Personal Narrative: My Trip To Santiago, Chile

Erica Brucker

Humanities 106

Professor Ayala

07/16/2017

Introduction

On August 13th, 2017, my best friend Tina and I will be traveling to Santiago, Chile. We wanted to plan trip before fall semester of college starts August 21st. Tina and I will be traveling by plane leaving August 3rd and returning August 19th. We chose Santiago because we wanted to explore somewhere we had never been. We saw pictures that were beautiful and found that Santiago was a safe place to visit. According to the Safe Cities Index, recently prepared by Economist, Santiago is the safest city in Latin America (travel, Chile, safety). At the same time, Chile is among South Americas most peaceful countries, being part of the ranking of countries in the region with the

The national dance is called Cueca, while there is a traditional song without a dance that is called Tonada (culture of Chile). I cannot wait to learn their songs and dances, it sounds like fun! I am looking forward trying their Chilean cuisine also. Chilean cuisine uses a variety of products due to Chile’s location and long coastline (culture of Chile). Some of their notable dishes are—Arrollado de Huaso(es), Charquican, Curanto, Pastel de Pascua (culture of Chile).I am willing to try new foods and if I really like something I may bring a recipe or two home to make when I return. Sports in Chile include soccer or Futbol as they call it. Futol is their most popular sport which appeals to both young and old (culture of Chile). Rodeo is their second most popular sport which was declared the national sport in 1962 (culture of Chile). Rodeo in Chile differs from rodeo that we know of in North America. The difference being that in Chile they have a team, called Collera, that consists of two riders, called Huasos, that ride horses around an arena, called Medialuna, trying to stop a calf (culture of Chile). The riders earn points for every time a steer is properly driven around the arena (culture of Chile). There may be a chance Tina and I will be able to see a rodeo or

While in Chile, Tina and I will have to know the do’s and don’ts while being there. A handshake, warm hug and one kiss on the right cheek among friends is a custom (cultural etiquette). When meeting or visiting, always greet the head of household or most senior person first. (cultural etiquette). Chilean people like to be close to each other so not to back away or they may be offended (cultural etiquette). Do not hit your left palm with your right fist, it is considered a vulgar gesture (cultural etiquette). Table manners are vital and very important to know which flatware to use, for instance, forks and knives should be used for everything eaten at the table (cultural etiquette). While at the table for a meal be sure to keep both hands above the table at all times and never on your lap (cultural etiquette). Do not lick your fingers or use toothpicks, both are considered vulgar (cultural etiquette). Always arrive late for social functions, such as being 15-30 minutes late for dinner and 30 minutes late for a party is customary (cultural etiquette). When talking to people be sure to show interest in and talk about family, especially children (cultural etiquette). It is also common for men to stare at women, it is to be flattering and is harmless (cultural etiquette). Knowing some of those cultural do’s and don’ts will help us be more a part of the Chilean