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| Sunset by my house |
Friday, July 13, 2012
Chau Chile
So my trip is coming to an end, and this is one of the most bittersweet good-byes I have ever had to do. Being thrown blindly into a culture with only a suitcase and little understanding of what I had gotten myself into was one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my life. It's hard to deny that living in another country and speaking another language for the past 6 months hasn't changed me. This quote from an article I recently read expresses exactly how I feel, "So you look at your life, and the two countries that hold it, and realize that you are now two distinct people. As much as your countries represent and fulfill different parts of you and what you enjoy about life, as much as you have formed unbreakable bonds with people you love in both places, as much as you feel truly at home in either one, so you are divided in two. For the rest of your life, or at least it feels this way, you will spend your time in one naggingly longing for the other, and waiting until you can get back for at least a few weeks and dive back into the person you were back there. It takes so much to carve out a new life for yourself somewhere new, and it can’t die simply because you’ve moved over a few time zones. The people that took you into their country and became your new family, they aren’t going to mean any less to you when you’re far away." I came to Chile knowing absolutely nobody, so the friends I have made became like a family to me, and it feels awful having to say goodbye because life doesn't guarantee our paths to cross again. But that being said, I'm thankful I at least had the opportunity to meet and learn from them and share friendships even if it was only for a small portion of my life. I realize I am so lucky to have had this opportunity and I wouldn't trade it for the world. As everyone has probably already realized I love culture, languages, and traveling, so I am excited to share all of my experiences with my friends and family back home so maybe they can understand a part of me that will remain in Chile until I return someday. :)
Monday, July 9, 2012
People with accents
My trip abroad has opened my eyes in many ways, and I have learned many valuable life lessons that I hope to share with my friends when I return to the states. Speaking with an accent does not make you unintelligent, and also does not signify that they can't comprehend the conversation that is being held. This seems so simple and common knowledge, but when it comes down to it, I don't think it always is. There have been many instances where after someone would hear my accent they would slow their speaking down (which is fine) but others would continue to talk to me like I'm a baby, or speak really loudly--DO... YOU.... UNDERSTAND??? (stuff like that) Some would even attempt to speak in broken English, even though I understood perfectly what was going on in the conversation. That being said, I think the majority of people change the way they speak to me in good spirits--they want me to understand, they want me to participate in the conversation, they want me to feel included and laugh at all the jokes. But, there is a fine line between making sure someone comprehends and talking to them like they are stupid. Even though this is annoying to me, I see it as a great experience that I will carry with me where ever I end up. For the first time in my life I am the immigrant, I am the foreigner, I am the one speaking a language that isn't native to me, I am the minority trying to blend in--and it's not always easy. So what I want to share from this experience, is that if you are ever talking to someone with an accent, whether it be a spanish, asian, indian etc. please don't assume that they aren't intelligent. In fact, if they are speaking a second or even third language to communicate with you, they already have one up on you.
Friday, July 6, 2012
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