remiendos

I had dinner (ok, a lot of wine at a restaurant) with a lovely friend this past Friday evening and was yet again surprised to hear the shockingly common misconstruction most have regarding my future "homeland." Yes, it iS that skinny country in South America; NO, it's not pronounced like the awesome bean and meat dish we eat during Sunday Football...AND YES, they do have paved roads AND internet. Chee-lay is, believe it or not, the first south american country to become a part of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The OECD is a group comprised of the world's 30 richest democracies. Like all countries, you'll find the good...the bad...and the very bad (think jean shorts and mullets) So yes, Kat - there are plenty of dirt roads with random chickens running the streets - but you'll find that in Georgia, more specifically around the corner from your own house in Grant Park.

Thanks to the recent election, Chile is now presided over by the billionaire and "right of center" Pinera...once again proving it really helps to have dolla dolla bills in your wallet. However, the left leaning leaders of the past two decades deserve full credit for reducing poverty faster than any of the region's counterparts and for showing the world that there is such a thing as a modern, globalized, financially responsible "left" in Latin America. As many of south america's other countries have spent the majority of their export income on politically driven cash subsidies, Chile has bucked the trend and created and invested in various funds that will not only boost their long-term development but will help give them a competitive edge in our global economy. One of the most impressive being the $6 billion dollar education fund which developed and funds the teaching position i accepted under the Univeridad de Catolica's EduaCA program.

enough already, i know. essentially - everyone stop worrying about me (ahhhem, KIT). i am NOT moving to the bush, i will NOT come home pregnant (i mean COME ON, do you KNOW me?) and though trevor and matt already have a pool on how much i'll be purchased for, i do not plan on being sold into any form of prostitution ring. i simply want to play with llamas and eat empanadas.

speaking of llamas...sadly, customs forbids Patches to accompany me on my journeys - SO, i would like to introduce you, Melissa, to my new friend at the top of the page. While he may not posses the resplendent canvas for braiding and crimping (i mean, nothing trumps patches' mane), his fur is quite soft and fun to pet. he's exceptionally regal and enjoys woven blankets and colored ribbons. This one's for you, Mel ;)