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.
2 Comments:
haha, I can imagine the tounge action in the photos... what did they mean by "most touchable?" It makes you sound real lame as you were playing touch rugby...
I need to start to check your blog more, Since I stopped work, I've barely been bothering to check email... Kia Kaha
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