Chilean Culture...wow!

These are some fun and interesting things I have learned/observed while in Chile. I stole some of them from Devon...hope you don't mind!


1) Dr. Atkins would not have done well here. Fresh bread is a staple at every meal. Condiments range from fresh avacado to butter, cheese or pate (a ground meat paste).

2) The 70´s and 80´s are alive and well in Chile. On the radio, on the television and in dance clubs one can find Abba, classic Madonna hits, Duran Duran and the likes playing loud and proud. While this era of music may be considered quite out of date in the U.S., its what´s hot and happenin´ in Chile. Its Hammer time!

3) Along with the music, mullets are the hairstyle of choice for most Chilean guys (and some girls as well).

4) Fanny packs are carried (with pride) by just about everyone...guys and girls!

5) Innocent downtown plazas and parks where children laugh and play are filled with young couples and their public displays of affection. It is not abnormal to hug, kiss or makeout ANYWHERE in the city. I guess that's what happens when you live at home until you marry! While I thought I would have to guard myself at night against robbers and pickpockets, I now realize I must guard myself against the sight of many a young person freely enjoying the company of pololo or polola (Chilean term for boyfriend or girlfriend).

6) Eggs are sold on a shelf, and eaten at dinner (or with tea)--not at breakfast. And while we´re on the subject of food that comes from animals, let me add that milk is generally sold in powdered form. If not powdered, it comes unpasteurized and thus also on a shelf. Yummy, no?

7) Hardly anyone owns a dryer here, and there are some people who don´t own washers either and have to hand wash their clothes. But most people do have washers, then hang clothes to dry outside or in a special room in the back of the house. This means that if you want to wear your favorite shirt out on Friday (probably to the discotec), you better wash it on Wednesday and give it all of Thursday and Friday to dry.

8) Chileans are on a completely different time schedule. When a time to meet is set (even class time etc.), you should not expect a Chilean to show up less than 15 minutes late! It's just a way of life here...no hurry!

9) The general perception of Americans is that we are cold towards others, like to stand far away from each other when having conversations, and generally avoid physical contact with people as much as possible. In Chile, you greet people by embracing them and kissing them on the cheeks. During conversations, the space between people is a lot closer than we are used to.

10) When sick, Chileans do not turn to Dayquil or Theraflu. Instead, they have their mother or other loved one make them some weird hot tea concoction that takes away congestion and helps one sleep at night. Don´t ask what´s in it, they say...just drink it. There is a natural remedy for anything. When I fractured my ankle, my host brother rubbed lemmon on it and said it would help with the swelling...it's times like these you just smile and nod!

11) When lost, you can ask pretty much anyone on the street for help and they will not only tell you how to get where you are going, but they will offer to show you. Kindness towards strangers seems unlimited here.

Just a few funny, interesting things about Chile!