Tellos in chile

Back in OZ

2011-01-05T05:41:00.001-08:00

So as you may have realised we have moved back to Australia. An opportunity came up that was too good to refuse and then everything worked in fast forward. I will get back to here soon to write about my experience in Chile the good and the Bad. stay tuned.

Not doing so well with keeping you all informed :)

2010-08-09T08:31:00.000-07:00

Well again it has been a long time since I last posted. I suppose there are all the excuses but really I wonder if what I type is really that interesting to others? I just talk about my life and I suppose because I am living it, I don't find it that exciting. So read on if you want to.

So since my last post not too much has happened- Alyssa and I did make a 3 1/2 week trip to Australia in June. It was fantastic to catch up with so many people. But also it makes me realise just how lucky people are in Australia. There are so many benefits for those who are unemployed, ill or injured. Here there just does not seem to be that support.

We live very comfortably here as do most of the people in the are we live (the rents here are stupidly high) but there is a whole other side to Chile that even I am sheltered from. Many people here struggle to make ends meet to be able to eat and have shelter. This is Chile though. There is a huge segregation between the rich and the poor. People with money get much better treatment and advantages that those who do not have the money don't. Is it something new, No, this has been happening in this country for a long time. It is the way it is and people seem to totally accept it. So I will continue to pay the people who pack my bags more then I was told to- Why? because most are uni students and this small change helps them to get by. I don't usually give money to those begging because you can set yourself up for constant handouts. Those who are entertaining me at the traffic lights- I will pay if the act is okay and I have the money. Those guys that help park the cars (well the ones that actually get off their bums to help) I do pay when their job has been done properly and they have not just turned up as I was leaving to get my money. This is a totally different way of life from what I am used to in Aus, but it seems to work here. I just wish there were collection bins for unwanted clothes, toys etc. I know we have the red cross here in town but a collection bin here in the area I live or a collection day, I am sure they would get a lot of things for those less fortunate. Oh and i would be able to get rid of some of Alyssa's toys- have I told you she has a toy store in the house.

We went to the snow for a Day trip. Alyssa was not too happy about wearing so many clothes- she really is a warm weather girl. The ski fields are so close to Santiago and we were spending the weekend there so thought why not. It was beautiful.

So what else have we been doing- Yesterday 8th August was Children's day. Here is really is commercial, lots of shops with toys everywhere. We would have loved to see donation bins at these shops to donate a toy or 2. Alyssa was regifted a toy we had kept away from her birthday, she really was given way too many. We went out in the mid morning and the main beach area was packed- the local council had put on many activities for the kids. Alyssa got to fly her kite and see a bit of a Lazy Town Show. Then she had a quick Jump on the jumping castles and trampolines. After that we headed to the Backyardigans show. She was supposed to go the week before but just like everyone else we turned up bought the silly merchandise then got to the door to find a sign saying due to technical difficulties it was being delayed by a week. Anyway we went it was in Spanish But Alyssa still loved it.

I have been sewing a little bit, nothing for the business really just some things I wanted to get done. Oh and my sewing room is all organised now- I think I need more fabrics (yes need). I want to start sewing a few more things- but that can wait until after our family Holiday.

Family holiday- this time next week I will be lapping up the sun in Punta Cana, Dominican republic. SO looking forward to it, so cannot wait. I think we really need this holiday. You know when you get into the mundane life of day after day, footstep followed by footstep, it feels a lot like this here. I really hope this holiday brings us all back refreshed and ready for more.

Alyssa is doing really well at school and she constantly reminds me everyday of just how much she craves learning. She amazes me so much. She is a really good kid and we do get the occasional tantrum but they are rare. She is totally toilet trained day and night which makes travelling so much easier.

okay so thought it might be fun to put two lists Things I miss and things that are different/strange/weird/annoying

Things I Miss
1- my family---- (of course)
2- clean beaches
3- rain
4- so so so many foods- mainly good seafood
5- a decent sewing/ fabric store with great fabrics and notions
6- activities for Alyssa- there is nothing really for her age group here
7- Fresh milk and cream--- Yes even in Santiago the capital there is none- sorry UHT sucks
8- I was going to say Aussie TV shows- but I just download those.
9- mail and a mail box, we rarely get anything
10- did I mention my family???

Things here that are different/strange/weird/annoying.
1- dirty beaches filled with broken glass and rubbish
2-the dirty streets- so so so much dust
3- having to order a product, then go to someone else to pay, then go to someone else to pick it up- annoying
4- WAY too much salt in the food- just not used to it still after nearly 1 year
5- seeing someone poop in public- really did not need to see that
6- schooling- don't get me started
7- my oven- again don't get me started- although I think it is more the gas then anything
8- clothing and sizes
9- poor customer service
10- Verbs!!!!!!!!! (Spanish lessons do my head in)

Okay so this is my blog, hope to see you around. Hope you like some of the photos. Chao for now.
Oh and I always post more photos on FB- come be my friend LOL

I am a slack blogger

2010-04-20T05:56:00.000-07:00

So yet again it has been a while since my last post. So I will again give a run down of the things that have happened.

We went to a lovely wedding for Sebastian's childhood friend in Valdivia- it is such a gorgeous place to visit, although I have been told that the winters there I would not like, very cold. I did not understand much of the actual ceremony at all as it was in Spanish but I was outside with the kids as they were having so much fun playing together and would never sit still in a church for a long service. There were many people who spoke English so my day/night was pretty easy. Valdivia itself was good too, with so many other blonde haired people there Alyssa and I did not stand out, it was a novelty for us.

One of my good friends left Antofagasta for Iquique. She has been a rock of support for me through everything and continues to be so even though she is not in the same town.

So most of you have heard about the big earthquake that occured in the south of Chile in the early hours of February 27th. We did not feel a thing here in Antofagasta but did feel some of the effects in the supermarkets with many items running low or sold out. It also gave me a wake up call to make sure we have an emergency backpack ready to go, which I need to restock and evaluate again. The week prior to the one down south we had a tremmor and have had a few since. This is not something that I am used to nor do I think I will ever get used to. The local expat group raised $200 towards products to be delievered down south. The rebuild effort will take a LONG time to complete and visiting Santiago on the weekend we could see some of the damage first hand in an area that was not as much effected as Concepcion.

Sebastian has been working away at least 1 night a week if not 2 but that means 2 full days or 3 full days away plus the work in town which is late nights. This is hard on Alyssa and I and we are trying to find ways to cope. I am not good at being alone at nights.

Alyssa started school at the local International school and really seems to be enjoying it. She has been the only English speaker in her class up until now as a friend has put her daughter into the school and in Alyssa's class. I think this will help Alyssa a lot she needs a friend she can speak to easily, she gets by with speaking English and the other kids speaking Spanish but this will help her a lot. I am also going in there and reading to the kids in her class on a Monday. So far it has not been too successful they seem to not want to sit still at all- but I speak in English as this is what they are supposed to have. Alyssa is doing well with the tasks and is now even drawing people!! and they are the cute heads with arms and legs stage LOL.

We travelled to Santiago this past weekend with a few things in mind to do, the Zoo with the kids, a farewell to friends returning to the USA, visiting Sebastian's relatives in Rancagua and shopping. It was a packed full weekend and we even got to see some rain, I know to some this may not be exciting but living in Antofagasta where there is NO rain means this was a real novelty for us. It was a great weekend but sad to see some great friends leave, that is the nature of the mining industry and living overseas.

I have been sewing a little bit and crafting which is all on my other blog- http://skipchaseydesigns.blogspot.com/

Well I suppose that is all to report at the moment. I will again try to keep this updated more often but cannot promise anything. Chao for now.

Happy 2010

2010-01-19T17:29:00.000-08:00

Okay so I am a little late for a New Years title but I have not posted since mid December. So here is a run down on what has been happening.

--mid december my birthday and Our wedding anniversary (1 day apart) we went to the casino for dinner (Alyssa still points to it when we drive past and says "mummies happy birthday") and the next day we went to San Pedro de Atacama which is about 4 hours away. Sebastian booked a swish hotel and Alyssa loved that there was Llamas at the hotel and one in particular Pepi that she could pat.

-- we had christmas day with some other expats and had a LONG christmas day as we were all enjoying ourselves so much- the older girls ended up getting Alyssa to sleep LOL

--Have been meeting so many more people and spending time with them- Alyssa is enjoying meeting new people- especially new little people LOL

--We held New Years eve celebration here with another couple and their kids- it was a quiet and enjoyable evening- I made LOTS of nibbly foods. Alyssa went to sleep at 11:45pm she just could not hold on for the last 15mins.

-- I have started giving sewing lessons to a friend!! only one so far- but I love to be teaching again and something I sew enjoy (hehe). I have bought a heap of fabric from Etsy sellers (18yards to be exact) so just waiting on things to arrive (still waiting on things from Aus to arrive too)Check out my craft blog- skipchaseydesigns.blogspot.com

--We went to Santiago last weekend for some medical appointments and also used the opportunity to pick up some clothes for a wedding we are attending this weekend in Valdivia- this will be my first Chilean wedding- hope Alyssa is a very good girl.

So many things!!

2009-12-14T07:12:00.000-08:00

Well let's see since the last post we have been still settling into the house and getting ready for Christmas, which has totally sneaked up on us this year.

We have had a trip to Santiago for an extra long weekend Fri-Mon. It was a good break away and great to see somewhere else in Chile and not just Antofagasta. We went to the Zoo with Alyssa- she loved it and also went into the centre of town. We should have taken the stroller though as she got very tired out and shopping was not at all like we had planned.

Sebastian's work had their family Christmas party which Alyssa enjoyed- although a daytime event may have been a little easier on us all.

We went down to the beach area yesterday and Alyssa had a little ride on her bike. She loved it. It was the Presidential election here and so nothing was open really so the beach ended up Packed in the afternoon, thankfully we went in the morning.

We are getting into the Christmas spirit and decorating the house. I have some things on the way back to Oz for presents but did not post them from here as it was WAY too expensive!!! more then from Oz to here. So a friend is heading back there and is going to post them for me. Hopefully some things get to people before Christmas Day.

I have been feeling very isolated lately and I think a lot of the issue is I don't have things happening like I did in Oz. I was busy with my sewing business and Alyssa also had one day at daycare and swimming on Saturdays. Now I have no business and Alyssa is in no activities, I am sure she gets bored too. I am getting to some Expat activites but they are not all the time

Well that is all I can think of to update at this stage.

Visiting a Landmark.

2009-11-05T13:37:00.000-08:00

So we decided to drive out to see the somewhat famous
Mano del Desierto
Here is what Wiki says about it.
"The Mano de Desierto is a large-scale sculpture of a hand located in the Atacama Desert in Chile, 75 km to the south of the city of Antofagasta, on the Panamerican Highway. "
"Description
The sculpture was constructed by the Chilean sculptor Mario Irarrázabal at an altitude of 1,100 meters above sea level. The work has a base of iron and cement, and stands 11 metres (36 ft) tall. Funded by Corporación Pro Antofagasta, a local booster organization, the sculpture was inaugurated on March 28, 1992.

It has since become a point of interest for tourists traveling Route 5, which forms part of the Pan-American Highway. It is an easy victim of graffiti and is therefore cleaned occasionally."

And yes it is 75km away but we had nothing to do (this is before moving into the house). Oh and Alyssa fell asleep on the way to it otherwise she would be in the photos too. There is NOTHING near it at all and yes there is graffiti on it. Here are some piccies.

We are in the house

2009-11-05T13:14:00.001-08:00

Yep we have moved in. It has nearly been one week since the movers came to unpack all our things. And what a busy week. We still have unpacked boxes- but had them in SA too (you know the ones that just never seem to be unpacked).

It is a great house and with a few minor improvements will be even better. One such improvement will be a playground for Alyssa- will make my life sooo much easier.

So here are some piccies of the house- thanks to our maid for making it so liveable!She powers on and gets soooo much done!

Moving day is fast Approaching.

2009-10-27T15:37:00.000-07:00

We pick up the keys to the house tomorrow YEAH.
Then we have the VTR people coming to connect phone, internet and Pay TV.
On Thursday we have the ADT (security) people coming in to set up the alarm system.
Friday is the BIG day, movers arrive and start the unpack, we also have our new stove being delivered OMG it is awesome.
Saturday is also a move day (who knows how long it will take)
Sunday- will be sorting and shopping for some things we might need (will need).

Cannot wait to be out of the apartment and have all our things- really starting to go a little stir crazy. Oh and cannot wait to start sewing again. I have been busy doing some Photoshop designing whilst waiting to have all my stuff back.

Here is a link to my other blog
http://skipchaseydesigns.blogspot.com/

Oh and a we've moved card that I made.
Hopefully next post will be from the new house.

A little trip away

2009-10-15T08:01:00.000-07:00

We had our first little trip away last weekend (it was a long weekend in Chile). So we chose to head off to Iquique. It is 4 hours from here driving so not too bad. That morning before leaving we had an Interview to see if Alyssa would be accepted into the international school here for next year. She is in.

So we headed off- the drive was not too bad and the scenary was pretty good, the contrast of being in the desert by the ocean is truly remarkable and strange at the same time.

All was going well until we had to stop to go into a different region (they have regions like we have states in Aus)- you have to stop to get the papers on your car checked to ensure you are not stealing the car across the border. You always must have the car documents in your car in Chile- because the police will ask for them if you are pulled over. So anyway we look in the glovebox where the papers are always kept- no papers. Rang the car dealership- they have them, took them out when they were putting the reversing sensors in the car and never put them back oh and this was a week down the track with no phone call either!!!!!
So we got talk to the police- really nice one too and he looked up on the computer to see the car was under my name (using my RUT- see a good thing to have a national ID number). So he prints off a piece of paper and goes with Sebastian to talk to the border people and we are allowed through- this is after a very very long wait where I was getting totally frustrated- if this police did not care we would have had to turn around and head back. We still should not have been driving the car. But we went on to Iquique. (the papers were to be sent to Iquique for us to get- then told they wern't then told they were on Monday where we were already back in Antofagasta- yeah Chile).

It is very nice in Iquique much cleaner then in Antofagasta. Alyssa loved the playground and the Radisson was nice to stay at. Most people head to Iquique as it is a tax free zone and there is even a shopping centre for all imported goods (was really not that great). But yes some things are cheaper there and you can have up to $1200 US per person (this gets checked at the border control people on the way out).

So here are some piccies from our very eventful trip

Well things are moving along

2009-10-05T14:44:00.000-07:00

We have a few updates.
---All our things should arrive in Chile next week but not here. So that will be a little bit longer.
---We have signed a lease on a house- it is big enough for our things and has room for Alyssa to play- the owners are happy enough for us to do some improvements too.
---Alyssa has an interview with the International school on Friday so that we can get her in next year- which will be great for her and for me.
---I am learning more and more about the language and the way things work here.
---I am also getting used to the incredibly poor driving and the way that people park and do not take any notice of the road signs.

But all in all we are going okay- and this surprises me sometimes too.

We are heading off to Iquique this long weekend- it has a tax free shopping area- it is 4 hours from here and Supposedly has SO much more then here- we will see.

Hello Old friend.

2009-09-21T11:10:00.000-07:00

Well it almost seems that way. It has been a while since my last post. I suppose a few things have happened, we are now in a 2 bed apartment and have received our airfreight stuff (which Alyssa thought was fantastic- almost like Christmas for her).

The Apartment is in the same block as the 1 bed one and is right across the road from the beach. Having Alyssa in her own bedroom is great although she is really struggling to go to bed by herself at the moment. We think she is and has been going through so much that we have kind of just let her have us there to fall asleep. She is also cutting all 4 of her 2 year old Molars- not too nice :(.

I am getting around okay in Antofagasta, still know very little Spanish but I am starting to know what I will be asked and know how to answer. I will start some Spanish Lessons just not sure when- Sebastian still needs his Friday's off to organise a few things like getting a local drivers licence- he needs it to be able to drive on site. I will have to get one too but I will see what I need to do to get it first.

We are looking at putting Alyssa into school next year- kids start around 3 in playgroup (like kindy) it is the 5 days but only 1/2 days. I think she needs it she is a total sponge at the moment and is picking everything up so fast.

We still are not sure about the house we looked at. So many security issues and it is expensive. We have even discussed living in an apartment- some 4 bed apartments here are bigger then a lot of houses. So the hunt continues. Our sea freight stuff does not even arrive in Chile until next month anyway.

So last Friday was dieciocho (18th September) Chilean independence day. We watched the parade, went to the Ramada and the rodeo- I think it is important for Alyssa and myself to immerse into these cultural events and activities. Alyssa loved it and was trying to dance at the Ramada.

For all you interested in my crafting stuff- I have some yummy yummy fabrics coming from the US. Thanks Steph for letting me use your postal address. In the mean time I have been playing around with Photoshop- which I am totally enjoying.

So here is a list of observations that I have made so far- some are silly :)

1. When driving those signs that have a number to tell you how fast to go, are really only there because they look nice.
2. Crossings and waiting for the Green walk man are only for foreigners or those who want to be like foreigners
3. Prams are either very expensive or people really like to carry their kids. Small little newborns with huge blankets are commonly seen being carried by mums and dads.
4. Rubbish bins are like speed signs- they are only there to look nice.
5. I am an alien- well it feels like it with everyone staring- especially when I talk hehe.
6. There are more Aussies here- the school we want to put Alyssa into is an International school where everything is in English- a few of the teachers are Aussies.
7. I really should stop going to Maccas- like I have said before Port Augusta Maccas is SOOOOOOOO much better. Oh and when I ask for no onion on a burger I would still like sauce!
8. When the people pack my bags at the grocery store (you give them change to do this-it is their way to earn money- not paid) expect them to look over every single item as if they have never ever seen it before.
9. it is dusty very very very dusty- my poor car is sooooo dusty but I would need to wash it every day to keep it clean.
10. Groceries, especially produce is sooooooooooooooo cheap. The other day 2kgs of lemons for 80c (AUD)...Bananas are usually under $1 and so are Apples.
11. You can still get sunburnt here- I did hehe
12. I am still trying to get my head around carrying 10,000 and 20,000 CLP notes- I mean it sounds huge.
13. Banks are useless- I won't say more it would end up being a HUGE post.
14. Everything is later here- things start open later but then they close later too.

So all in all- I can't get my twisties and some of the sauces and Tuscan seasoning (can someone give me the ingredients list off the label-maybe I can make my own) I am surviving and not hating being here. I think this surprises a lot of people- I am just doing what needs to be done and experiencing a whole new world (without the flying carpets hehe).
Until next time Chao.

What's new??

2009-09-04T18:08:00.001-07:00

Well lots is new actually. So much has happened since my last blog post. I am not even sure where to start.

Let's start with the great stuff. WE HAVE A NEW CAR. We bought a new Jeep compass Limited in Silver- it is soooo pwetty. It has leather seats and a sunroof. But we bought it for all the safety features it has. I love driving it around and feel very safe in it which after this week is pretty important.

So the not so great stuff- I had a truck run into the hire car. Not massively bad but still, and he did not stop grrrr. I was not in the wrong but we will still have to pay out the insurance- not a good thing. I had actually said to Sebastian that I really did not want to drive that day and told him to take the car but he was stubborn and made me have the car.

What else has happened. Sebastian's parents came to visit- Alyssa LOVED it. She loves her Omi and Tata. It was great because they were able to help me out with things in Spanish (I am still to have Spanish Lessons organised). I took my MIL to the seafood market to have some seafood empanada's they were not as good as last time but still nice.

We move out of the Radisson this weekend and into a one bed apartment- that part is not so great but it has a kitchen. I really really need a kitchen. I need to be able to cook and not buy food out all the time- I have put on weight and HATE IT.

Everyone is getting geared up for the 18th of September- the national Independence day. You have to put a flag out the front of your house, it is illegal if you don't.

On the house front we have found one but there is a lot of security that is needed to make it safe and it is having renos done to it. We are waiting to hear back about this one. Hope fully we get it as it will fit all our stuff.

Oh and I have been fumbling through buying things at stores- I need to get better at it I think and have a note pad to get things written down to work them out.

Anyway that is it for now...Here are some piccies from around town

A good day

2009-08-23T17:00:00.000-07:00

Well today was one of those. Started off pretty well with Alyssa waking up much later then normal. So that was very nice. I think she is starting to adjust to the time change.

We decided to have a little druve around in to the mountains/desert- it was not that interesting.
We headed back and Alyssa went to sleep so kept on driving around town. On the way back towards town we stopped at the fish markets. The produce on display was great- good variety and very very cheap. Even some Abalone.
I am sure my Dad would love it at around $5 a bag. We went across the road to a small fruit and veg market- there is a bigger one in town we still need to investigate- but seems to be in a not so nice part of the town. This one was not great but the produce was good. All fruits and veges are much cheaper then in Oz. The banana's the other day were less then $1 AUD a kilo. Super cheap.

After this we headed off to Mall Plaza- the HUGE shopping centre here. But had a walk around the boardwalk area first. It is pretty nice there.
The Alyssa had a huge dance with the girls at a store similar to the WB store on the Gold Coast. She was trying to copy all their dance moves. It was sooooo cute.

We had lunch at TGI Fridays- it was good again- the same could not be said of the 27month old we had with us. She just does not seem to want to keep still and has issues with being told what to do at the moment. But in reality we are in transition she has very little of her things and must be feeling somewhat lost- I know I am.

After this we went to an Equestrian event here and it was pretty well set up by the military. There is a strong military pressence here in Antofagasta- but it is compulsory here in Chile. Anyway Alyssa LOVE the horses but I think she was just a tad tired and played up a little. She loves all the attention she gets here and she gets HEAPS. People walk a certain way just to see her and always try to talk to her. She says Hola to almost everyone now.

After this it was my time to drive. We have had the rental just over 1 week and this was my first drive. I was pretty scared but only used the wipers instead of indicating 3 times. So not too bad. I did not really drive in the centre of town- there are soooo many 1 way streets here and they are not marked.

So all in all a pretty good day. The place is run down- but this is something that you just expect- the service is slow but again it is something that you just learn is very normal. No one will come up to you in shop you need to approach them and then it still may take ages to get what you want. A slower way of life here.

Where we are at right now.

2009-08-20T02:26:00.001-07:00

So we are still in the Radisson. So far nothing else that is suitable has come about. We did look at a 1 bed apartment yesterday that is the best of the lot but it is not available until the first week in September. We can last here until then. The Apartment yesterday was very clean, very secure and even has a cool playground in the complex. It is very new and even includes, breakfasts, free WiFi and some washing. They are trying to get some 2 bed places- it has privately owned ones that they are trying to take over and may be able to in a few weeks. Hopefully we can get one of those.

The issue with not having a proper address is that we cannot get our airfreight stuff- lots of clothes and also the cat is not here. We are not worried if the cat has to stay in Australia until we have a house. But the clothing issue is not great and means we need to go clothing shopping.

Yesterday we set up moobile phones here and they were cheap to do. We both got cheapy Nokia's (will get iPhones when we can set up a plan- have to wait for the ID cards to come on the 1st September- everything is done through these) they were only $150 for both and they have credit on them. To call each other it is like 15c a min.

We had a drive around yesterday and looked at some parts of town we might like to live in. Oh and applying for a house here can take months and months to come through so we need to start the process now. Oh and things are a little different from home, all small things are to be sorted by the tenant not the landlord including broken taps, fittings etc. The Landlord will fix major things. Oh and you can ask for things like security and pools to be put in when writing up the lease agreement.

So this is where we are at right now. Hopefully things are sorted more soon.

Photos

2009-08-18T17:38:00.001-07:00

A few observations

2009-08-17T01:57:00.000-07:00

Well some people have asked what my first impressions of Chile were/are. So here are a few things I have observed. Not in any particular order just stumblings.

- We flew into Santiago very tired with a child with bad Conjunctivitis- But there was a great view of the snow capped Andes Mountains- very pretty
- Everything is very sweet and I mean VERY sweet. The juice at breakfast tastes like 2 TBS of sugar has been added. The Bread is very very sweet- not the best for my chip sandwich I had last night.
- People who know of the Port Augusta Maccas South Aus- well let's just say they are worse here- which is such a HUGE statement
-People may bump into you here but there will not be an excuse me/sorry. I am just not used to that. I saw it happen to someone else then it happened to me yesterday.
-There is a HUGE divide between classes. There is alot of poverty and in your face here- the houses are completely different from one side to the next.
-The shops here are pretty good even have car sales in the large Shopping centre. Also I found lots of brands that I know from Aust.
-It is pretty dirty here in Antofagasta but then again we are in the desert and there is NO rain so things get very dusty.
- The beach is not like ones in Aust- the sand is not a brilliant white like those in Qld but it is supposed to be one of the best in Chile.
- I stand out so much- being a Gringa and all. Oh and especially because I speak English.
- Alyssa is already winning over so many people just with her Hola and Chao!
- I am learning a little bit of Spanish and actually and surprising myself with how much I already knew. There are a few Channels in English with Spanish subtitles.
- Grocery shopping is cheaper here.
- have to be a little more careful with personal belongings but so far have felt pretty safe on the streets.

Not Such a great Beginning

2009-08-16T01:26:00.000-07:00

So we arrived at the Arranged Accomodation. Lets just say a very interesting place to stay. It was so old and really on cared for at all. There were a few things that worried me a little. Broken door handles, exposed TV areial wires, Peeling paints, a door that is very hard to close, an outdoor lanudry that was anything but clean. The phone worked on and off, which was not great. So all these things were not great but I suppose we could have lived with them.

BUT what came next could not be lived with.

We were all very very tired and so had just headed off to sleep (exhausted after the hours and hours of travelling). All of a sudden the front door of the apartment was being opened- by keys!!!! Yep the guy said to Sebastian that he used to be in that apartment and wanted to come in!!!! um NO!. So of course that meant very very little sleep. We even got on the net to check out alternative accomodation.

When we spoke to reception- well Sebastian spoke to them they said that the guy was in there but had asked for a smaller apartment- he was at site (mine site)and had not been told about his move to a new apartment. But see that was too late for us. When our trust in their security was gone there was not going back. We rang the Radisson and are now there. Okay so we don't have a kitchen but we are safe and internet here is free!! I am up at 3am because Alyssa is still getting used to the time change. But otherwise she is doing really well.

I will update soon with photos of Antofagasta. we have not taken any yet as we are still trying to get settled in slightly.

The Long long Journey

2009-08-16T00:58:00.000-07:00

Well let's see a huge journey with a 26month old- what can we say. Actually she was very very good. I think it helped that we were in business class.

There were a few issues though, so I will start at the beginning- where else to start.

We headed to Perth airport thinking we had heaps of time and we would use the Qantas lounge. BUT Sebastian had dropped me and Alyssa off and went to return the hire car- I was waiting and then the announcements began!! He had read the time wrong and we were 45mins later then we thought. So I was stressing big time!!. So I called him and made him run as there was no way I could push Alyssa in her pram and push all the luggage. We checked in just in time (the lady at the counter beside the one we went to was pretty rude). WE should have went to the Qantas club because we had plenty of time. So anyway we headed off to Sydney and Alyssa was great on the Plane but had no sleep- that was okay though. We arrived in Sydney and had to wait for a maxi taxi- that was a long wait there just did not seem to be many. The hotel there was nice but we arrived so late and had to leave early in the morning- I had no intentions of having a repeat of the previous day.

We used the Qantas club in Sydney- updating my FB and Sebastian checking emails- having some food there too.

We boarded our flight to NZ- a quick stop for fuel before heading to Chile. The Business class was great- fully reclineable seats so like a bed. Alyssa was good BUT fell asleep just as we were langding in NZ- she stayed asleep in her Zapp(recommend this stroller) all the way through the stop in NZ. Used the Qantas club in NZ too. just relaxing this time.

We Boarded the plane again for the next part of the Journey to Chile. This was the 11 1/2 hour flight. Here they were not going to allow us to take the stroller on the plane (we had it all the way from Sydney- it folds down to fit in the overhead storage). But I fought them a bit and when they saw how small it folded down in its bag they put it into the closet on board. They said that there were more passengers this flight so could not go in overhead- not sure where these more passengers were- Business was no where near full.

Anyway Alyssa was a little Grumpy on this flight but again she did sleep. We were all very very tired when we arrived in Santiago Chile. I was full of nerves and wanted to turn back around. I was a little upset. I had very little sleep. Oh and when we landed at Santiago we had the airport medics come see us- Alyssa had conjunctivitis. But that also meant that all the plane staff had to wait until we had left the plane. But the medic was great and spoke perfect English and to me too. So he gave her an eye drop and a script for more.

We had a short stop in Santiago before our flight to Antofagasta. This was a small flight- only 2 hours. Alyssa slept most of this flight- actually fell asleep before getting on the plane and woke just before we boarded. I had a quick snooze on this one too.

We arrived at Antofagasta airport and had the taxi waiting for us- with one of those signs hehe. I will write about our first night in the next post it really does deserve its own one- not good!!!!!

Our life in boxes.

2009-08-16T00:14:00.000-07:00

Well pack up day is always fun- well usually not so much. We had 2 great people come to pack us on the Monday and they were supposed to come back on Tuesday but they did so much on the Monday we got Tuesday off. Alyssa was great and was not too worried about all her belongings being put into boxes and even tried to help out by wrapping pieces of paper and putting them into the boxes. She understands that everything in the boxes will be coming to the " New House".

Uplift day was not an issue either. I did send Alyssa and Sebastian off to a playcentre just to keep her out of the way. She just wanted to help. They packed the container so fast that I had to ring Sebastian to tell him they were finished. He arrived back when all the packers had left- just the airfreight stuff to move. We cleaned up a bit- not heaps- we were paying cleaners anyway.

I was trying to get Alyssa to keep her jacket on but she ran away from me and face planted it on the garage floor. I was ready for taking her to the hospital she hit the cement so hard. She ended up with a split lip and it only looked bad for the first two days- here is the picture from when she actually did it OUCH.

Moving in Fastforward

2009-08-02T23:10:00.000-07:00

Well let's see we now have our Visa's, and wasn't that a GREAT process NOT!!. Alyssa had to be fingerprinted even for her documents too- so funny watching them try to fingerprint a 2 year old.

But the most fun part of it all was that I was hardly spoken to. She could speak English but chose to speak in Spanish to Sebastian the whole time even when discussing my documents. But hey we have them now. Oh and no use taking a picture they are not very exciting.

We have someone who will be renting out the house on the day we fly to Chile. We only had it listed less then 2 days before 4 people showed interest in the property and one wanted it very bad and had already had and passed all the real estates checks that they do. So now I am busy patching, sanding and repainting some spots on the walls. Oh and for future reference 3M hooks can and do take paint off walls and IKEA removable stickers are even worse. Yeah for me. Other then that the house is pretty much ready to go- with carpet cleaners, and cleaners coming in the day we head to Sydney.

We have been stocking up on some small things for the flight for Alyssa- good old sticker books from Big W at only $2 each and some new DVD's to keep her entertained. Still have to get some more small things- it is a LONG flight.

I have also been told that there are so many things that I will just not be able to get over there. Many Spices and Asian goods are not sold in Chile oh and Antofagasta only has long life milk- no fresh milk- which I find a little strange because they sell yogurt????

We still have to sort through everything in the house and make a couple of piles, tip/vinnies/keep. Oh and everything in my pantry cannot come with me- all my years of cake decorating things, colours and stuff, all has to be given away. We cannot take any pantry goods even the unopened things, nothing :(... I have got a lovely friend taking it all off my hands.

I still have some sewing to do for friends and finish off a dress that I started for Alyssa a long time ago. But hopefully she has a few day sleeps this week and I should get it knocked over pretty quickly.

It is very weird to think that this is the last Monday that I will be spending here the night. The movers come next Monday and Tuesday to pack everything then on Wednesday it is uplift day. I am sure once that happens it may seem a whole lot more real.

Well until next time- which I am not sure if it will be from Aus or Chile, take care.

And so the Journey Begins.

2009-07-26T05:44:00.000-07:00

Well this is my first post on this Blog. I have had a few in the past that I have just not spent the time on- hopefully this one will be different.

Well we are off to Chile. Yep Chile, South America. We will be living in a town called Antofagasta. Where is that? it is in the North of the Country in the Atacama Desert. But it is also on the Sea and at the bottom of the mountains. It rarely rains too.

How did this all happen you ask?? an offer we could not refuse.

How long for? how long is a piece of string :). We have said 1-2 years but will wait and see when we get there.

How do I feel?? well this changes daily- some days I am looking forward to it and others I am filled with dread. I am so unsure of everything and with most things out of my hands it makes me nervous.

When are we leaving Australia? Our departure date is the 14th of August. Sebastian has a start date of the 1st of September- gives us a few weeks to find our feet.

We have so many things to get done before we leave although the list is starting to very very slowly get smaller. We are going to rent out the house here in Perth- have not even lived here for a year yet. We have already sold the car and are taking all our belongings with us. Our Cat Mr Bella is coming too!.

Well I will update you more soon on what is going on in our mad world. We don't have long left in Australia- although this will always be home.