Years ago, after enjoying an bountiful feast, my sister and I talked about how Thanksgiving was our favorite holiday because all we had to do was prepare a nice meal. We both knew that the craziness of Christmas expectations were…
Brave Face
A while back, the BBC posted on article, “Growing Up Young,” on their website (bbc.com) about how the present generation of teenage (and pre-teen, I would imagine) girls are feeling the pressure generated by the media and society to fit…
Judging Books by Their Covers
While on a flight to Santiago for a conference, I was seated next to a couple that began the trip embraced in a cuddle. At first, I felt a twinge of jealousy, thinking that it could have been my…
Churches, Oysters and the Sea
The remainder of our time on Quinchao was spent exploring the architecture, the countryside and the fruits of the sea. It was a time that could have gone on forever without feeling any degree of dissatisfaction. The gentle slow pace,…
Chilean Fossils, Living and Extinct
There is a tree that grows in Chile, which emits the most offensive olfactory, gut-wretchedly putrid aroma that it assaults even the hardiest of breathing pedestrians. After five years of seasonal contact, I have finally committed to the quest of…
He Played Real Good For Free
I was standing on a noisy corner I was waiting for the walking green Across the street he stood And he played real good He was playin’ real good for free… _ Joni Mitchell, He Played Real Good For Free…
Influences of Association
Among my circle of dear friends in Chile is my beloved English Pointer, Teddy. Teddy was born one month prior to the great quake, and became a family member just as normal life was returning to Concepcion. It was at…
The Broken Promise Land
You’ve gotta stand for something, Or you’re gonna fall for anything… – John Cougar Mellancamp The past days have been grey and bleak, appropriately capturing the mood of the nation. Several months of talks, high school and university takeovers, hunger…
Student Protests Continue
Massive student protests are taking place nationwide today. In Santiago alone, more than 50,000 students marched in protest along Alameda. Although not as large a movement, students are rioting in Concepcion as well. I had postponed going to the office,…
This Winter I Hear the Drumming
To paraphrase CSNY, this winter, I hear the drumming, students in protest in Conception. University students are in protest, and sometimes physical conflict, with the police all throughout Chile over issues of access and public use of funds for higher…