Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Back in OZ
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.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Not doing so well with keeping you all informed :)
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
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
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
I am a slack blogger
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.
.JPG)
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.
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.
.JPG)
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.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Happy 2010
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.
--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.
Monday, December 14, 2009
So many things!!
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.
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.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Visiting a Landmark.
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.
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
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!
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!
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