably miss some stuff (as well I've got alot to cover), so, anyway, here it goes:
The last week or so of my time in Santiago was one of mixed feelings, Feelings of excitement about the next step, and feelings of sadness for having to leave all my friends. Also, sorting out my stuff was a mission and a half- my bag is only so big - so I had to give some things away (they had asked at Becka's church for some clothes for the people in Renca, a poor comuna in Santiago, so that worked out well) and I left some things with a family from church.
Because I was such a busy boy the last few weeks of my time there I'll write about some of the highlights:
Viña del Mar was good times, just chilling at the beach and stuff, having a mean as Asado at Silvia's place with the crew. Also that weekend was Ashlee's goodbye party with heaps of Ice-cream and old school Michael Jackson. Also afterwards some of us headed off to Suecia for a night out.
That last week of school was very chilled out, I only helped with a swimming class, and picking up Pizza for some classes. But the rest of the time was on the net, mucking around in the staff room etc.James left for England for Christmas (lucky $@$">#$@$ hahaha) which left me as the only Gappy, and the last two days of the week without the kids was very relaxed. We even went for abit of a tour around the city with Daisy, the Spanish teacher. We saw the central squares, a museum about the history of the city, and we got to watch/hear the cannon get fired on Santa Lucia (a really beautiful park/hill/castley thing) from the inside of the tower. And I tell you; it was a full on explosion. Funnily the cartridge they use now is a whole lot smaller than what they used in the past, so now it's only heard in the central city, instead of the whole of Santiago. You could say that the guy who fires the cannon is a bit of a local celeb, and he has a important job as all the churches ring their bells after hearing it (he's kinda like the character "Admiral Boom" from Mary Poppins if you remember him- I definitely shouldn't- It's funny how often I betray my image by letting out a reference to a musical or a kids movie, hahaha.)
After the tour we had the end of year party for Upper Prep (classes for 8-12 yr.olds) at one of the teachers houses. It was cool to be able to relax and be in a more social setting. They were all like 'we're losing one of the gappys who actually did something..." but I’ll definitely pass by the school for a visit on my way back through (and get a free lunch...) they're all a good laugh, good people.
That night was the Christmas service with Church, which consisted of singing, items by some of the church, and a great message by Omar. Afterwards was a feed and a chat with the people, fun times.
Saturday was Touch finals day, starting at 1.30 in the afternoon with us playing one of the other 'bottom of the table finishing teams', the mighty T-Birds. We were missing a few people, so we only had a girls sub. But the other team was missing a few so they couldn't even field a full team. So we only played a half instead, because the winner (us) had to play the Anzacs at around 3ish. So we played them as well, and played a fairly good game I believe. Unfortunately I didn't score any tries but I set up two and had some good runs.
After that we sat around and watched the other games, culminating with the final, which was won by Speed. It was a fun season but It was frustrating as well because we were lacking a guru/on the field leader to direct the play, so I didn't get the chance to run from depth that often. But I set up heaps of tries for our wingers, and I've found out that people only buy the dummies and tricks if there's someone following you up...
That night was the award ceremony and I knew I was up for one award (new male player of the season) and that there was gonna be some eats/drinks so I went along (and to catch up with mates before going of course). 'chino' had taken a whole lot of photos during the day, and unfortunately he caught me in action and, as he had told me earlier in the day, all the photos had me running in majestic glory with some tongue action, which was a good laugh for all. I didn't win the New Player award (Ben did, he's a legend) and Leen from my team won the new girl player of the season (well deserved). But, I did win something; you could call it an award that rewards different talent- 'the most touchable award' I'm sure you get it... I was nominated along with John (another legend, good guy) and someone else who didn't go to the podium, but anyway, that was a pleasant surprise hahaha. I'll definitely miss the crew from touch, good people.
Sunday went well too, the service was fairly normalish, but afterwards they surprised me by having a special thing for me, saying goodbye, which was really awesome of them. I would have gone all emotional but they were making me smile too much about other things. I really appreciate all that they did for me in Chile, how patience they were with me with my Spanish, and their hospitality. So, I left Santiago with mixed emotions as I mentioned before, not sure if I was ready for another uprooting of all my foundations once again (definite dejavoo action happening) all ready for my trip (via La Serena, Iquique, Arica in Chile (all beach cities) and Tacna in Peru) With all my stuff stuffed into my bags. I was thinking how weird it was that I'd been there for 6 months, but wasn't at all a seasoned traveller in regards to finding accommodation etc. but as you'll find out in the next edition things went all right, well , kinda.
no me gusta a decir 'Adios'...
You won't belive this, but tomorrow is my 6 month anniversary in Chile- And it feels as if i'm leaving home once again (but without the guaranty of returning for a substancial time) and everyone is like "so are you coming back? when?" I could see it happen somehow, but it's easy to say that in the emotional state that is leaving heaps of mates somewhere, and change is one of the hardest things on the planet I believe... and I guess we'll see how my time goes in Peru, and what happens in the next few months. But, for the record, I will probably arrive back home around the middle of July or something- And definetly back before the world cup.
Viña del mar was mint last weekend. Just chilling etc all day.
Things have been quite full on lately, mainly just trying to fit good ops to say goodbye to people. Work finishes up tommorow and there's a Christmasy service with church, saturday I've got touch rugby finals, and Sunday the usual with Church.
On the name front the current leader is Diego, there's abit of a story about it actually (and I liked it before too):
I was in this 'Discoteque'and this girl asked me my name, and I told her 'nathan' and she didn't get it (it was quite load in there) so I said 'n-a-t-h-a-n' but 'natan'is easier to say. But she still didn't get it, so I told her 'Diego' instead, which got her laughing, and then she told her friend beside her and then I told her my my name- and she got it first time... But the weird looks I got from that was classic. And some mates have told me I have a face that could pass as a Diego. BUT there are still 8 days to choose before I get to Peru...
And, por fin, here's some photos:
Me with Pablo and James at Ashlee's goodbye thing (more red eye action)
Sebastien, Ashlee, and Humberto
The only photos I took of the wedding were of the building (see the previous blog for an explianation)
Last YG of the year, some of the crew (a few had left by that stage, and some didn't make it-busy times with exams and such)
On San Cristobal for a multi denominational prayer meeting (it was the bomb)
Classic photo of Borquez (Francisco) and Becka
Borquez, (I forgot this ones name), Xaviera and Pablo at a BBQ at Silvia's place
Alright, so probably the next time i'll write will be on the road or in Arequipa!!!
Chao Chao,
Nathan
My name is...
Today I'll break away from the normal blog, because I have a problem I need your help with; I need a spanish name.
You may wonder 'why has it taken him so long to figure this out?' or 'I thought his name is Natán' However, I have decided that I need a Latino name-Even though Natán is officialy it (but no-one esle is called this, it's like if I was called Abinidab or some other non-used biblical name) people have a puzzled look when I tell them Natán is my name in Spanish name, I normally get a look as if (that's not even a name)
So, in the great tradition of asian immigrants who come to New Zealand, I'm going to pick a name I like and that people can pronouce.
This is where you, the people come in. I could very easily pick a name that I think is cool but everyone else could think 'you are so not a Raimundo' for example.
So, If you'd like, join me in this journey, help my friends on the ground here, search the net, buy me chocolates and so on and so forth.
The following are some of the prerequisites for my possible name:
Not too common i.e not Juan, Pablo and ideally doesn't sound to much like it's english equiliant (if there is one)
Not too uncommon
One that fits my personality somehow (if that can be graded)
It has to make people go 'ooohh' what a mint-funky-sexy latino name...
So here are a few possibilites, tell me what you think:
Rodrigo
Vicente
Francisco
Diego
Gonzalo
Hilario
Ricardo
Raul
And I don't think i'll be the following
Modesto (lit. sober, moderate haha)
Fidel (cuban stlyes)
Fabio
Tupac (a Quechua name)
Give me some feedback por fa, Rodrigo is the early favorite (as this last weekend I told them my problem and Rodrigo was throw around, and it stuck when they remembered to call me it for the rest of the day) but i've probably forgotten some other great candidates.
The main reason for this is whenever I have forms etc. filled out, whenever I meet new people difficulties arise soley due to my name being difficult. So after chatting to some friends I have decided to do this. So my aim isto have a name before I reach Peru, so I can start my time there with a clear fresh plate)
Alright, look after yourselves, and each other
Nathan
The wedding and more...
Well, I promised heaps of photos from this but, ummm... once again I failed to deliver - But with reason: No other randoms were taking photos! So, as not to draw attention to myself, I refreined. But I took some mean photos of the outside of the building...
Mean aye! Anyway, it was definitly a good experiance. And it ended at a fairly resonable hour (despite what i'd heard of such events) like at 4ish. So I got an early night.
So things started of at the church with a service. It was with a priest and that which kept things interesting for me, and I was completly lost when there were phrases that everyone said at the same time, but I could kinda sing-a-long to this 'alleuia' chant thing...
Then it was off to the reception, which started off with some 'nibbles', drinks etc. then the full on dinner.
So, yeah, things went like that for a while. I was fourtunate enough to be on a cool table, actually sitting by some who had just recently came back from NZ which was fun. And some others spoke english as well. It's mad, like at these kind of events when I meet people, It's so often that I'll have s conversation in english... It's a welcome break for me, and it's practice for them I guess. But sometimes it's frustrating because they don't give you a chance to show off your language skills (i'm nearly always a cronic slow starter, esp. in noisy situation) ooops, a bit of a hijack: back to the subject...
And eventually the dance floor opened up and through the night the music ranged from a walsey thing to start of with to Reggaeton near the end. But, for the record, I didn't really sample much action out there (i'll blame the shape of the floor coupled with the lack of 'opertunities' haha)
But yeah, that was a fun experiance for sure.
Other highlights of the last little while:
Visiting a property to the South of Santiago with the Moyas to pop by and see what the Valenzuelas were building there (it's gonna be like a place for weekend trips, maybe abit of a little building there, muy Bácan)
Chilling with Alex and Phil and the crew while they were popping by before going back to South Africa
Going to this inter-denominational prayer meeting on San Cristobal, which a killer view of the city and a great bunch of people
Winning our first game in touch against James and the girls team (we've drawn twice with really good teams, and been close so many times, so were still in the running for a spot in the 5-8 playoffs) and we've got one more game to go before finals day.
Visiting families from church and having a good chat about stuff, playing fútbol on the playstation, watching el ultimato pasejero (the ultimate passenger) with Katalina yesterday (reality tv has alot to answer for, doesn't it. In EUP the aim is to get heaps of kids from your school on a bus by doing all these crazy tasks etc... my personal favorite is when they pick a guy and a girl from a team and get them to reinact a kiss from a movie... so they had to do catwoman licking batmans face... last week a mate of mine went to watch some kids from his school and this kid had to lick all the chocolate from a girls face, but he only used the tip of his tongue (he was this fat kid, scarred for life I bet, pobrecito ); )
and to cap things off I would put some photos, but blogger isn't letting me at this momment...
Chao Chao,
Nathan
