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
