A Great Start! Ken Denny

The adventure has begun.  I have spent a lifetime observing people as part of my research. While I can’t give you frequencies and durations (yet), I am willing to share some initial observations from a very limited sample.  If our hosts are indicative of Chileans, and I believe they are, they are incredibly kind and welcoming folks.  They have welcomed us so warmly and accommodated us into their homes.  I watched as the children held up their signs with your names on them at the airport and the bus station.  The families were genuinely excited to have each of us in their homes. I had a great time explaining to a young lady that Blair’s hair was really not red and certainly not orange, and watching how excited she was when Blair got off the plane (She’s so tall and pretty! She exclaimed).

The school is amazing, we were fortunate to be there in time for the celebration of the Mapuche New Year (a short video to follow when I have the bandwidth).  The students were in traditional attire, amazingly cute, and you could tell the effort that had gone into preparing.  The songs and music were great (7 or 8 boys played guitars in perfect unison).  We had dinner on Friday night with Mr. Greg, the Head of the Thomas Jefferson School and his wife Magda.  The food and the conversation were excellent. 

I am slowly expanding my walks downtown trying not to get lost as I get my bearings.  Lots of construction with high rises going up everywhere.  The shopping area in central downtown is an area to explore when you get the time.  We were there for a short time but it was very active.  I was struck by how many teens were out soliciting donations for various causes on Saturday, each identified by their vests, and collecting for educational, affordable housing and a variety of causes.  I wonder how many 15 year olds at home would spend their Saturdays volunteering to raise funds for their causes?  I know many would but the sheer number in the various locations we visited was impressive.

I am happy that almost everyone is here and with their families.  We can share our travel adventures later.  One of the family members, Henry, asked me why we chose Chile for our visit…I talked about language and the school but I’m beginning to realize that there are already and will be so many more reasons as our trip continues.